Requirements for ECE Teacher Certification in Connecticut
If you are interested in a teaching position, then you may want to consider a career in early education or as a preschool teacher. This particular job will allow you to work with children from infancy through the third grade which is typically about eight or nine years old. Being an early education or preschool teacher means that you will play a very significant role in the development of children's feelings and beliefs about education and lay the groundwork for the rest of their educational career.
Connecticut Steps to Follow for Teachers
Anyone who pursues this career path will find that it is both rewarding and challenging. It will mean that you will need to have a great deal of integrity, you will need to be dependable and you will have to be adaptable. Because the majority of teachers who choose this career path do so out of a genuine love of learning and teaching, they will find the opportunity to work with children to be the most rewarding. Having this significant impact does mean accepting tremendous responsibility and will allow you to visibly see the impact you're having.
Teachers of all age groups and levels play a very significant role in the lives of their students. But there is no teacher that has more influence and impact than those who work with very young children. The reason is that these children are at an age when their personalities are still developing and their beliefs about education and other areas of life are formed and this means that the teacher has a direct and significant impact on the children they work with.
Here we'll take a look at the steps you can take to become a preschool teacher or early educator in Connecticut.
Popular Career Choices
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Accredited Connecticut Programs
In Connecticut, there are over 6,000 Preschool teachers and they all must meet the minimum requirements for the position. The Board of Education within the state wants these young children to have the chance to participate in quality preschool programs. Teachers will need to be certified to work in public settings.
Step 1. A State Approved Educator Preparation Program Must Be Completed
There are two program types to choose from in the state of Connecticut. The first allows you to work with children from infancy to kindergarten; called endorsement 112. With this certification, you are able to work with special education children as well as regular children from the age of birth through kindergarten.
The second choice is endorsement 113. This also allows you to work with special education children and regular children, ages 3 through kindergarten, and allows you to work with regular students that are in grades 1 to 3. You will need to choose the certification program that matches your goals.
Connecticut has four programs for early childhood education: these include ages birth to kindergarten that can be obtained at the undergraduate level, two additional choices at graduate level, and finally, one for post-baccalaureate level. To be accepted into one of these programs you will need to provide the state with proof that you have taken an SAT, GRE, ACT, or PPA exam. Another choice would be to take a PRAXIS 1 exam and score at least 172 on the reading, 171 on the writing, and 171 on the mathematics section.
There is an alternative certification process. Anyone who already has a bachelor's degree in early childhood education, that they received from a regionally accredited college or university, while maintaining a 3.0 GPA or higher, might qualify for certification. There are four main components of certification which include: student teaching, pre-program activities, program completion and certification, and program activities.
There is a chance that, even if you don't have a 3.0 GPA, you could still qualify under the alternative route if you have 24 semester hours of graduate-level coursework. This could qualify you for the ARC program and could allow you to get a temporary permit to teach preschool. Within this certification, you would choose either birth to kindergarten or nursery to grade 3.
Step 2. Pass the Praxis Exam
Those who are being certified for the age groups of birth to kindergarten will not be required to take the Praxis II exam but those who want to be certified for nursery to grade 3 and above must do so. This will mean taking Content Knowledge for Early Childhood (5022) and Education of Young Children (5021). To pass you will need at least a score of 156 on the Content Knowledge exam and at least 158 on the Education of Young Children exam.
These exams will be taken and monitored at an approved testing center and are computer-based. You can get information about their requirement for certification in Connecticut through the ETS website. You can also find out how to register and schedule the exam there.
Step 3. Get Your Initial Educator Certificate
Once you have met the other qualifications, it will then be necessary for you to apply to get your IEC. This will mean you must register with the Connecticut Educator Certification System. Once you've completed that process you can then apply for your IEC. You will need to pay a $50 application fee and that can be done online. The process will require you sending all of your official transcripts to the department. The Bureau of Educator Standards and Certification is available to answer any questions you might have when it comes to the application process or registration.
Step 4. Get Your Provisional and Professional Educator Certificate
Once a participant’s initial certification expires, they will then need to obtain their Connecticut Provisional Educator Certificate. This certification is valid for a full eight years. While holding the certification, it will be necessary to attain a minimum of 30 school months of experience within early childhood education and you will also need to complete 30 semester hours of coursework that is beyond your bachelor's degree. These qualifications are necessary in order to receive and retain your Professional Educator Certificate.
