How to Become a Preschool Teacher [PRO]
What does a preschool teacher do?
A preschool teacher is an early childhood educator who works with children ages 3 to 5, planning play-based activities that support cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
As a preschool teacher, you'll design and implement age-appropriate lessons using play, storytelling, music, art, and hands-on activities. Daily responsibilities often include supervising children during activities and meals, monitoring developmental milestones, maintaining classroom safety, communicating with parents, and documenting student progress.
You'll also adapt lessons to meet individual learning needs and align instruction with early learning standards set by your state or program.
What do you need to be a preschool teacher?
Successful preschool teachers rely on a mix of interpersonal, practical, and professional skills:
| Skill | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Patience | You'll work with energetic young children who are still learning self-regulation and social skills. |
| Creativity | Designing engaging activities that make learning fun and capture children's natural curiosity keeps them motivated. |
| Communication skills | Interacting effectively with children, parents, and colleagues is essential for building relationships and sharing information. |
| Observational skills | Monitoring each child's developmental progress helps you identify any concerns early and tailor your teaching approach. |
| Flexibility | Adapting lesson plans and responding to unexpected situations throughout the day ensures smooth classroom operations. |
| Physical stamina | The job involves lots of movement, bending, and playing with children in an active environment. |
| Problem-solving abilities | Handling challenges and finding solutions that work for individual children's needs improves learning outcomes. |
| Organizational skills | Managing classroom routines, materials, and documentation for multiple children keeps everything running smoothly. |
Step 1: Research the requirements in your state
Preschool teacher requirements vary by state and employer. Before you invest time and money in education, research the specific requirements for preschool teachers in your state and preferred work setting.
Public school pre-K programs usually have the strictest requirements and often require a state teaching license.
Head Start programs follow federal standards that set minimum qualifications for teachers and assistants.
Private preschools and childcare centers may have more flexibility, especially for assistant or aide roles.
Many states require at least an associate degree in early childhood education or a related field for lead preschool teachers in publicly funded programs. At minimum, you will typically need a high school diploma or GED plus certifications in pediatric first aid and child CPR to work in entry-level roles.
Check your state's Department of Education or childcare licensing agency to verify exact requirements before enrolling in a program.
Step 2: Complete your education
Once you understand your state's requirements, select the education route that fits your career goals, timeline, and budget.
Take advantage of every learning opportunity in your program. Engage with professors, participate in discussions, and connect with fellow students who share your passion for early childhood education. The relationships you build now can later serve as references and professional contacts.
Associate's degree in early childhood education
An associate's degree typically takes two years to complete and requires around 60 credit hours. This path is perfect if you want to enter the field relatively quickly while keeping education costs manageable.
Your coursework will cover child development, curriculum planning, classroom management, and teaching strategies specifically designed for young learners. Many programs also include hands-on fieldwork requirements that give you real classroom experience.
Head Start programs accept associate's degrees as the minimum requirement, though they mandate that at least 50% of their teaching staff hold bachelor's degrees.
Bachelor's degree in early childhood education
A bachelor's degree usually takes four years to complete and involves about 120 credit hours. This option opens more doors and typically leads to higher salaries and advancement opportunities.
Bachelor's programs dive deeper into topics like educational psychology, developmentally appropriate practices, and specialized teaching methods for different subjects. You'll also complete student teaching experiences that prepare you for real-world classroom challenges.
Public school preschool positions generally require a bachelor's degree, and research shows that teachers with four-year degrees are better equipped to support children's healthy development and school readiness.
Child Development Associate (CDA) credential
Child Development Associate (CDA) certification offers an alternative pathway that's widely recognized throughout early childhood education. This national credential demonstrates your competence in working with children from birth to age five.
To earn your CDA, you'll need to complete 120 hours of formal early childhood education training across eight subject areas. You'll also need 480 hours of experience working with young children in a licensed program.
Many employers, especially Head Start programs and private childcare centers, accept the CDA as a professional qualification. You can pursue a CDA while working as a teacher assistant, making it an accessible option for career changers.
Step 3: Gain hands-on experience
Practical experience is essential for building classroom confidence and applying what you learn. Most degree programs include:
Student teaching
Internships or externships
Supervised classroom observations
If you're pursuing a CDA, your paid or volunteer hours in a licensed preschool or childcare center can count toward the 480-hour requirement. Working or volunteering as a teacher assistant, floater, or aide is a great way to gain experience, test whether the role is a good fit, and build your resume while you complete formal training.
Step 4: Pass required exams
Some preschool teaching positions, especially in public schools, require you to pass state-approved competency exams. Many states use Praxis early childhood assessments or their own exams to measure your knowledge of child development, instruction, and professional practice.
