Better Teachers, Better Preschools: Student Achievement Linked to Teacher Qualifications

Once they begin kindergarten, America’s children are taught by professionals with at least a four-year college degree. Prior to kindergarten their teachers are far less prepared. Fewer than half of preschool teachers hold a bachelor’s degree, and many never even attended college.

New research indicates that young children’s learning and development depend on the educational qualifications of their teachers. The most effective preschool teachers have at least a four-year college degree and specialized training in early childhood. Despite a substantial body of evidence, public policy has yet to fully recognize the value of well-educated, professional, early education teachers.