Introducing the New Head Start Program Performance Standards. The Head Start Program Performance Standards define standards and minimum requirements for the entire range of Head Start services.
Qualifications for Head Start Teachers & Assistant Teachers. Head Start focuses on families' involvement in their children's education. Brand X Pictures/Stockbyte/Getty Images. Head Start is a federal program that prepares children from low- income families for their academic future.
The program serves youngsters age 5 and under, who learn literacy, language and social skills. Head Start teachers and aides are trained to help children develop cognitively, emotionally and physically, and must meet stringent academic requirements. Teachers' Qualifications. You could qualify as a Head Start teacher if you have an associate, bachelor's or advanced degree in early childhood education. An associate degree in early childhood education or development is acceptable if you have experience teaching preschoolers. A bachelor's degree in a field outside of early childhood education also is acceptable if you've been admitted into the Teach For America program and received preschool education training through TFA's summer institute; passed the rigorous Praxis II exam, a teacher certification test, or a similar exam; and if TFA staff provides you with ongoing career development and support. TFA is a national group of college graduates and professionals who commit to teaching for two years to raise academic achievement among low- income students.
Teaching Studies. Head Start teachers often major in early childhood education or child development, with coursework in such areas as early literacy, learning assessment, typical and atypical development, elementary science and math, and expressive arts. Coursework also might include family development, psychology, children's literature, and health and physical development. Head Start accepts courses offered by academic departments outside of early childhood education, such as library sciences, art, music, home economics, physical education and recreation and family studies.
Prospective teachers must prove their coursework relates to early childhood education and child development for youngsters ages 3 to 5. In states that license or certify preschool teachers, Head Start officials might accept the types and numbers of courses their local school districts or state agencies recognize, as long as job candidates have experience teaching preschoolers. Assistants' Qualifications. Head Start teaching assistants or aides must hold credentials in childhood development or have a degree in the specialty to work in the classroom. They must have either a childhood development associate, or CDA, credential or be enrolled in a CDA program and complete the curriculum in two years.
- Head Start offers parents opportunities and support as they identify and meet their own goals, nurture their children in the context of their family and culture, and advocate for communities that support.
- Part 1303—Financial and Administrative Requirements. Subchapter B—The Administration for Children and Families, Head Start Program. Related Resources: Federal Register. Head Start Program Performance Standards Final.
As an alternative to the CDA- credential requirement, teaching assistants may have an associate or bachelor's degree in any field or be enrolled in a degree program relating to early childhood development. Assistants' CDA Studies. Teaching assistants or aides earn credentials by taking CDA courses similar to those offered by Bakersfield College, a community college in Bakersfield, Calif. The school offers a child development associate teacher's permit through such courses as child growth and development; curriculum planning; child, family and community; and child health, safety and nutrition. Students must complete 1. About the Author. Valerie Bolden- Barrett is a writer, editor and communication consultant specializing in best business practices, public policy, personal finance and career development.
Guidance for aspiring Head Start teachers. Learn about the educational requirements, work environment, job duties, salary and career outlook. HEAD START STAFF QUALIFICATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT Sec. Degree Requirements for Head Start. The Head Start program began as a solution for families living. The requirements established in 2011 for every Head Start teacher continue to apply if programs do not have at least.
She is a former senior editor of national business publications covering management and finance, employment law, human resources, career development, and workplace issues and trends. Photo Credits. Brand X Pictures/Stockbyte/Getty Images.