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Teachers of preschool-age children, typically between the ages of three and five, play a crucial role in helping to develop their social-emotional, cognitive, language, and physical skills. Preschool teachers are responsible for writing curriculum, planning lessons and activities, tracking children’s progress, and providing a safe and positive learning environment that supports children’s growth and development.
If you’re interested in early childhood education, you may be wondering how to become a preschool teacher. The rewards of this career are immeasurable. Let’s delve into the steps to becoming a preschool teacher and the education, training, and skills needed to succeed in this field.
What does it take to become a preschool teacher?
Becoming a preschool teacher requires more than just a love for working with young children—it demands a unique blend of skills, dedication, and practical know-how. Preschool teachers play an integral role in helping children build the foundational skills they’ll need to succeed in school and beyond. While job duties can vary by program, most preschool teachers are expected to do the following:
Create a safe and nurturing environment for children
One of the most important responsibilities of a preschool teacher is to establish a classroom setting that is clean, organized, and emotionally supportive. This includes supervising children at all times and addressing challenging behaviors in a constructive, developmentally appropriate manner. Preschool teachers must be skilled at de-escalating situations and using positive behavior management strategies that encourage prosocial behavior and help every child thrive.
Plan and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate activities
Effective preschool teachers are planners and creators. They design and lead lessons that support children's cognitive, physical, language, and social-emotional growth. Activities often focus on building early literacy and math readiness while also teaching key life skills, such as managing emotions, following routines, and cooperating with peers. Creativity and adaptability are crucial in designing activities that meet each child's developmental stage and interests.
Observe and assess each child’s progress
To support individualized learning, preschool teachers continuously observe children and document their developmental milestones. They use assessments to monitor progress in key areas like language, motor skills, and social-emotional development. These insights guide their instruction and help tailor classroom activities to meet the evolving needs of every child.
How to become a preschool teacher
The steps and requirements for becoming a preschool teacher vary by state. Generally, however, the following qualifications are necessary:
Meet education requirements
Some states require a high school diploma or GED, while many require a minimum of an associate's degree in early childhood education (ECE) or child development. A bachelor's degree in ECE is often preferred, as it provides more in-depth training in key areas such as curriculum development, teaching strategies, and child development.
Pass state/national competency exams
In most states, prospective teachers are also required to pass two standardized tests—Praxis I and Praxis II—which measure their knowledge and skills necessary for teaching. The Praxis I test, or Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST), assesses basic reading, writing, and math skills. The Praxis II tests measure subject-specific knowledge in early childhood education.
Depending on the state, other exams may be required as well. Check with your state's education board for more information on the specific requirements.
Earn a state teaching license or certification
To work as a preschool teacher in a public school setting, a current state-issued license or certification is typically required. Depending on your state, you may need to pursue a traditional teaching credential or a specialized early childhood education license. One common credential in the field is the Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate, which is widely recognized and often required by employers, especially in private or federally funded programs like Head Start.
To earn your state-issued teaching license or certification, you’ll generally need to complete the following steps:
- Pass a background check
- Provide proof of required coursework and assessments (such as the Praxis exams)
- Complete a supervised student teaching or in-classroom training experience
Some states accept the CDA certificate as part of the licensing pathway or as a substitute for more traditional credentials, particularly for roles in private centers or early care programs. Earning a CDA involves completing coursework, accumulating hours of classroom experience, and passing a verification visit and exam administered by the Council for Professional Recognition.
Once you have obtained your license or certification, be sure to review your state’s renewal requirements, as many licenses must be updated periodically. Check with your state's department of education for the most accurate and up-to-date requirements.
While qualifications vary by location, it’s often beneficial to earn a degree in early childhood education, complete a teaching internship, and take your state’s required certification exams.
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Advantages of being a preschool teacher
Preschool teachers can make a lasting impact on young minds and contribute to their early development. Teachers also have the benefit of watching their children grow and thrive as they progress through their educational journey.
Fun and rewarding
Helping children develop essential skills and watching their progress towards major developmental milestones is an incredibly fulfilling experience.
Opportunities for career advancement
With the right education and training, preschool teachers can move into higher-paying positions within their organizations, such as lead teacher or program director.
Ability to be creative
Teaching involves a great deal of creativity in planning engaging and educational activities that help children develop a love for learning.
Job security
Preschool teaching is a highly sought-after profession, and there is always a demand for qualified teachers and high-quality childcare programs.
Preschool teacher career progression
To advance in your career, you’ll likely need to complete additional education in addition to your bachelor’s degree. It is common for preschool teachers to pursue specialized coursework or get a master’s degree to advance to higher positions.
Preschool teachers can specialize in administrative roles, such as childcare center directors, or other areas of early childhood education, such as working with special needs children or developing a new curriculum.
Online education is a viable option for those who wish to pursue further education while continuing to work. Other options for continuing education include night classes at a local college or university. Each option has advantages and disadvantages, and it’s important to consider which option best fits your needs before making a decision.
The current state of preschool teacher jobs
Preschool teachers can expect a positive job outlook in the coming years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market for preschool teachers is expected to grow by 4% from 2023 to 2033, with an estimated 61,400 openings each year, on average, over the decade. This is about as fast as the average growth for all occupations, meaning there will be plenty of opportunities for those interested in pursuing a career in early childhood education.
This growth is partly due to the increasing emphasis on early childhood education, as research has shown that the early years are crucial for a child's development. In addition, the growing preschool population is expected to spur demand for other types of childcare jobs, such as childcare center directors and family childcare providers.
Preschool teacher salary will vary by location and level of education and experience. As of May 2024 data, the median annual wage was around $37,120 or $17.85 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Conclusion
If you have a passion for education and working with young children, becoming a preschool teacher can be a very rewarding career path. Even though exact requirements vary by state, the proper education, state certification, and national credentials will prepare you for success in the early education industry.
Frequently asked questions
How do I become a preschool teacher?
To become a preschool teacher, you typically need to complete a formal education program in early childhood education, gain classroom experience, and earn the appropriate certification or license required by your state. Many teachers also pursue a Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate or a degree in early childhood education.
Do I need a degree to be a preschool teacher?
Requirements vary by state and program. While some private childcare centers may only require a high school diploma and a CDA credential, public school systems generally require at least an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field.
How long does it take to become a preschool teacher?
The timeline depends on your educational path. Earning a CDA certificate may take several months, while completing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program can take 2–4 years. Some states also require additional time for student teaching and licensure exams.
Can I become a preschool teacher without certification?
In some cases, private preschools or daycare centers may hire teachers without formal certification. However, most states require preschool teachers—especially in public programs—to hold a teaching license or early childhood education certification. Having a CDA can boost your chances of employment even when certification is not required.
What skills are important for preschool teachers?
Key skills include strong communication, patience, creativity, classroom management, and an understanding of child development. Preschool teachers must also be able to create safe and nurturing environments that promote learning through play and structured activities.
