Introduction
In most states, you can start working in a preschool as an assistant teacher with a high school diploma or GED. To become a lead teacher, you typically add a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or college coursework in early childhood education (ECE), plus some classroom experience. Requirements vary by state, so check yours before you start.
Most preschool teachers work in licensed child care centers and private preschools. Each state’s child care licensing agency sets the requirements for these programs, and many teachers start there without a degree.
Public school pre-K programs usually follow the rules for school teachers. That often means a bachelor’s degree and a state teaching license.
Every state sets minimum qualifications for lead and assistant teachers, including age, education, and training hours. See our guide to child care teacher requirements by state.
Experience counts toward most lead teacher requirements, and it’s how you find out whether you love the work. Good starting roles include assistant teacher, floater, and before- or after-school aide. If you’re in school, a practicum placement counts too.
The CDA is the most common credential for preschool teachers. It requires 120 hours of early childhood training and 480 hours of experience with the age group you’ll teach. Many centers sponsor the CDA for their staff, so ask about it in interviews. Learn more in our guide to getting a CDA credential. If you plan to stay in the field long-term, an associate or bachelor’s degree in ECE opens more doors.
Most states require staff to pass background checks and a health screening before working with children. Many also require CPR and pediatric first aid certification, plus orientation training in your first weeks. Your employer will usually walk you through these steps.
Update your resume to highlight any work with children, including babysitting, camp, coaching, or volunteering. See our preschool teacher resume tips. Prepare for questions about classroom management and how you’d handle common situations with our preschool teacher interview questions and answers.
In most states, you can start working in a preschool as an assistant teacher with a high school diploma or GED.
Hire Up Recruiting is a preschool recruiting agency founded by a teacher. We work only in early childhood education. We help teachers find jobs at schools across the country, and every interested candidate hears from us within one business day.
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