Because Connecticut has particularly strict requirements, most teachers will enter their postgraduate or master's degree program to help them meet the necessary requirements. As of the summer of 2016, the Department of Education mandates that all teachers must have a master's degree before getting their Professional Educator Certificate in Connecticut.
Alternative Programs to Teaching in Public Schools
Although Connecticut is fairly strict in its qualifications for teaching within public schools, there are some alternative choices. Each of these alternatives has their own requirements for preschool teachers. Child care centers that are licensed through the Connecticut Department of Public Health hire head teachers that either possess CDA credentials or who have a minimum of 12 credits in early childhood education along with 1080 hours of documented experience.
There are School Readiness programs that are run through child care centers and these teachers can possess similar credentials to the ones listed just above or they can have a bachelor’s degree along with 12 credits in childhood education or development to qualify for the position. Federal Head Start programs employ preschool teachers with a four-year degree,and private schools each have their own minimum requirements. Family child care homes that are licensed by the state require that a person be at least 20 years of age and they need to have six hours of first aid training.
To get the Child Development Associate credential you will need to contact the Council of Professional Recognition. It will be necessary to finish 120 hours of professional education along with gaining 480 hours of professional experience. You'll also need a professional portfolio if you want to get this credential which is nationally recognized.
If you have a love for young kids along with a wish to assist mold and mildew as well as mold young minds, you may be thinking about ending up being a trainer. Educators furnish trainees with expertise as well as additional tools required to prosper in college and likewise, often, in life. It is an advantage to play such a vital function in the future of young generations.
Nonetheless ending up being an instructor for kids extra youthful than kindergarten-age is truly next-level. If you have a rate of interest in teaming up with infants, kids, or young children, rest guaranteed this is among one of the most enjoyable careers you can seek in the education and learning and also learning field. In the really early years of advancement, youngsters require a strong structure of assistance and also understanding.
To assist you stand apart versus the competitors and additionally land your desired work in Connecticut, we have actually broken down the infant, child, as well as preschool educator required in CT listed here. Initial thing's really first: In order to end up being a child or preschool instructor, you'll need a terrific education and also learning.
This is standard for Running start programs. In public school, preschool teachers are called for to get a Bachelor's Level in ECE, Young Person Research Study, or a relevant area. For those looking to manage children as well as youngsters, a level in Extremely early Childhood years Education and learning and also discovering is a large as well as additionally. Employers frequently favor to work with workers with postsecondary education and learning concentrated in early youth education and learning and also learning.
Educators of youngsters aged 5 and under requirement to have an exceptional care for on and additionally adoration for young person growth. They must recognize precisely just how to get in touch with kids, just exactly how to gauge their creating phases, and also exactly how to track their uncovering development. With classroom, hands-on, as well as also straight job experience, a Really early Youth Education and learning and also learning program will absolutely establish you up for amazing success on the planet of understanding and mentor little tikes.
In Connecticut, all public preschool educators are needed to hold specific credentials alongside a finished university degree. Must you determine to seek your education as well as learning at Goodwin College, you can get ready for the Very early Childhood years Years Educator Credential (ECTC) via our Associate as well as additional Bachelor level programs. Students that finish either of our childhood years education and learning and also knowing degrees quickly obtain this state-required credential.
Early childhood years are among one of the most vibrant periods for finding as well as growth. It is also among the most delightful along with fascinating phases of life, in which children are absorbing information like sponges, and additionally normally anxious to find out new factors. It's not unexpected that lots of extremely early young people trainers love what they do On a day-to-day basis, these educators are encouraging (in addition to discovering) kids's curiosities, producing amazing curriculums, honing pupils' electrical motor and also social abilities, and also making a real distinction in the lives of young people and moms and dads alike.
Currently, you might have the willpower, creativity, along with communication skills needed for the task. However, in order to be licensed to educate extremely early young people ed, you should at first end up being. Each state has different requirements for preschool educators as well as various other early youth instructors. In Connecticut, preschool teachers along with educators collaborating with youngsters under age 3 are typically asked to hold an associate degree (or higher) in an associated location.
If you desire ahead to be a very early youth years teacher, whether that is a preschool educator or an infant-toddler instructor, gaining specialist qualifications is a must. Not only will this reveal your experience in the location, it will certainly also make you receive a larger collection of jobs. Connecticut employers in addition to schools throughout the state are seeking qualified, experienced, as well as prepped teachers to dive in as well as also this requirement hops on the rise.
