Education Requirements

• Arkansas' Birth Through Prekindergarten Teaching Credentials require aspiring preschool teachers to take between 18 and 27 college credits in early childhood development and education. These courses, when possible, should focus specifically on the development and education of infants, toddlers and preschoolers. These credits go toward the aspiring preschool teacher's associate or bachelor's degree in education, which the state requires for the teaching credential. People who already have a degree but want to teach preschool can take the 18 to 27 credits in early childhood development and education to supplement their degree.
  
  

Administrative Requirements

• In order to process a teacher's credentials and ensure she receives them, an applicant has to meet a number of administrative requirements to be a preschool teacher in Arkansas. Applicants must complete an application for the credential and submit their college transcript and a cover letter to the state's Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education. They also must submit a description of course objectives so that the state can verify that courses meet the credential's requirements. Finally, applicants must agree to a criminal background check and Child Maltreatment Central Registry check.
  
  

Professional Development

• Arkansas' Birth Through Prekindergarten Teaching Credential expires after five years. At this time, preschool teachers can renew their credentials by engaging in professional development activities during their teaching career. Preschool teachers have to engage in at least 30 hours of professional development every year. 10 of the 30 hours should focus on areas like English as a Second Language, Health and Safety of Infants, and Toddlers and Nutrition.
  
  

Renewal

• Arkansas preschool teachers must keep track of their professional development hours and submit them to the state for approval (and, ultimately, renewal of their credentials). Preschool teachers can submit transcripts that track their professional development to the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education. They also must submit a renewal application and a copy of their existing Birth Through Prekindergarten Teaching Credential when the time comes to renew.