How to Become a Daycare Teacher

• 1). First, you must love children. Daycare teachers play a pivotol role in the building blocks of a child's educational future. They provide a less-structured learning environment for the children through creative activities and play. But for real learning to take place, the teacher must be enthusiastic.
  
  
• 2). The educational requirements for daycare teachers vary from state to state. Some states require only a high school diploma, some require an associate's or bachelor's degree, while others require that the teacher has a Child Development Associate credential. Call the department of education in your state so that you know exactly what you need before you get started.
  
  
• 3). Most community colleges offer courses in early childhood development. Another option is online courses. Kaplan University and the University of Phoenix are two highly accredited schools offering courses and degrees for those working toward becoming a daycare teacher.
  
  
• 4). Some of the courses you may have to take in order to obtain a degree are curriculum methods, classroom management and behavior, child development, intructional design and parent-teacher relations.
  
  
• 5). Teachers at all levels must undergo a criminal background check and be fingerprinted. It is also required that the teacher take a class in CPR and become certified. The children's safety is the first priority.
  
  
• 6). The next step is finding a preschool to work for. Look for a preschool with a low student-to-teacher ratio.
  
  
• 7). Many new daycare teachers start out as teacher assistants until they gain hands-on experience. Eventually you will have your own classroom that you are in charge of, so it's important to learn as much as you can first.