What Are the Qualifications for
Head Start Teachers in Nevada?

Qualifications for Head Start Teachers in Nevada

Head Start teachers in Nevada must meet state requirements to become an educator in the state and begin working with students. Here is an overview of the Head Start educational requirements and qualifications for becoming a Head Start teacher in Nevada.

Fulfill the Licensure Requirements To Become a Pre-K Educator

To become a Head Start teacher in Nevada, you need to meet the licensure requirements of becoming a Pre-K educator in the state of Nevada. Obtaining this state-awarded certificate will allow you to teach anywhere in the state.

For many educators, the path to licensure starts with earning a bachelor’s degree in education and then specializing in their program through 35 Early Childhood education college credits. These credits are typically satisfied when you pursue a bachelor’s in education.

Apply for Your Teaching License in Nevada

After you’ve completed your schooling, your next step is to apply for your teaching license in Nevada. As with all states, depending on the type of content you want to teach, there may be certain tests you must pass in order to obtain licensure.

Most licenses will require that applicants pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators Exam, the Principles of Learning and Teaching Exam, and any applicable content area tests.

I Am a Teacher in Nevada, but I Want To Teach Early Childhood Education

If you are currently a teacher in Nevada and have teaching experience but do not teach the preschool population and want to, you will need to work towards your Early Childhood education endorsement to satisfy state requirements.

What If I Am a Career Switcher?

Career switchers can pursue roles in Early Childhood education but must still satisfy the above requirements. However, many career switchers hold bachelor’s degrees in other fields, not education. If this applies to you, you can still apply for teacher licensure and work toward earning the Early Childhood education endorsement.

What Are the Roles and Responsibilities of Head Start Teachers?

Head Start teachers are lead teachers in the Early Childhood education classroom; as such, they have a range of rules and responsibilities to which they must adhere. Some of the key roles and responsibilities of Head Start teachers include:

Create Lesson Plans

Early Childhood educator’s lesson plans must follow state guidelines and frameworks and educators must know these standards when creating lesson plans for their students. Lesson plans should have clear objectives, measurable goals, and differentiated activities that will allow students to meet their academic, behavioral, social, and emotional goals.

Safety

Head Start educators must provide a safe and nurturing environment where students can thrive and be themselves. They must also be up to date on their CPR, AED, and other required training.

Classroom Management

Having a positive, uplifting, organized, and structured classroom environment allows students to excel in their learning, growth, and development. Teachers should have classroom management skills and understand Early Childhood education teaching techniques that they can implement in their classrooms.

Child Development

Head Start teachers ensure that students have realistic and targeted developmental goals and that there are strategies in place to help them meet those goals.

Communication

Head Start teachers are expected to keep channels of communication open and clear with all stakeholders, including parents, support staff, and other adults who will play a critical role in a child’s educational journey. Parent-teacher partnerships are vital to the success of the child’s learning.

Mandated Reporters

Head Start teachers are mandated reporters. This means they are required by law to report any instances of abuse, neglect, or other concerns they may have to the appropriate channels.

This is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly. Teachers are trusted adults that children will turn to if they feel they need to confide in someone about issues they are experiencing at home or elsewhere.

Benefits of Becoming a Head Start Teacher in Nevada

Many benefits come with being a Head Start teacher. There are so many developmental milestones that happen during the preschool years, and as a trained and educated teacher, you’ll have the skills to help children meet and even exceed their milestone goals.

Additionally, you’ll develop key skills associated with childhood development. These skills can be extremely useful in your personal life with children you encounter on a daily basis.

Another bonus is the government is raising head start teacher salary.

As experienced professionals, Head Start teachers can also enjoy career benefits, including having access to quality health insurance, retirement accounts, continued career and professional development, paid time off on federal and state holidays, and extensive time off when school is not in session.

Start Your Head Start Career With Sunrise Children’s Foundation

If you have a love for young children, are eager about education and childhood development, and want to pursue a rewarding and fulfilling profession, a career in Early Childhood education may be for you.

Begin your Head Start career with the Sunrise Children’s Foundation and discover the magic of working with one of our society’s most wonderful populations — our young children. Visit us online to explore job opportunities and more.