Preschool teachers are responsible for teaching children who are between the ages of three and five. A preschool classroom usually comprises small groups of young children where the teacher teaches basic skills by combining both play and structured learning where these kids also learn to socialize, both with adults and with peers.
The primary function of preschool teachers is to plan lessons and activities by teaching children basic motor and language skills. They are also often the first people to introduce children to routines and schedules, providing a safe place for them to grow and learn, with enough time to play and rest. Hence, if you are working with children without a degree, you can opt for an International Teaching Diploma so that you are well aware of the correct techniques and approaches required to fulfill your duties.
Here are a few tips to get a job in daycare without experience:
Tip #1: Get certified: A license to work in childcare or daycare is of utmost necessity; along with a high school diploma, you also need certification in Early Childhood Education (ECE). Most certificate programs take 6 months to a year to complete. On the other hand, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), along with a certification, most schools also require a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
Getting an ECE degree helps yourself to set you apart from other preschool teaching aspirants as well as to advance your career faster. Since you’ll be working with several children of varied learning abilities and preferences, hence being acquainted with innovative teaching strategies through play and activity is vital.
These degrees acquaint teachers with child educational psychology, the importance of play, first-aid, preparing lesson plans, etc. With the help of an ECE degree, there will be an array of employment opportunities whereby you could progress from a teacher to a daycare director and even have your daycare center.
Along with a degree/certification, you also require vaccination records and pass a background check and undergo first aid and CPR training.
Tip #2: Highlight your courses:
Make proper use of all of your relevant experience, whatever little it may seem.Any experience in the field of education and child development courses like developmental psychology, inter-personal communication and sociology are great resume boosters and will help you in your search for the right job for you. Such experiences will convey to the potential employers that you have a well-rounded background that is essential for working in a daycare. Always try to promote your creativity on your resume.
Additional interests and expertise in areas such as music, math, art or a foreign language, must also be mentioned as they may come in handy in the classroom as well.
Tip #3: Gain experience
While pursuing your degree/certification, if any employment or volunteering opportunities come your way, make sure you take advantage of thoseand do not let them slip away. These opportunities serve as valuable experiences that will help you while looking for a full-time job. You could also offer to babysit for friends or family to have some kind of experience to work in a one-on-one or in a small-group setting with children. You also get to taste the fun and enjoyment of working with children of varying ages.
Volunteering opportunities at this stage could include an after-school program or a summer camp or a nonprofit that helps children.
Tip #4: Showcase your relevant qualities
When you looking for employment opportunities without much experience in a daycare, try to compensate for that aspect by showcasing a strong set of applicable soft kills on your childcare resume. Such skill-sets can include problem-solving and coordination skills, two key areas that help to build relationships to demonstrate transferrable and valuable skills for an ECE career.
Communication is another key skill that is of much importance in childcare; as a preschool teacher, you musthave the ability to communicate with young children, both one-on-one and when in large groups so that problems do not arise due to any miscommunication. Clear communication skills also help teachers understand parental concerns easily so that they can provide clear feedback on progress, behavior and expectations.
Conclusion:
Requirements for preschool teachers vary from state to state and from school to school. Some places and educational centres are content with a high school diploma, while others demand a degree or certification in Early Childhood Education (ECE), covering preschool till the third grade. Hence, you need some kind of qualification to work in a pre-school, though experiences in this field are not mandatory.
Written By : Debolina Chakraborty
