To become a preschool teacher, first check the education, experience, background-check, and licensing requirements for your state, employer, and work setting. A Preschool Child Development Associate (CDA) credential can help demonstrate your early childhood education knowledge and prepare you for center-based preschool roles, but it does not replace any state or employer requirement.
Steps to Become a Preschool Teacher
- Check your state, employer, and work-setting requirements.
- Complete the required early childhood education or training.
- Gain supervised experience working with preschool-age children.
- Complete required background checks, assessments, or licensure steps.
- Apply for preschool teacher roles and continue professional development.
Preschool Teacher Education and Qualification Requirements
Preschool teacher requirements vary by state, employer, and work setting. Many roles require at least an associate degree, while public-school roles commonly require a bachelor’s degree and state licensure. Other roles may have different education, experience, background-check, assessment, or licensing requirements. Always verify the current requirements for the location and jobs where you plan to work.
How a Preschool CDA Can Support Your Career
The Center-Based Preschool CDA is designed for educators working with children ages 3 to 5 in a center-based setting. The CDA pathway includes 120 hours of formal early childhood education training, along with experience and assessment requirements. National CDA Training offers 100% online, scenario-based Preschool CDA training that can support the formal training component. A CDA does not replace any degree, license, experience, background-check, or employer requirement that applies to your role.
Explore online Preschool CDA training to learn about available training options.
Why Become a Preschool Teacher?
Pursuing a career in early childhood education is no easy task. As a preschool teacher, you help young children grow into successful individuals. Aside from training and education, it is also important to have a passion for helping children learn. While this job can be challenging, it can also be rewarding and fulfilling.
The chance to witness numerous milestones
You are privileged to be one of the first to witness many groundbreaking moments. These daily wins can keep you motivated.
The ability to help children in new ways
Each child has a different learning style. The beauty of being a preschool teacher is using different approaches and applying the methods that are most effective for children.
The feeling you get from successfully overcoming challenges
There will be times when you question how much patience you have left. Witnessing your students make a breakthrough can be the turning point that reminds you why preschool teaching is a rewarding career.
Opportunities to get better at multitasking
To be an effective preschool teacher, one must be good at multitasking and staying organized. These skills help you stay in control and manage children’s behavior. Practicing them daily can improve your organization and multitasking skills.
The responsibility of ensuring children’s safety
Being a preschool teacher means helping make sure the children under your care are safe. This can provide the fulfilling feeling that you are helping young children grow into responsible individuals.
Having students who will thank you when they are grown
One reason preschool teachers love this career path is having former students return to thank them. Knowing that you made a difference in a person’s life can make the time and effort worthwhile.
The learning opportunity to be a better parent
Another benefit of being a preschool teacher is that it can prepare you for parenthood. A passion for helping children learn can make you a natural around children, and the job can improve your ability to connect with them.
The ability to tap your own inner child
Through fun games and activities, being a preschool teacher gives you opportunities to explore your childlike experiences and use them to inspire your creativity.
The health and retirement benefits
Depending on the employer and position, some preschool teacher roles may include health and retirement benefits. Review each employer’s current compensation and benefits package when considering a role.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Preschool Teacher
Do you need a degree to become a preschool teacher?
It depends on your state, employer, and work setting. Many preschool teacher roles require at least an associate degree, while public-school roles commonly require a bachelor’s degree and state licensure. Check the current requirements for the jobs and location where you plan to work.
Can a CDA help you become a preschool teacher?
Yes. A Preschool Child Development Associate credential can demonstrate early childhood education competency and help prepare you for center-based preschool work. A CDA does not replace any degree, license, experience, background-check, or employer requirement that applies to your role.
How long does it take to become a preschool teacher?
The timeline depends on the role and its education and experience requirements. The CDA pathway includes 120 hours of formal early childhood education training plus experience and assessment requirements, while degree or state-licensure pathways may take longer.
Which CDA setting should a preschool teacher choose?
The Center-Based Preschool CDA is designed for educators working with children ages 3 to 5 in a center-based setting. Confirm that this setting matches your current role and review the CDA Council’s latest eligibility requirements before applying.