A variety of federal and state programs regulate the qualifications required for teaching assistants in preschool programs (assistants are sometimes described as paraeducators, paraprofessionals, associate’s, aides, and other descriptions).

The type of preschool program and required program standards determines the type of qualifications required for teaching assistants. For example, in Shared Visions programs, assistants may carry either a Child Development Associate (CDA) or an associate’s degree in an early childhood related area to meet the qualifications. In Title I programs, assistants may have up to five options available to them if their district has adopted local assessments. The qualification options that teaching assistants in each program may choose in order to meet the requirements are listed in the following documents.

 Qualifications for Preschool Teacher Assistants - Information about qualifications for preschool teacher assistants by type of early childhood program.

 What is the CDA Credential? - Information about the CDA credential.

 T.E.A.C.H. – we’re here to help you reach your educational goals! - Information about scholarships for teacher assistants seeking a CDA.

 Paraeducator Generalist Level I and EC - A list of contacts in AEAs and Community College to provide more information about seeking a Paraeducator Generalist Level I and II credential.

Early Childhood Iowa (ECI) is a confederation or alliance of stakeholders in Early Care, Health and Education systems that affect children age 0 to 5 in the state of Iowa. Its purpose is to support the development and integration of an early care, health and education system for Iowa.  To find out how you can participate with like-minded partners in the Early Care, Health and Education field, visit the Early Childhood Iowa website at www.earlychildhoodiowa.org.

Click here for the latest issue of the T.E.A.C.H. Times . This issue includes:

• Training Teachers: Pre-K Standards in the Making
• Support for a More Highly Educated Early Childhood Workforce - In the Meantime
• Does a Bachelor's Degree Matter? Addressing the Findings of a New Study
• T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Project - States Support Pre-K Teachers with Bachelor's Degree Scholarships

The T.E.A.C.H. Times is published twice yearly by the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® and Child Care WAGE$® Projects. These projects are programs of the Child Care Services Association at  www.childcareservices.org.