Early Childhood Teacher Certification in Delaware

Early Childhood Education in Delaware

Delaware, a small state located on the northeastern part of the Delmarva Peninsula, is working hard to become the top-performing school system in the country. As a winner of the federal Race to the Top competition of 2010, Delaware was awarded a $119 million four-year grant to support education reform (Delaware’s Progress on Race to the Top). It also won the Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge, a program aiming to close the achievement gap while improving early childhood education as a whole. This program’s funding supports the early childhood education workforce by providing more professional development courses, career advancement opportunities, and higher compensation rates.

Delaware Requirements for Teacher Certification and Licensure

The Delaware Department of Education’s web site includes extensive information about how 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 apply for licensure/certification in Delaware, you must have:

• A bachelor’s degree
• Student teaching experience
• Passing Praxis I scores in math, reading, and writing
• Certificate requirements according to regulations

You will then need to take two important steps.

• Register in the Delaware Educator Data System (DEEDS)
• Complete an application for a license/certificate

Individuals eligible to apply include:

• Recent (or soon-to-be) graduates of an approved teacher preparation program
• Educators holding an out-of-state teacher’s license
• Teachers already holding a Delaware license who wish to add another
• Candidates who would like to apply for one of the five alternative routes to licensure.

The three main certificates available include the Initial License for new teachers, the Continuing License for qualified educators, and the Advanced License for teachers who meet the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

Please view the Certification-Related Documents Chart to access information about submitting coursework, transcripts, test scores, and experience forms, as well as training requirements.

Be sure to contact the DDOE’s human resources department or your desired school system’s human resources office, should you have any further questions about the certification/licensure process.

Looking for Early Childhood Teacher Jobs in Delaware

There are several different avenues you can take in pursuing a career in this dynamic field.

Public schools employ the vast majority of individuals seeking careers in early childhood education. Here is a list of public schools in Delaware. Each school district’s web site lists current open positions, as well as step-by-step information about how to apply for current job openings.

Other employers to become familiar with are Montessori and other private schools, Head Start, Bright Horizons, Children of America, and Tutor Time. 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.

Teach Delaware offers adviser-assisted services to aspiring teachers. The University of Delaware’s early childhood job board frequently lists open early childhood education positions as well.

Professional Groups for Teachers

The Delaware State Education Association is a special teacher’s organization that offers educators a voice for speaking to local school boards, state and federal agencies, as well as other educational bodies. It also offers members a $1 million dollar liability insurance policy. Joining your local association automatically enrolls you in the DSEA and the National Education Association (NEA), and also provides you with various other benefits and discounts within the community.

The Delaware Association for the Education of Young Children (DAEYC) aims to improve the quality of early childhood education for children and educators through information, advocacy, education, networking, and service. The organization represents 330 members and is also an affiliate of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

There are also a few groups based on areas of teaching interest. Teachers can join the Delaware Teachers of Science (DTS) or the Delaware Council of Teachers of Mathematics (DCTM). The Delaware Teacher Center (DTC) provides professional development opportunities, as well as special centers where teachers can prepare instructional materials.

Delaware’s Early Childhood Education Blogs

Delaware Online’s education blog covers hot topics around the state, as does a similar feed called the Department of Education’s Newsroom.

Math Minds is maintained by two K-through-five Nationally Board Certified math specialists who offer insight into the developing world of math instruction.

Mr. Jaques Technology Class is dedicated to finding effective strategies for integrating technology into the elementary curriculum.