Question for Missy Sue

Amseph421

Hi there! I feel really stupid, but in order to teach preschool in Ohio, do you need any specific credentials, or do you just need CPR kind of stuff? I didn't decide on what I wanted to do until this past fall and didn't graduate until March with a degree in Psych. It was a little late to change my major to education. I feel unqualified, and my confidence keeps going up and down. One minute I'm awesome, who wouldn't hire me? and the next minute I'm so stupid and unqualified! I love the kids that I teach at gymnastics and this seems like a good fit for me, I just feel self-conscious and I hope that you can help me. Thanks in advance.

[Deleted User]

You are not alone. My BA is in Psychology as well. I was the first one in my family to go to college and I didn't know what I wanted to do. I thought I wanted to work with children who have emotional and behavior problems, but quickly found out that wasn't for me. I had babysit all throughout high school and college and knew I wanted to work with kids. It wasn't until I started working with special needs kids did I realize I wanted to teach. Before I moved to GA, I was in school for my teaching license and Master's. Once my H finds a job, I will resume my education. I am so excited to get back into school.

Anyway, to answer your question: yes, it is a requirement to be FIrst Aid and CPR trained to work in a preschool or daycare type setting. My old job before I moved provided the training for its teachers every other summer. I just renewed my certification in GA, but it is valid anywhere, including here in Ohio. Now, without a teaching license, you would not be able to teach in an elementary school, whether it be public or private, but I am sure you already know that. That is not to say that you should rule out the school districts unless you are looking to work year round b/c you could always be an aide or something that probably (not for sure) doesn't require a license or certificate.

Don't beat yourself up too quickly. I graduated from OSU in 2005 and didn't find a job right away. And I am not sure if the economy is worse or better than it was then. It sounds like you have experience, so that is a plus. I am not sure if a center would hire you as a lead teacher or anything if you have never taught in a classroom setting, but I can't say for sure. It really depends on the quality of the program. I myself prefer to teach in either Christian or high quality programs. Some of the chain centers (such as KinderCare, etc) may not have as high of standards for their staff. But like I said, I can't say for sure b/c I have never worked at a place like that.

What part of town are you looking for? And what centers have you considered thus far? I may be able to help give you some names of reputable centers.

Also, I think you are looking for a job at a good time. Even if you didn't get a classroom position, a lot of the centers do summer camps for various age groups and I think that would be a great way to get your foot in the door that could either possibly lead to full time employment or give you more experience on your resume to search elsewhere.

Good luck! If you need anything else, just ask me. I will try to help you with whatever I can.

Amseph421

Thanks!! I have applied for assistant teacher type stuff on the west side of Columbus. None of the places have called me back, but FI says that you're supposed to call and check on the status of your application to show them that you really want the job. I'll probably make calls tomorrow. I've applied with Kindercare (Knowledge Learning Centers), Enchanted Learning Centers, La Petite Academy.
You're right, I already knew that teaching K and up you need a teaching license=more school (boo). That's why I decided on preschool or daycare.