Ask:
Hi everyone, I need some info and thought you guys might be able to help. I was a preschool teacher for 13 years, but quit last year during my pregnancy. I love being a SAHM however we could really use a little extra cash. I have been toying with the idea of going to preschools and offering a training class. I would give info on positive reinforcement, teaching using fun games and songs as well as several art and cooking ideas. I could do this as a two hour training maybe two preschools per week? I know there is a demand for this type of training because so many teachers are hired as part timers and just thrown into the classroom with no training at all. They end up getting burned out and quitting or taking it out on the kids. My question is does anyone know what kind of certification I would need or where I need to go to get it?
Answer:
I have no idea...if I were you, I'd probably call some of the accredited preschools in my area and ask them.
Good luck!
Answer:
I'm not sure if you'd need any specific training in order to do these workshop type things or not. Did your state require that you do any continuing education/training while you taught for the 13 years? Do you have a CDA or anything? I'm just thinking that any past education you have will help in promoting yourself to the centers/preschools you're looking at going to.
I would call the preschools you're looking at going to and set up a meeting with the director in person. At that meeting I would have as much promotional (meaning info to sell yourself and this idea you have) info you can to show them you know what you're talking about. Just tell them you're an independent consultant (many people do this for accounting, business, etc), what a workshop might include, what kind of success you've had in the past, and what you charge for a fee. You might even include a follow-up visit or two in your fee. Hope this helps and let us know how it goes!
Answer:
In Minnesota anyway, the law requires that preschool, and daycare workers have the equivilant of 1 weeks work hours in in service hours every year. So it sounds good to me. You could even have several different topics that the centers could choose from. Even home daycare providers have a group that they belong to that provides in service trainings.
Answer:
Being an army wife I've taught in 3 states. I have a BA in psychology with an emphasis on children. I have done a lot of training also because depending on the state it is usually required to have several training hours per year. My only thought is that if I offer classes will they count as training by the state or do I need to somehow be certified? Maybe I should call Child Development Services and talk to them?
Answer:
I would definitely call whichever body governs childcare in your state, and see what you might need for qualifications. It sounds like you have a great idea!