What you need to be a Preschool Teacher in Child Care - post

 What does a #preschool #teacher do in child care?

A preschool teacher helps children #learn through #play, routines, and daily activities. You also help children feel #safe and cared for.

Most preschool #teachers:

• Plan fun learning activities (art, music, stories, games)
• Help children learn social skills (sharing, taking turns, using words)
• Keep children safe and supervised
• Talk with families about progress and needs
• Set up the #classroom and learning #centers
• Watch and write notes about children’s #growth (like #language and motor skills)

You don’t need to be perfect on day one. But you do need to be ready to learn and grow.

What basic requirements do most child care programs look for? 

Rules can be different in each state. But many programs look for these basics:

• Minimum age (often 18 years old, sometimes 16 for assistants)
• High school diploma or GED (often required for #lead teachers)
• Background check (usually required)
• Health forms (like TB test or immunizations in some places)
• Training hours in topics like #health, #safety, and child #development
• CPR/First Aid (often required, especially for lead roles)

Tip: If you are not sure what your state requires, check your state’s child care licensing or registry website.

Do I need a degree to be a preschool teacher?

Sometimes yes, and sometimes no.

Many child care centers hire preschool teachers who have:

• A high school diploma + training hours, or
• A CDA (Child Development Associate) credential, or
• College classes or a degree in #early-childhood education

A degree can help you move up faster. But training and experience also matter a lot in child care.

What skills make a great preschool teacher?

Preschool teachers use both “teaching skills” and “people skills.” Here are the big ones:

• Patience: Preschoolers are still learning self-control.
• Clear communication: Simple words work best with children and families.
• Organization: Routines help the classroom run smoothly.
• Positive guidance: You teach behavior, not punish children.
• Teamwork: You work with assistants, directors, and families every day.
• Energy and creativity: Children learn best when learning is active.

If you’re thinking, “I’m not sure I have all of that,” don’t worry. These are skills you can build.

What training should a preschool teacher take first? 

Training helps you feel confident in the classroom and can help you meet state rules. ChildCareEd has online courses that fit preschool teaching needs

Here are 3 strong options:

• Preschool curriculum and #planning (great for lead teachers):
  45-Hour Preschool Curriculum 
• Daily lesson planning (simple and practical):
  Lesson Planning for Preschoolers 
• Classroom behavior and guidance (helps with hard moments):
  Staying Positive: Guidance for Preschoolers 

If you’re new, start with one course and finish it. Then add the next one. Small steps work. 

What classroom tools do I need to feel prepared?

You don’t need fancy items to be a good teacher. You do need a plan.

Helpful tools include:

• A simple daily schedule (pictures help children understand)
• Classroom rules with pictures (like “walking feet”)
• A lesson plan template
• A calm-down space ( #books, soft items, feelings chart)
• Learning centers (blocks, #pretend-play, art, books)

Free ChildCareEd resource you can use today:
Preschool Weekly Lesson Plan Template 

This can help you stay organized and plan a full week without #stress.

How do I handle challenging behavior in preschool?

Challenging behavior is normal at this age. Preschoolers are learning how to:

• Wait
• Share
• Use words instead of hands
• Calm down when upset

A good preschool teacher uses positive guidance, like:

• Getting down to the child’s eye level
• Naming feelings: “You look mad.”
• Offering choices: “Do you want to clean up blocks or books first?”
• Teaching what to do: “Hands are for helping.”

Training can help you learn these tools faster, especially if you feel nervous about behavior issues. (That’s why guidance courses are so helpful.) 

How can I become a stronger preschool teacher over time?

After you start working, keep growing. Try these steps:

• Ask your director what training hours you need each year
• Save certificates in one folder (paper or digital)
• Watch a strong teacher and copy what works
• Practice writing short notes to families
• Learn about child development (what is “normal” for age 3, 4, and 5)

Also, reading short teaching articles can give you fresh ideas without feeling overwhelmed. 

ChildCareEd article (helpful for preschool #classrooms):
How Can I Make Storytime the Most Powerful Part of My Day? 

Storytime is a daily preschool activity—and this article shares ways to keep children engaged and learning.

Where can I get ongoing tips and support?

You don’t have to do this alone. Follow ChildCareEd for videos, quick tips, and training updates.

👉 Follow and subscribe on YouTube: Child Care Ed
If you want more classroom ideas and professional growth support, hit “Subscribe” so you don’t miss new videos. 

Quick checklist: What you need to start

Here’s a simple way to remember the basics:

• ✅ Meet age and education rules for your role
• ✅ Pass #background-checks
• ✅ Complete required training hours
• ✅ Learn preschool lesson planning and guidance
• ✅ Use a weekly plan to stay organized
• ✅ Keep learning as you work

Being a preschool teacher in child care is important work. With the right training and simple tools, you can feel ready—and you can grow into a strong, confident teacher.