OVERVIEW
How to Become a Preschool Teacher
Do you enjoy the boundless curiosity and energy of young children? Are you passionate about shaping the minds of the next generation during their most formative years? A career as a preschool teacher offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact by guiding children through some of the most critical stages of their early development. It’s a path filled with creativity, patience, and the immense reward of watching a child learn and grow. If you’re looking for a profession that is both challenging and deeply fulfilling, becoming a preschool teacher might be the perfect fit for you.
What Is a Preschool Teacher?
A preschool teacher is an early childhood educator who works with children typically between the ages of three and five. Far from being babysitters, preschool teachers are foundational educators who equip children with the skills and confidence needed for kindergarten and long-term academic success. They create a safe, supportive, and stimulating learning environment where young learners can develop socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively. By blending play with structured activities, preschool teachers introduce children to fundamental concepts in reading, math, and science, all while nurturing their natural curiosity and love for learning.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Preschool Teacher Do?
The daily life of a preschool teacher is diverse, fast-paced, and filled with opportunities to support children’s growth in meaningful ways. It requires a blend of planning, interaction, observation, and communication. While no two days are exactly alike, some core responsibilities are central to the role.
- Create and implement lesson plans. Preschool teachers develop age-appropriate lessons and activities that spark curiosity, encourage exploration, and promote well-rounded development. This can include everything from reading stories and singing songs to conducting simple science experiments and creating art projects. The goal is to make learning fun and engaging.
- Establish a safe and nurturing environment. A primary responsibility is to ensure the classroom is a secure and welcoming space. This involves organizing the room for safety, establishing clear routines, and helping children learn to interact positively with their peers.
- Teach basic skills and concepts. Preschool teachers introduce foundational academic concepts. They teach children the alphabet, numbers, colors, and shapes. They also help develop early literacy and numeracy skills through games, activities, and group instruction.
- Foster social and emotional development. A huge part of preschool is learning how to be a good friend and manage emotions. Teachers guide children in sharing, taking turns, resolving conflicts, and expressing their feelings in healthy ways. They model positive behavior and provide gentle guidance.
- Observe and assess student progress. Teachers carefully watch each child to understand their individual strengths, weaknesses, and developmental milestones. They keep records of progress and use these observations to tailor their teaching methods and communicate with parents.
- Communicate with parents and guardians. Regular communication with families is essential. Teachers provide updates on a child’s progress, discuss any behavioral or developmental concerns, and work collaboratively with parents to support the child’s learning journey at home.
- Maintain a clean and organized classroom. Preschool classrooms can get messy. Teachers are responsible for keeping the learning environment clean, organized, and well-stocked with supplies, ensuring it remains a functional and inviting space for children.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become a Preschool Teacher?
The path to becoming a preschool teacher varies by state and employer, but it generally involves a combination of education, certification, and practical experience.
Step 1: Earn the Necessary Education
The minimum educational requirement for preschool teachers can range from a high school diploma and a certification to a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education.
Many employers, particularly public-school systems, prefer or require a four-year bachelor’s degree in early childhood education (ECE) or a related field. An additional master’s degree in education, child development, or a related field can also offer a more in-depth understanding of educational theory, child psychology, and teaching methodologies. It can also lead to higher earning potential and more career opportunities in leadership or administration than you might be eligible for with a bachelor’s degree.
Step 2: Gain Practical Experience
Hands-on classroom experience is essential for building confidence and developing the practical skills needed to work effectively with young children. Many educational programs include a student-teaching component or internship where you can work directly in a preschool classroom under the supervision of an experienced teacher. You can also seek out volunteer opportunities or part-time jobs as a teacher's aide to build your skills and résumé.
Step 3: Obtain Certification or Licensure
Depending on your state and workplace, you may need to earn a specific certification.
Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential: This is a nationally recognized credential for early childhood educators. It is often a requirement for those who have a high school diploma or some college coursework but not a full degree.
State-Issued License: Public school preschool teachers are typically required to have a state-issued teaching license. The requirements for licensure usually include a bachelor’s degree, completion of a teacher preparation program, and passing scores on state-mandated exams.
