Starting an in home preschool in CA?

Question

I was wondering if anyone knew exactly what I needed to become a preschool teacher at home. I have a BA in political science, but I think I need either an AA in Early childhood Dev class Or a BA in that catagory.

I know how to get licensed at home, but are there anymore specifc classes I need before I open up my own preschool? Not a daycare, because I will be teaching 3-5 pre k.

I have an emergency credential , passed the cbest, but I don't think that has to do with anything.

Any help would be appreciated.

Answer 1

In N.S .Canada, You need an ECE(early Childhood education) Diploma This is a 2 year Course in most places , to open a licenced centre . I'm a director of a daycare , and to get a licence even if it is preschool you need to be certified .You should look in to this more.

Answer 2

Definitely take more classes in Early Childhood Education. I would at least take Developmental Psychology, Educational Psychology, a class on observations and assessments, and teaching Literacy. There is so much I learned in my classes that I had no idea about before. I used to help in my mom's daycare before college and I can't believe how much I've changed in my approach to discipline, learning language and math, and how I viewed play. I was always asking "why dont you teach them something instead of letting them play all day?" Now I know that play IS how they learn!

Also definitely get the book "Developmentally Appropriate Practice" by NAEYC. If you dont know who NAEYC is, you have some studying to do! They regulate our field!

And are you familiar with Piaget, Vygotsky, Erickson, etc..?? If not, read up on them too. I'll include some super important (and helpful) books in the sources section.

For getting licensed, make sure you get insured too. I think the state's dept of health regulates home daycares. Call them up or search it online and you should be able to get information on what you need.