Infant, Toddler, and Preschool Teacher Requirements in CT

If you have a love for young children and desire to help mold young minds, you may be considering becoming a teacher. Teachers equip students with knowledge and tools needed to succeed in school and, oftentimes, in life. It is a privilege to play such an important role in the future of young generations.

Becoming a teacher takes patience. But becoming a teacher for children younger than kindergarten-age is truly next-level. If you have an interest in working with infants, toddlers, or preschoolers, rest assured this is one of the most rewarding careers you can pursue in the education field. In the early years of development, children need a strong foundation of support and knowledge. This is why an early educator is so important. Infant teachers and preschool teachers alike help to build a positive foundation for education – and an appetite for learning and exploration – in young children.

The need for early childhood educators continues to grow. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates that employment of preschool teachers will increase 10 percent by 2026 – with over 50,000 preschool teaching jobs across the United States becoming available. Talk about job security! But while the opportunity will be vast, the job market is sure to be a competitive one. To help you stand out against the competition and land your dream job in Connecticut, we have broken down the infant, toddler, and preschool teacher requirements in CT below.

Education First

First thing’s first: In order to become an infant or preschool teacher, you’ll need a great education. An accredited Early Childhood Education program like the one at Goodwin College can help turn your dream into a reality, giving you a strong base for leading a classroom. Most preschool teachers today are expected to have at least an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. This is standard for Head Start programs. In public school, preschool teachers are required to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in ECE, Child Study, or a related field.

For those looking to work with infants and toddlers, a degree in Early Childhood Education is a big plus. Employers often prefer to hire workers with postsecondary education focused in early childhood education. Workers in Head Start programs must at least be enrolled in a program in which they will earn a postsecondary degree in early childhood education or a child development credential.

Teachers of children aged 5 and under must have a great handle on – and appreciation for – child development. They must know how to connect with young children, how to gauge their developmental stages, and how to track their learning progress. Through classroom, hands-on, and direct work experience, an Early Childhood Education program will set you up for great success in the world of understanding and teaching little tikes.

Certification & Qualification

Early Childhood Educators usually need to obtain certification or licensure before diving into their career, especially if they are preparing to work at the preschool level in a public school setting. In Connecticut, all public preschool teachers are required to hold certain credentials alongside a completed college degree.

Should you decide to pursue your education at Goodwin College, you can prepare for the Early Childhood Teacher Credential (ECTC) through our Associate and Bachelor degree programs. Students who complete either of our childhood education degrees automatically qualify for this state-required credential. Upon graduation from Goodwin, all you need to do is file a short application with Connecticut Charts-a-Course (a non-profit early childhood professional development organization), to become a registered preschool teacher of the state. Goodwin College has been approved by the Office of Early Childhood for the Infant, Toddler, and Preschool levels.

Skills & Qualities

Working with little ones can be very rewarding, but the job that is not always easy. Successful Early Childhood Educators certainly need to have special skills, such as:

• Patience
• Creativity
• Communication Skills
• Interpersonal Skills
• Organizational Skills
• Stamina
• Empathy & Sensitivity

Get Started Today

If you want to start your career in early childhood education, Goodwin College is the place to start. Not only will you gain in-depth knowledge of child growth, development, and learning, you will be able to apply your skills directly into your practice. To learn more about the Early Childhood Education programs at Goodwin College, call us today at 1-800-889-3292, or visit us online to request more information.