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It’s a transforming era for the preschool profession. The field is witnessing a significant upliftment as it steps into the limelight with greater recognition and respect. The surge in recognition is fueled by enhanced educational standards for preschool educators, a worldwide movement advocating universal preschool programs, and the introduction of national credentials underscoring excellence in education.

In the past, education’s foundation stage was not given much attention. However, contemporary research provides illuminating insights into the immense benefits of preschool education — reinforcing its importance in the overall development of a child. Studies show that children exposed to enriched preschool environments tend to excel at both elementary and secondary educational stages. Furthermore, the Pew Center on the States affirms that strategic investment in preschool programs facilitates long-term benefits, not just for the children but for society as a whole.

The Rising Educational Standards for Preschool Teachers

The current educational landscape demands more from preschool teachers, prompting them to elevate their skills and knowledge. It is heartening to see how they are meeting these expectations head-on, bringing about a shift in the norm concerning educational qualifications. A bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, once a rarity, is now a common stipulation. This heightened educational requirement is now a common standard in many states, especially for public pre-K school teachers.

Government initiatives are playing a pivotal role in this transformation. Take for example the federal initiative ‘Head Start.’ It has raised its educational standards, mandating that at least half of their preschool teachers must hold a bachelor’s degree or more.

National Board Certification: A Gold Standard For Educators

The National Board Certification (NBC) of the NBPTS is considered the optimal certification for educators, symbolic of the highest level of achievement within the education realm. While it is not tailor-made for everyone, those educators who embark on this challenging journey are bound to gain significant rewards.

Successfully navigating the rigorous certification process of the NBPTS enables preschool teachers to obtain national board certification as an Early Childhood Generalist. The NBPTS affirms that educators with this esteemed certification enhance the teaching profession while significantly improving the quality of teaching and learning.

As a nationally certified preschool teacher, you become a beacon of dedication, showcasing to your employers, peers, and the parents of your young learners, your commitment towards providing a top-notch, developmentally suitable education, that prepares the children for future accomplishments.

Several states and districts provide support and incentives to educators who attain board certification. You can discover your state’s specific offerings on the linked portal. Moreover, depending on your state of residence, national board certification might fulfill your state’s continuing education requirements.

Eligibility Provisions and Components of NBPTS Certification

In order to qualify for the national board certification, you must adhere to the following prerequisites:

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution;
  • Have a minimum of three years of teaching experience at the early childhood level;
  • Hold a state teaching license (where applicable).

Once you’ve met the eligibility criteria and applied for national certification, you will have to:

  • Pass a computer-based assessment testing your subject-matter expertise;
  • Complete three detailed portfolios focusing on Differentiation in Instruction, Teaching Practice and Learning Environment, and being an Effective and Reflective Practitioner.

The certification process can span anywhere from 1 to 5 years, depending on your pace. You will have two opportunities to retake each component if required, and all four components must be attempted within the first three years of your candidacy.

Your portfolio entries critically analyze your teaching practices, focusing on student learning and your effectiveness as a preschool educator. They present a practical view of your teaching abilities, and require a detailed reflection on student learning using videos and student work samples.

The certification process emphasizes five core propositions:

  1. An unwavering commitment to students and their learning;
  2. Mastery of the subjects you teach and the ability to convey these subjects to your students;
  3. Efficiency in managing and monitoring student learning;
  4. A systematic approach to evaluating your practice and learning from experiences;
  5. Activeness in learning communities.

Diverse Range of Specialty Areas in Early Childhood Education

The NBPTS provides a wide array of specialty certifications, permitting teachers to hone their skills in their preferred areas of teaching. These include:

  • Early Childhood and Middle Childhood/Art (3-12): Tailored for educators instilling creativity and the love of art in young minds, bridging early childhood to middle childhood;
  • English as a New Language (ages 3-12): Ideal for teachers assisting non-native English-speaking children in acclimating to a new linguistic environment;
  • Exceptional Needs Specialist (birth-21): This certification caters to educators who support children with special needs, ranging from infancy to early adulthood;
  • Library Media (ages 3-12): Suited for teachers fostering the love for books and exploring the dynamic world of library media with their young students;
  • Music (ages 3-12): For educators fanning the sparks of rhythm, melody, and harmony within young children;
  • Early and Middle Childhood Physical Education (ages 3-12): A perfect choice for teachers instilling the importance of physical fitness and fostering a love for sports and activities in children transitioning from early to middle childhood.
The teacher holds books in his hands against the background of the classroom

A Comprehensive Guide to Attaining the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential

The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, a nationally recognized certification, exemplifies one’s proficiency in preschool education. Pursuing this credential allows you to meet state or employer requirements, prepare yourself for higher roles, or expand your professional skills.

