What's the best training for a preschool teacher to recieve?

Question

What's the best training for a preschool teacher to recieve?

Answer 1

First you  need to decide if you are wanting to go to school to get the theoretical knowledge you need to teach well as well as practical teaching experience or not.  If not, then I suggest becoming a teacher's aid in a school and focus on learning about the teaching of very young children.  Then I would find a job teaching in the non-public school sector or find one but follow the same plan as the teacher's assistant.

About the schooling issue:  You will need both a degree (AA or BA/BS (bachelors of arts or bachelors of science) and have student taught to be truly considered by a school corporation.  Non-public school have different requirements but they are also looking at credentials.  

The higher degree the better with a willingness to work towards and/or complete a master's degree.  A BA/BS is worth more and shows more training than an associates; a masters is worth more than a BA/BS.  The higher the degree normally includes higher pay but not always.  

I don't think a degree in child development is necessary but I think that courses in educational psychology (normally required for AA/BS and higher degrees) that specifically deal with early childhood and/or children.  

Then I think you need to read some of the following authors - either by them or about them:  Jean Piaget, Gordon Wells, Jerome Bruner, Gretchen Owocki, Constance Weaver, Kathy G. Short.  Go to goole scholar (http://www.scholar.google.com) and enter these names to find downloadable or online access to articles.  ERIC is also a good soures (http://www.eric.gov) - not sure of the web address but you can google it as well.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

First it would be best for you to get your degree in child development, start working in a center as a teacher's aide and gettting all of the experience you can. Check out:

www.naeyc.com  This is website for the national association for the education of young children. Look at the site to see when is the next conference in your area. Good luck!

Answer 3

I have a BS in Child Development and my course work and books I read were beneficial but by far the best was Love and Logic.  The other thing of great benefit to me was being in the classroom of some great teachers, and seeing what worked with different ages.  You might also check the web for a local contact number for an Extension office, they offer free training and resources.

Answer 4

You may be able find your answer here

http://www.montessori-book.com/

- the best home based learning preschool guide book.

Answer 5

You need to get either an associates or bachelors degree to start. Observing and working with experienced teachers is a great learning experience, as well. I think that the more experience that you have working with children, the more you will actually learn about being a teacher and how children learn. Unfortunately, there is no book or teacher that will give you all of the knowledge that you need to address every child and every situation. That comes from experience and a good educational foundation.