There are a number of chances for individuals seeking an occupation in very early youth education in the state of Connecticut. Online Master's in Very early Youth years Education As well as Discovering The Connecticut State Department of Education and learning As well as Understanding includes substantial info concerning the methods to get certification/licensure. You will certainly need to accustom on your own with this site, as it includes numerous sources vital to both ambitious educators and also existing teachers.
Connecticut uses a three-tier continuum of accreditations, as adhere to: The First Teacher Accreditation is a three-year authorization for applicants that satisfy all the needs and additionally have a lot less than 3 years of teaching experience. The Provisional Teacher Certification is an eight-year certification for prospects that meet all experience, prep work and also qualification needs.
The education and also discovering program offers affiliate and also bachelor's degrees in very early youth education and learning as well as learning, with knowledge in deals connected and also bachelor's degrees in very early youth education as well as understanding (birth with age 8). It is in addition a riverfront organization and likewise is known for its technical advancement. Goodwin University is Connecticut's leading career-focused nonprofit college. Various techniques can bring about a career in this dynamic area.
Sight the Connecticut Partnership to ask for employment possibilities, along with obtaining details worrying assistance services, task fairs, institution areas as well as even more. Other businesses to find to be accustomed with are exclusive colleges, Head Start, and additionally Montessori colleges. Be certain to research the child-care facilities in your city, as much of these facilities remain in continuous requirement of incredibly qualified trainers in addition to assistant educators.
If you are wondering how to get certified to be a preschool teacher in Connecticut then you are not alone. There are many qualified and experienced teachers who are also looking for a new career opportunity. This is not the time to quit your day job and look for work online or in a classified ad.
The State of Connecticut has a licensing process that must be completed for a teacher to teach in public schools in Connecticut. In order to pass this test, the teacher will have to attend at least a half day classroom training courses. The certification exam will also require the teacher to complete some additional training.
There are many ways for you to get trained for your CT teacher certification. You can enroll in a classroom training course that will give you the knowledge and skills you need to be certified. Or you can sign up for online classroom training courses that will provide you with both the classroom training and classroom experience that you need.
You can find classroom training courses at many colleges and universities in the area. There are also many online classroom training courses available. The best way to learn how to become a preschool teacher in Connecticut is to learn everything you can about the different requirements for the state testing.
After you have completed the classroom training required to take the teacher certification test, you will be ready to take the actual test. You will have an interview with the Department of Education where they will be able to check your certification along with other important information such as the school you would like to teach in Connecticut, the number of children to be taught and how long you want to teach for, and whether you want to teach part-time or full-time.
The next step in knowing how to get certified to be a preschool teacher in Connecticut is to fill out the teacher certification application. It is important that you know exactly what is required in order to make sure that you meet all the necessary criteria before submitting the form to the department. Once you have filled out your form, you will have to submit it to the department and wait for them to review and approve or deny it. depending on the state.
Once you have received your certificate of training and passed the state teacher certification requirements, the next step is to register to take the state test. The teacher certification exam will cover a variety of topics that are covered in the classroom training course that you took.
After you have finished the classroom training courses and have completed the teacher certification exams you can become certified as a preschool teacher in Connecticut. Once you have completed the course and you have passed the exam, you will have the responsibility of taking a state teacher exam. If you are certified by the state and you are happy with the career then the next step is to apply for employment at a preschool in Connecticut that is offered by your state.
Many people go through a classroom training course first before they decide to apply for jobs in the field. If you have finished your classroom training course and you are not sure that you want to go further in the career then you can look into hiring for a teaching job in Connecticut that requires classroom training to get started.
When you go through a classroom training course you will be introduced to some of the most important concepts and ideas that you need to have in order to be successful in this career. Some of these concepts include the skills that teachers need to teach, teaching children, the basic teaching techniques that are needed, and the materials that will be used in the classroom, and more.
Another part of the classroom training course will be a course about different kinds of classrooms that will allow you to practice teaching in different settings. You will be taught the different methods of teaching students and how to motivate and encourage children to learn. You will also learn about how to deal with difficult children, how to communicate with children, how to use time management, how to help the child learn through repetition, and how to motivate children to keep learning.
This is the best way for anyone to learn how to get certified to be a preschool teacher in Connecticut. By completing a classroom training course you will be ready to take the state teacher exam and start working with children in various classrooms. You will learn how to be a great teacher.
Career Options and Salary Info for Teachers
The figures vary substantially depending on where you’re hired, the qualifications of the teacher, and the years of experience. The lowest 10% can earn as little as $20,000 a year while the top 10% can earn over $60,000 a year. A teacher in the state averages a little over $35,000 a year and the state has a plan in place to increase that over 14% between now and the year 2022.