CDA Credential Prerequisites

To qualify for the Preschool CDA credential, you must complete a minimum of 120 hours of formal training on the growth and development of children aged 3 to 5. This training needs to encompass eight crucial CDA subjects, with each subject demanding at least 10 hours of dedicated training:

  1. Promoting children’s physical and intellectual development;
  2. Encouraging productive relationships with families;
  3. Upholding professionalism;
  4. Managing an effective program operation;
  5. Observing and recording children’s behavior;
  6. Designing a safe, healthy learning environment;
  7. Nurturing children’s social and emotional development;
  8. Grasping principles of child development and learning.

Reaching for the Center-Based Preschool CDA Credential

The CDA Competency Standards shed light on your interaction with children and their families. To earn the center-based preschool CDA credential, these standards divide your competence into six goals:

  1. Establishing and maintaining a safe, conducive learning environment;
  2. Advancing physical and intellectual competence;
  3. Supporting social and emotional development with positive guidance;
  4. Building productive relationships with families;
  5. Ensuring a well-run, student-centered program;
  6. Upholding professionalism.

Steps to Secure the CDA Credential

To obtain the CDA credential, you should:

  1. Submit an online CDA application;
  2. Take the CDA exam at Pearson VUE testing centers across the U.S., following the receipt of a ‘Ready to Schedule’ notification;
  3. Find a Professional Development specialist who will conduct the verification visit to your preschool;
  4. Within six months, assemble your CDA Professional Portfolio, a collection of work-related materials. Follow the guidelines detailed in the Competency Standards book;
  5. Within three years of application submission, record at least 480 hours of professional work experience in a center-based setting catering to children aged 3 to 5.

Renewing the CDA Credential

The CDA credential remains valid for three years. For renewal, evidence of training in the eight subject areas related to your CDA credential is necessary. Choose one from the following types of preschool setting training:

  • 5 continuing education units (CEUs);
  • One course of 3 credit hours;
  • 45 clock hours of early childhood development training.
Front view young teacher helping his students in class

Unleash Your Potential with the Child Care Professional (CCP) Credential

The National Early Childhood Program Accreditation presents a unique opportunity for educators, particularly those focusing on early childhood learning, with the Child Care Professional (CCP) credential. This credential is a testament to one’s capability in various Professional Ability Areas, including:

  • Building and sustaining a safe, nurturing learning environment for children;
  • Encouraging cognitive, social, physical, and emotional development in students;
  • Creating a conducive learning atmosphere using curriculum and meaningful content;
  • Implementing an inclusive and culturally responsive learning environment;
  • Effectively managing diverse learning environments;
  • Consistently showing commitment to leadership and professional development;
  • Utilizing assessment planning to design learning opportunities and track outcomes;
  • Showcasing profound understanding of child development theory, research, and practical application;
  • Demonstrating competence in computer literacy and technology application.

While the CCP is advantageous for all preschool teachers, it holds particular value for those without a college degree or those with a degree in an unrelated field. Along with its national recognition, the CCP meets approved director or teacher credentials in Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Oklahoma, Utah, Texas, and Virginia.

To obtain the CCP, certain criteria should be fulfilled in the Multi-Indicator Evaluation (MIE) process:

  • Hold a high school diploma or GED;
  • Be at least 18 years old;
  • Accumulate 720 hours of childcare experience serving children aged 0-6 years within the last 5 years in an accredited, center-based early childhood program;
  • Complete 180 hours of education/training in the Professional Ability Areas;
  • Pass the National Early Childhood Education specialist credentialing examination;
  • Develop a professional development portfolio;
  • Undergo a performance-based observation assessment;
  • Secure two parent evaluations;
  • Obtain two letters of endorsement.

Applicants can pursue their CCP certification through the following steps:

  1. Selecting a CCP Field Counselor for guidance, mentorship, and observational assessment;
  2. Purchasing and completing the CCP Enrollment Packet;
  3. Submitting CCP Observation and Request form a, all CCP enrollment packet materials, and a fee of $470;
  4. Completing the CCP Exam, proctored by the chosen CCP Field Counselor.

After passing the examination, the CCP credential is awarded, valid for 2 years. For renewal, it’s required to complete at least 24 clock hours of continuing education related to the CCP’s Professional Ability Areas within the two-year renewal duration.

Conclusion

In summary, the journey to becoming a credentialed early childhood educator is rich with opportunities and challenges. It’s a path that requires dedication, continuous learning, and a deep understanding of the diverse needs of young learners. By exploring and obtaining the right credentials, you’re not just advancing your career; you’re shaping the future. If you want to learn more about the field of education, it is important to check out the racial bias in the Yale University study.