Prepare thoroughly for these exams by reviewing test materials, taking practice tests, and studying the content areas where you feel less confident. Many teacher preparation programs help you prepare for these assessments.
For CDA candidates, you'll complete a comprehensive exam as part of your credentialing process, along with a verification visit where you're observed working with children.
Step 5: Complete background checks and clearances
Working with young children requires thorough vetting to ensure their safety. Federal law mandates comprehensive background checks for anyone working in childcare settings.
You'll typically need to complete a criminal background check, child abuse history clearance, and FBI fingerprint screening. These clearances are non-negotiable; failing even one usually disqualifies you from employment in preschool settings.
The background check process can take several weeks, so plan accordingly when applying for positions. Many programs require these clearances before you can begin student teaching or fieldwork experiences.
Step 6: Obtain your teaching license or credential
If you plan to work in a public preschool, apply for your state teaching license after completing your degree, exams, and background checks. This typically involves submitting proof of your completed education program, exam scores, and background check results.
For CDA candidates, you'll complete your assessment process by submitting your professional portfolio and scheduling your verification visit. The CDA assessment includes multiple sources of evidence to demonstrate your competence.
Once you receive your credentials, keep them current. Most states require teachers to complete continuing education credits to keep their teaching license active. Your CDA credential, if you earn one, needs renewal every three years with 45 hours of professional development.
Step 7: Apply for preschool teaching positions
Once you have the required education and credentials, you can begin applying for preschool teaching roles in:
Public school pre-K programs
Private preschools
Head Start programs
Childcare centers
Tailor your resume to highlight your education, practical experience, and any special skills like bilingual abilities or experience with special needs children. Prepare for interviews by reflecting on your teaching philosophy, how you manage behavior, how you communicate with families, and how you support children with diverse needs.
Network with other educators, join local early childhood associations, and attend education job fairs to help you discover openings that are never widely advertised. Many positions are filled through word-of-mouth and professional connections. Networking
Step 8: Continue your professional development
Strong preschool teachers treat learning as an ongoing process. Most states require a certain number of continuing education or professional development hours each year to maintain licenses and credentials. You can grow your skills and advance your career by:
Attending workshops, conferences, and webinars on early childhood topics
Joining professional organizations for early childhood educators
Completing additional certifications (e.g., special education, ESL, or trauma-informed practice)
Pursuing a master's degree in early childhood education, curriculum, or leadership
Advanced education and specialized credentials can lead to roles such as lead teacher, program director, instructional coach, or early childhood curriculum specialist. Each additional credential represents deeper knowledge and skills that directly benefit the children and families you serve.
Preschool teacher salary and job outlook
The job outlook for preschool teachers is steady. Employment is projected to grow about 4% over the next decade, roughly as fast as the average for all occupations. As more families enroll children in preschool and states expand access to early learning, demand for well-qualified preschool teachers is expected to remain strong.
How much does a preschool teacher earn?
Preschool teacher pay depends heavily on your location, education level, and employer. In the U.S., the average preschool teacher salary ranges from $28,000 to $60,000 per year. Public school preschool teachers and those in higher-paying states often earn more than teachers in private childcare centers or low-wage regions.
Beyond the base salary, consider the complete compensation package. Public school positions may offer health insurance, retirement benefits, paid holidays, and summers off or reduced-hour schedules. Year-round childcare centers and private programs may provide more flexible schedules or the opportunity to work full-time throughout the year for consistent income.
FAQs about becoming a preschool teacher
Do you need a degree to be a preschool teacher?
The degree requirement depends on where you work. Public schools typically require at least a bachelor's degree in early childhood education. Head Start programs require a minimum of an associate degree, with at least 50% of staff holding bachelor's degrees.
Private preschools and childcare centers have more flexibility. Some accept a high school diploma combined with a CDA credential. However, having a degree significantly improves your job prospects, earning potential, and advancement opportunities.
How long does it take to become a preschool teacher?
The timeline to become a preschool teacher depends on your chosen educational path. A CDA credential can be completed in several months to a year while working. Most associate's degrees take two years of full-time study. A bachelor's degree requires about four years.
If you already have a bachelor's degree in another field, you might complete a post-baccalaureate teaching certificate in one to two years. Starting as a teacher assistant while pursuing credentials can also extend your timeline but allows you to gain experience and earn income simultaneously.
Do preschool teachers get summers off?
This depends on your work setting. Public school preschool teachers typically follow the school calendar with summers off, similar to elementary teachers. Some teach summer programs for additional income, while others enjoy the break for professional development or rest.
Preschool teachers in private childcare centers and year-round programs usually work throughout the summer, as these facilities serve working parents who need childcare regardless of the school calendar. Year-round positions often offer different vacation schedules distributed throughout the year.
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.