How to Be a Teacher

A degree in Early Childhood Education is what you are looking for. They have associate degrees which can be achieved in two years if you go to school full time. I recommend at least a bachelors if you want to get paid a decent wage.

You can go to lots of daycares and get hired on without one, but the knowledge you get and the tools they give you with an education are priceless! Plus, if you work at a center that requires degreed teachers, you will usually make a llittle more money.

Contact a few local colleges or universities near you and ask for an appointment with a counselor. The counselor will explain the process to apply for addmission to the school, what documents you will need, the cost and how to apply for financial aide.
Be sure you look over the expectations and required classes to get this degree, different colleges have different requirments. Also if you can ask to meet with a few of the instructors, or sit in on a class. It's nice if you can get a feel for the personalities of the instructors and their teaching style.

I would check into your state guidelines for early education. If you have a college degree then you can take early education classes/workshops/etc. In NJ you have to have a BA in order to be a head teacher in a preschool environment, and to teach a classroom you need a CDA. This can be easily completed in a course that requires 120 school hours of early childhood education. You can find these courses at some community colleges. I worked with children after many years of hairdressing. When my children went to high school and college I wanted something more. I always loved children. I went back to school (did online courses) and finished my education. I worked in 2 centers and then 4 years ago I purchased the center I worked at. I have only been in the business around 8 years and I love it. It will be huge salary cut, but if you love what you do it is soooo worth it. Good luck!!

Since you already have a good job, I just believe that non of your experience should go to waste. Is there any way you could marry the skill set from the job you have now with your desire to become a teacher? Perhaps instead of just becoming a teacher of preschool children perhaps starting your own preschool would be a better match. You still need to get the training in the area of Early Childhood Education. Check into your local colleges and see what classes they offer. You will be striving towards your master's degree. Having a good partner will make for good business. There are so many things you will need to know and do to grow and successfully maintain your own preschool. You could even pick teachers and administrators that share the same passion you do for teaching little children.

I just hate to see people throw away a wealth of knowledge to pursue a dream when it is quite possible to dream slightly bigger and have the best of all worlds. Don't short change yourself but get all the wisdom you need to accomplish your dreams.

40 hrs online to prep for teacher assistant from there you can take additional courses to grow. Montessori has it's own programs. Lots of luck!! I hope you will make it happen, we need teachers like you.

Start by visiting your local community college, most offer certificates and/or degrees in early childhood education.
You can secure a better position and make more money with a BA or masters degree if that's something you wish to pursue, but most preschools will hire you with a basic ECE certificate.

The hardest part of teaching is dealing with the parents. Be sure that the huge pay cut will be worth it for you and your family. Wiping noses and changing wet pants is not all it's cracked up to be when it's not your kid. I'd start small -- volunteer at the nursery at your church for a few dozen Sundays and then if you still love it, get your degree in Early Childhood Education.
You should also check with your state and county to see what the requirements are.
LBC

I'm not 100% sure on this, but I think you will need a degree in elementary education or early childhood education if you want to be the lead teacher. Again, I'm not 100% sure on that. I'm certified to teach secondary which, I think, is a little bit different (you can do alternative certification). If you're okay with being an aid, check out your local preschools and see what they require for their aids.