Preschool teachers care for children between three and five who have not entered kindergarten. The preschool education focuses on motor skills, emotional development, social skills and language development. The teacher uses a variety of tools such as music, books, games and computers to teach children in this age group. In California, preschool teachers must have a Child Development Teacher Permit to work in the state.

Education

The state of California requires preschool teachers have a minimum of 24 units in early childhood education or child development to qualify for a license. In addition, the teacher must have 16 semester units in general education courses and at least 525 hours working in a childcare center within the last four years. Preschool teachers can meet the requirements for state licensure as well with an associate degree in early childhood education or child development with a minimum of three semester units in early childhood education or experience in the field under the supervision of a licensed provider.

Child and Infant CPR Certification

Preschool teachers in California must obtain certification in child and infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation to work in the position. The American Red Cross offers certification for teachers, parents and childcare providers. The Red Cross course takes 4 1/4 hours to complete and will teach the preschool teacher to identify an emergency such as when a child is not breathing or choking. The course also prepares the teacher to care for infants and children who are not breathing or choking. A preschool teacher also learns the correct procedure for dealing with an emergency such as a cardiac crisis.

California Pediatric First Aid Certification

Preschool teachers must complete a California Pediatric First Aid Certification to qualify to teach in the state. The American Heart Association offers a pediatric first aid course, which meets the requirements for training in all states. The course teaches the teacher basic first aid skills and CPR in addition to compression and breath techniques, stopping bleeding and caring for a child or infant with difficulty breathing.

Licensure

Preschool teachers meeting the education and certification requirements can apply for a Child Development Permit to teach in the state of California. The permit is valid for five years, and the preschool teacher must complete 105 hours of professional growth courses to qualify for renewal. California preschool teachers can apply with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing for an Early Child Development permit. Candidates for the permit must submit an application, certifications and transcripts of college coursework in early child development to the state for review.