Step 4: Pursue Continuing Education and Specializations
The field of early childhood education is always evolving. Great teachers are lifelong learners. Ongoing professional development—through workshops, conferences, and advanced coursework—is typically needed to maintain licensure and stay aligned with current research and best practices in early childhood education.
You can also choose to pursue specializations, such as special education, bilingual education, or Montessori education, which can open up new career paths and make you a more versatile educator.
Best Degree for Preschool Teachers
Education
Educational Studies – B.A.
These online, non-licensure educational studies degrees prepare you to...
These online, non-licensure educational studies degrees prepare you to make a difference in a field that interests you.
Based on your career goals and interests, you can choose an educational studies program in one of 10 content areas that meets your needs while working toward employment in school settings, corporate training, or instructional design. These programs do not lead to a teaching license.
- Time: Completion time varies depending on the specialty track you choose.
- Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
- This bachelor's degree allows students to learn about education but does not include student teaching and it does not lead to a teaching license.
Focus areas of this educational studies degree program include:
- Elementary Education
- Elementary and Special Education
- Mild to Moderate Special Education
- Secondary Biology Science Education
- Secondary Chemistry Science Education
- Secondary Earth Science Education
- Secondary Physics Education
- Secondary Mathematics Education
Education
Bachelor's Degrees Elementary Education
Online bachelor's degree programs built for aspiring elementary school...
Online bachelor's degree programs built for aspiring elementary school teachers who are looking to earn a teaching license.
Leads to a teaching license. Specific grade levels will vary depending on teaching certification in your state.
- Time: 68% of students finish within 36 to 38 months.
- Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 37 to 45 (47 for Washington residents) total courses in your degree, depending on which program you pursue.
Concepts included in this program:
- Lesson Planning
- Ethics
- Behavioral Support Strategies
- Educational Psychology & Development
- Classroom Management
These online bachelor's degrees require in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching.
How Much Does a Preschool Teacher Make?
$37,120
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for preschool teachers was $37,120 in May 2024. However, salaries can vary significantly based on factors like location, employer type (public school vs. private daycare), level of education, and years of experience. Teachers working in public elementary schools tend to earn more than those in private childcare centers.
What Is the Job Outlook?
4%
The BLS projects a 4% growth for preschool teachers over the next decade. This demand is driven by a continued focus on the importance of early childhood education and an expected increase in enrollment. Job prospects are often best for candidates with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and state licensure.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Preschool Teacher Need?
Beyond formal qualifications, successful preschool teachers possess a unique set of soft skills that are essential for working with young children.
- Patience: Young children learn at different paces and can be unpredictable. A calm and patient demeanor is crucial for managing a classroom effectively.
- Communication: Teachers need to communicate clearly with young children, breaking down complex ideas into simple terms. They must also be excellent communicators with parents and colleagues.
- Creativity: Designing engaging lessons and activities that capture the imagination of preschoolers requires a creative mind.
- Empathy and compassion: Understanding and responding to the emotional needs of young children is at the heart of this profession.
- Physical stamina: The job is physically demanding. It involves a lot of bending, lifting, and being on your feet to keep up with energetic children.
- Organizational skills: Juggling lesson plans, student assessments, classroom management, and parent communication requires strong organizational abilities.
- Problem-solving skills: From resolving conflicts between children to adapting a lesson that isn't working, teachers must think on their feet and solve problems quickly.
Where Does a Preschool Teacher Work?
Preschool teachers work in a variety of settings dedicated to early childhood education and care. The skills of these professionals are applied in several different environments:
- Childcare centers: These are one of the most common workplaces for preschool teachers. They provide full-day care and education for children of working parents.
- Public and private schools: Many elementary schools offer pre-kindergarten programs. These positions often require state licensure and may offer higher salaries and benefits similar to K–12 teachers.
- Head Start programs: These federally funded programs provide comprehensive early childhood education, health, and nutrition services to low-income children and their families.
- Religious and faith-based centers: Many churches, synagogues, and other religious organizations operate their own preschools.
- Family childcare homes: Some educators choose to run a licensed preschool out of their own homes, offering a smaller, more intimate learning environment.
A career as a preschool teacher is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to lay the groundwork for a lifetime of learning and to witness the incredible journey of discovery that every child undertakes.
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