How Do You Become a Preschool Teacher?

Many people think teaching preschool is closer to babysitting than actual teaching, but they're wrong. Research shows that a high-quality preschool education prepares children for future academic success. Do preschool teachers fingerpaint and bandage booboos? Yes, but they are also tasked with helping children develop social skills and early foundational academics. If you're curious about becoming a preschool teacher, we're breaking down some of the most frequently asked questions about job requirements, education, salary, and more. 

What do preschool teachers do?

Preschool teachers typically work with children between the ages of two and five years old in daycare centers, preschool programs, or in-home settings. The main goal of preschool is to prepare children for Kindergarten and beyond by introducing them to early academics and school-readiness skills. Preschool teachers develop and carry out lesson plans and ensure the classroom environment is safe and conducive for learning. Preschool classrooms resemble mini-communities, with their own culture, rituals, and rules reflective of the teacher and the children's personalities. 

Do preschool teachers need teaching certificates?

While this may vary by state and setting, a teaching certificate is not always required to become a preschool teacher. Generally, teachers working in a Head Start program or school district setting may be required to obtain teacher certification or be working towards one. 

Do I need to be a certified teacher to work with children with special needs?

Depending on where you live, a lead or group teacher in a special education preschool classroom may need to be certified. To be certified, you'll need to study early childhood special education and complete a Bachelor's degree program. 

A bachelor's degree program in early childhood special education typically consists of coursework, fieldwork, student teaching, and certification exams. Certain schools prefer their teachers to have master's degrees, but you may be able to be hired while working toward your master's if you commit to working at that school for a certain number of years. 

Can you become a preschool teacher without a degree?

Whether or not teaching preschool requires a specialized degree also varies by state and setting. For example, in New York, a Pre-K teacher working in a school district setting must be certified in early childhood education. In contrast, a Pre-K teacher working in a private preschool in New York may not need to be certified.

As the push toward Universal Preschool becomes more widespread, the requirements for preschool teacher preparation will likely line up with K-12 educators. Most preschool programs require at least an Associate's degree or a Child Development Associate Credential (or similar credential). 

Depending on where you work, certain daycare or preschool programs will pay for your early childhood degree. This is something to consider when looking for jobs in early education. 

How to Become a Montessori Preschool Teacher

Pursuing a career as a Montessori preschool teacher offers an opportunity to shape young minds during their formative years through a unique educational approach. To embark on this path, individuals must immerse themselves in the Montessori philosophy, which prioritizes self-directed activity, hands-on learning, and collaborative play.

Achieving this specialization involves obtaining Montessori certification from a recognized institution accredited by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE). The certification process includes comprehensive coursework that covers Montessori principles, child psychology, and the creation and use of Montessori materials and environments, alongside a practical teaching component.

Candidates should possess a deep respect for children's autonomy and a dedication to fostering an environment that encourages children to explore and learn at their own pace. Successfully completing the Montessori certification equips educators with the knowledge and skills to provide a nurturing, stimulating, and inclusive educational experience tailored to the developmental needs of preschool-aged children, preparing them for a rewarding career in Montessori education.

What is the average salary of a preschool teacher?

There are many factors that go into determining preschool teacher's salary including education, experience, cost of living in the area, etc. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average preschool teacher makes $31,930 a year. 

How do I get started?

Visit winnie.com/childcare-jobs to find preschool and daycare jobs hiring now!

If you are unsure if you have the passion (or patience) to be a preschool teacher, you may want to take the job for a test drive by volunteering. Many early childhood programs welcome volunteers but may ask that you complete a background check and submit a current physical along with your immunization records. Spending time in a classroom with young children will help you get an idea of what the job entails and whether or not it's the right fit.

Once you decide to pursue a career in early childhood, find out the education requirements in your area. A Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education (Birth-Grade 2) from an accredited college or university is your best bet to open the door to more opportunities. Not only will this develop your understanding of child development and curriculum, but you will gain experience as a student-teacher under the leadership and supervision of an experienced teacher. 

Although the path to becoming a preschool teacher may look different for everyone, it is a fun and rewarding career. In the words of author Jonathan Kozol, “I urge you to be teachers so that you can join with children as the co-collaborators in a plot to build a little place of ecstasy and poetry and gentle joy”