Early Childhood Teacher Certification in Connecticut
The State of Early Childhood Education in Connecticut
Connecticut, a small state in New England, is recognized as one of the top states for several educational categories. It is ranked one of the best states in Education Week’s 2013 Chance-for-Success category. It is also praised for the amount of money it spends on students and for the number of children who attend preschool. One of Connecticut’s biggest goals indicated on its (most recent) 2006-2011 Five-Year Comprehensive Plan for Education is to ensure high-quality preschool education. There are many opportunities for individuals pursuing a career in early childhood education in the state of Connecticut.
Requirement for Connecticut’s Teacher Certificate or License
The Connecticut State Department of Education includes extensive information about the ways to obtain certification/licensure. You will need to familiarize yourself with this site, as it contains many resources valuable to both aspiring teachers and current teachers.
To be eligible for certification, applicants must successfully complete an approved teacher preparation program, have appropriate teaching experience, hold an out-of-state license or hold foreign credentials.
Connecticut offers a three-tier continuum of certificates, as follows:
- The Initial Educator Certificate is a three-year license for applicants who meet all the requirements and have less than three years of teaching experience.
- The Provisional Educator Certificate is an eight-year license for applicants who fulfill all experience, preparation and eligibility requirements.
- The Professional Educator Certificate is a five-year license for experienced teachers who have met the additional course requirements.
There is also an initial or provisional-level certificate called the Interim Educator Certificate that is valid for one calendar year. It is available under special circumstances to individuals who lack certain coursework or assessment requirements.
To apply, submit an online application on the Connecticut Educator Certification System (CECS). Be prepared to submit an application fee of $50, official transcripts and required assessments.
Contact the Bureau of Educator Standards and Certification should you have any further questions about the licensure/certification process.
Connecticut’s Degree Programs in Early Childhood Education
is praised for its student-faculty ratio of 12 to one, leading to close teacher-learner relationships. It offers a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education (birth through K or pre-K through three) and a master’s degree in early childhood education (birth through K, pre-K through three, or both). It also offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in elementary education (K through six).
campus is located along a river in a residential neighborhood. The education program offers associate and bachelor’s degrees in early childhood education, with specializations in
offers associate and bachelor’s degrees in early childhood education (birth through age eight). It is also a riverfront school and is known for its technological innovation. Goodwin College is Connecticut’s leading career-focused nonprofit college.
Getting a Job as a Early Childhood Teacher in Connecticut
Several avenues can lead to a career in this dynamic field.
Public schools employ the vast majority of individuals seeking careers in early childhood education. View the Connecticut Alliance to apply for open positions, as well as obtain information about support services, job fairs, school districts and more.
Other employers to become familiar with are private schools, Head Start, and Montessori schools. Be sure to research the child-care centers in your local area, as many of these centers are in constant need of highly qualified teachers and assistant teachers. GreatSchools.org can also help you find top-rated preschools and elementary schools in your community.
Professional Organizations for Teachers
There are many professional organizations for teachers in the state of Connecticut sharing similar visions.
The Connecticut Education Association (CEA) has more than 43,000 members. It aims to improve the profession and local public schools. The organization has been going strong for 150 years and is affiliated with the National Education Association (NEA), the nation’s largest professional employee organization.
The Connecticut Association for the Education of Young Children (CAEYC) increases public awareness of the importance of early childhood education and provides professional development for educators. It is also an affiliate of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), an organization consisting of 80,000 members.
The Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance is an advocacy organization interested in benefiting children ages birth to eight. Their goal is to set children up for success prior to entering kindergarten. Members serve on committees and vote on the alliance policy agenda.
The Connecticut Early Childhood Education Cabinet encourages high-quality early childhood education among several programs in the state, including Head Start, child care and school readiness. The cabinet plays a key role in ensuring these services are provided to young children and families. All cabinet meetings are open to the public.
Connecticut ECE Bloggers
The Courant education blog provides articles about hot topics and issues existing in Connecticut schools, while the Connecticut Education Advocates blog advocates for the educational needs of children and families. A number of teachers also offer insightful information through their personal blogs.
