Wilson College Online Blog

Early childhood educators do much more than teach students the alphabet, colors, and counting; they serve as role models and help children learn how to perceive the world around them. Individuals who have a passion for teaching and want to help young students learn the foundations for lifelong education can explore the benefits of earning a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and what it takes to become a preschool teacher.

What Does a Preschool Teacher Do?

Preschool teachers, sometimes referred to as prekindergarten or pre-K teachers, educate and care for children between the ages of 3 and 4. As is true for all types of child care professionals , preschool teachers take on numerous responsibilities related to children’s safety, education, and development.

Preschool teachers’ most important duties include the following:

• Managing all classroom activities
• Providing a safe, clean classroom environment with appropriate supervision of children
• Giving children tools and resources to explore and play
• Encouraging positive interactions between students
• Creating and enforcing age-appropriate boundaries and rules for behavior in individual classrooms
• Developing positive relationships with individual children and their parents or caregivers
• Ensuring teaching methods and materials meet each student’s interests and learning styles
• Tracking students’ progress
• Creating and facilitating games and activities, such as reading, storytelling, and free play

Steps to Become a Preschool Teacher

Anyone interested in how to become a preschool teacher should know there are generally five steps involved: earning a degree, getting certified, obtaining a license, gaining work experience, and continuing one’s education.

Step 1: Earn a Degree

The first step to become a preschool teacher is to earn a degree. Most states only offer licensure to teachers with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. A bachelor’s degree program in education or a related field, such as early childhood education, can help individuals build the skills they’ll need to make an impact on their students’ lives and to open the door to many employment opportunities.

In a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Early Childhood Education program, individuals can learn the following: 

• Research-based strategies for instruction and teaching
• Skills for managing the social and emotional challenges of young children in the classroom
• Experience as a student teacher implementing lesson plans in real classrooms

Step 2: Obtain a Certification

Many states require aspiring preschool teachers to obtain a nationally recognized certification before they are granted a license. The child development associate (CDA) certification from the Council for Professional Recognition requires 120 hours of formal training, 480 hours of early childhood education experience within five or fewer years, and successful completion of a multiple-choice exam.

The certified childcare professional (CCP) credential offered by the National Early Childhood Program Accreditation requires 720 hours of classroom experience, completion of 180 hours of training, letters of reference, writing samples, and a statement of plans.

Step 3: Obtain a State Teaching License

Questions about licensing are common among those who want to know how to become a preschool teacher. Public schools in all 50 states require preschool teachers to have a license. While such licensure is not a requirement in private schools, many private school and day care center employers prefer it.

To earn a license, aspiring preschool teachers must have a bachelor’s degree and pass a competency-based exam in their state. To learn more, aspiring preschool teachers should visit their State Board or Department of Education website.

Step 4: Gain Work Experience

Most bachelor’s degree programs require students to serve as student teachers, giving them their first opportunity to gain work experience in early childhood education. However, depending on their chosen certification, aspiring preschool teachers may need more experience. Paid and unpaid internships are essential for gaining this experience as long as they focus on preschool-aged classrooms.

In some cases, those working in similar fields and considering making a career change to teaching may be able to apply their previous work experience toward the requirements for earning a certification or obtaining a license.

Step 5: Pursue Continuing Education

Preschool teachers must continue their education well beyond completing a bachelor’s degree program. Most states require preschool teachers to earn a specific number of continuing education (CE) credits per year to maintain their license. This requirement can be met by completing professional development courses or attending conferences and workshops.

Preschool Teacher Salary and Job Outlook

Preschool teachers had a median annual salary of $37,130 as of May 2023, according to data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Those working in public, local, and private educational services had a median annual salary of $50,760.

The BLS projects that employment of preschool teachers will grow by about 4% between 2023 and 2033. Studies continue to show that early childhood education is vital for children’s social, intellectual, and emotional development, spurring more parents and caregivers to seek preschool for their 3- and 4-year-old children.

Explore Your Passion for Teaching With a Degree in Early Childhood Education

If you love working with children, learning how to become a preschool teacher is the first step toward pursuing a fulfilling career. Preschool teachers support and encourage their students each day, providing them with the structure that helps them build success during their early years of school.

If you are ready to take the next step, consider earning a B.A. in Early Childhood Education from Wilson College Online. Explore the latest research-backed teaching strategies and gain the experience you need to help shape young minds.

Recommended Readings

What Is the Reggio Emilia Approach in Early Childhood Education?

Can I Teach Private School Without Certification?

Flexible Learning Environments: How Do They Benefit Students?

Sources:

Council for Professional Recognition, About the CDA

Indeed, “How to Become a Preschool Teacher: A Complete Guide”

Indeed, “Learn About Being a Preschool Teacher”

Indeed, “Preschool Teacher Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications”

National Early Childhood Program Accreditation, Certified Childcare Professional

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Preschool Teachers