Connecticut is currently in the top 5 States for the highest number of preschool teacher jobs available according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Over 90% of the teachers in the state are employed in the public-school system and the highest paid teachers were those in public administration. These teachers make an average median salary of over $40,000 a year.
Colleges and Universities in Connecticut Where You Can Earn an Accredited Degree
University of Hartford
The campus has 320 Acres and is located just five miles away from Connecticut's capital. This is a private non-profit institution and has more than 7,000 students and a faculty ratio of 14 to 1.
Degrees Offered:
School Counseling and Guidance Services, M.S.
Early Childhood Education and Teaching, B.S. & M.S.
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Hearing Impairments Including Deafness, M.S.
Educational Leadership & Administration, EdD
Elementary Education and Teaching, B.S. & M.S.
Special Education and Teaching, B.S. & M.S.
It offers a BS degree in early childhood education and can prepare you for endorsements for both the birth to age 5 or the nursery through grade three endorsements. The school offers real-world opportunities to gain teaching experience and helps with local placements. If attendees maintain a 3.5 GPA,they will be able to participate in an honors program that includes an internship. If you want to get ahead on your coursework you can even take online classes during the summer term.
Accredited By: General Accreditation by the New England Commission of Higher Education
Eastern Connecticut State University
This is the state's second oldest rum institute and was established in 1889. Its campus is 182 Acres and is ranked as one of the best values when getting your degree. It is also ranked in the top 100 colleges and in the top 30 best public schools. As well as offering all the necessary programs that lead to teaching credentials, it allows the candidates to select a major in sociology, English, liberal studies, mathematics, or psychology.
Degrees Offered:
Elementary Education and Teaching, B.S. & M.S.
Kindergarten/Preschool Education and Teaching, B.S. & M.S.
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching, B.S. & M.S.
Reading Teacher Education, M.S.
The university requires that candidates apply for admissions to the Committee onAdmission and Retention and Education known as (CARE), and they must complete their studies in a way that meets the Connecticut Common Core requirements. There are 38 credit credentials that include primary writing, literacy, child development, play therapy, and inclusive special education. You will be required to pass the CT Early Childhood test before you can exit the program successfully.
Accreditation By: General Accreditation by the New England Commission of Higher Education3
Central Connecticut State University
This is a 314-acre campus located in New Britain. The university has over 12,000 students and is a regionally accredited 4-year public institution. The Association of American Colleges and Universities named it one of the top ‘Leadership Institutions’. It is often ranked as a top public school and it has a program designed to grow the pedagogical skills of licensed teachers in the state.
Degrees Offered:
School Counseling and Guidance Services, M.S.
Educational Leadership & Administration, M.S. & EdD
Elementary Education and Teaching, B.S. & M.S.
Kindergarten/Preschool Education and Teaching, B.S. & M.S.
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching, B.S., M.S. & Post-grad Certificate
Reading Teacher Education, M.S. & Post-grad Certificate
Special Education and Teaching, M.S. & Post-grad Certificate
Superintendency and Educational System Administration, Post-grad Certificate
ESL Language Instructor, M.S.
Part of its program includes a learning assessment, learning about school diversity, educational research, and curriculum design. Teachers will then be given the opportunity to choose a specialization in leadership or directorship. They can also choose to work with urban education or families. They will have a Capstone that is devoted to a research project that helps local elementary schools.
Accreditation By: General Accreditation by the New England Commission of Higher Education
University of Connecticut
This is a premier flagship public institution with over 31,000 students. It has over 4,400 acres that make up its campus and is rated by Kiplinger as one of the top universities. U.S. News says that it is one of the top 20 Public Schools and is considered to be one of the top 75 best-accredited education programs in the US.
Degrees Offered:
Education, General & Other;Post-graduate Certificate
Education/Teaching of individuals in Elementary Special Education Programs, Post-graduate Certificate
Educational Leadership & Administration; M.S., EdD & Post-graduate Certificate
Elementary Education and Teaching, B.S.
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching, B.S.
Reading Teacher Education, Post-grad Certificate
Special Education and Teaching; B.S., M.S., EdD, & Post-grad Certificate
The Bachelor of Arts offered here in Early Childhood Development is structured so that students develop a foundational knowledge needed for preschool teachers. Undergraduates specialize in serving either private or public programs.
Accreditation By: General Accreditation by the New England Commission of Higher Education