How To Become a Preschool Teacher in Indiana in 2026

Overview — What Preschool Teachers Do in Indiana

Indiana has made early childhood education a priority, recognizing that student success begins with its youngest learners. Since 2015, the state’s need-based preschool program, On My Way Pre-K, has helped children from low-income families access high-quality early learning. A $22 million expansion in 2019 nearly doubled enrollment, from about 2,000 to 4,000 children, strengthening preschool access across the state.

Because of this investment, preschool teachers can be found in a variety of early learning settings, including:

• Public Pre-K programs in school districts that follow state academic standards
• On My Way Pre-K provider sites, including public, private, and ministry-based programs
• Licensed childcare centers, many of which participate in Indiana’s Paths to QUALITY™ system
• Faith-based programs operated by churches and ministries
• Head Start, a federally funded program that combines education with family and health support

Across these settings, preschool teachers typically work with children ages 3 to 5, helping them build the skills they need before kindergarten. A typical day may include:

• Leading early learning activities like storytelling, art, music, and hands-on play
• Supporting social skills such as sharing, patience, and cooperation
• Observing and tracking developmental milestones, including language and motor skills
• Using play-based learning to make lessons engaging and meaningful
• Communicating regularly with families about children’s progress and needs

Indiana’s focus on preschool education is creating more classrooms and more job opportunities for trained preschool teachers. This guide teaches you how to become a preschool teacher in Indiana.

Related:

• Online Education Degrees: Indiana
• Top Certifications for Early Childhood Educators
• Emergent Literacy Certification: Building a Strong Foundation for Young Readers
• Best Online Special Education Endorsement Programs

Step 1 — Learn Indiana’s Preschool Teacher Requirements

Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) vs. FSSA/OECOSL Requirements

The first step on how to become a preschool teacher in Indiana is understanding the training requirements. The type of role you choose often determines the level of training you’ll need.

• Public school Pre-K teachers must follow IDOE teaching licensure rules. This means earning a teaching license, usually through a teacher preparation program, and meeting the state’s testing and training requirements.
• Childcare and early childhood center teachers fall under the Office of Early Childhood & Out-of-School Learning (OECOSL). They may not need a teaching license, but they do have structured education and credential requirements based on the program’s quality level.

Indiana’s quality system, Paths to QUALITY™ (PTQ), sets standards for early childhood programs. Programs at Levels 3 and 4 are considered higher quality, often pay better, and prefer more highly educated teachers.

Typical Education Paths for Indiana Preschool Teachers

There are four ways to meet the Indiana preschool teacher requirements:

• CDA (Child Development Associate): A common starting credential for early educators that proves foundational knowledge and skills.
• Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE): A 2-year degree that prepares teachers for lead roles in many childcare settings.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education: Required for public school Pre-K teaching and often preferred or required for leadership roles.
• Transition-to-Teaching (T2T) pathways: Designed for adults who already hold a bachelor’s degree and want to enter teaching through alternate licensure.

Step 2 — Earn the Required Credential or Degree

Child Development Associate (CDA) — Indiana Pathway

The CDA is one of the most recognized early childhood credentials in the U.S. It sets a baseline standard that many childcare centers and PTQ Level 3 and 4 programs look for.

To earn a Preschool CDA certification in Indiana, candidates must:

• Have a high school diploma or a GED requirement
• Complete 120 hours of early childhood education training
• Gain 480 hours of work experience with young children
• Build a professional portfolio and pass an observation assessment

Many Indiana CDA training courses are supported through partnerships such as the Indiana AEYC Non-Formal CDA project, sometimes even with scholarship assistance.

Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education

This degree prepares teachers for lead teaching roles in childcare centers and early learning classrooms. It deepens knowledge in:

• child development
• curriculum planning
• classroom management

Many individuals use the associate degree as a stepping stone to further education, such as a bachelor’s degree or a teaching license.

Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education

Teaching in public Pre-K usually requires a bachelor’s degree. You must also complete an approved teacher preparation program.

This path also includes:

• Coursework in child development and instructional methods
• Field experience or student teaching
• State licensing exams (such as pedagogy and content assessments)

Career-Changer Paths

For adults who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field, Indiana offers Transition-to-Teaching (T2T) programs. These programs allow candidates to:

• Learn teaching content and methodology
• Complete supervised practicum or field experience
• Teach in classrooms while completing coursework
• Earn a non-renewable T2T permit while working

Some universities support online or graduate T2T routes, which can be completed while working.

Step 3 — Meet Indiana Training, Preschool Standards & Background Checks

All early childhood workers must meet basic safety and training requirements before working with kids. Requirements to obtain an Indiana early childhood education license include:

• Fingerprint-based background checks through the Indiana State Police and the FBI
• CPR and First Aid certification
• Training in child abuse recognition, safe sleep, and universal precautions
• Required training for many On My Way Pre-K providers

These requirements help ensure a safe learning environment for children.

Step 4 — Gain Classroom Experience

Classroom experience is essential in meeting the On My Way Pre-K teacher requirements. This can come from:

• College student teaching
• Practicums
• Paid roles in licensed childcare settings

Experience hours also count toward credentials like the CDA, and show employers that a candidate understands real classroom dynamics.

Teachers should align their experience with best practices, such as Indiana’s Early Learning Foundations and child development frameworks.

Step 5 — Apply for Preschool Teaching Jobs in Indiana

Where Preschool Teachers Work

Once credentialed and trained, preschool teachers in Indiana can find roles in:

• Public schools (in districts like Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend, Gary, Carmel)
• Head Start & Early Head Start programs
• YMCA, KinderCare, and other early learning centers
• PTQ Level 4 accredited centers, which often offer better pay and quality-driven standards

Building Your Resume for Indiana Employers

Strong resumes often highlight:

• CDA competencies or higher degrees
• Experience with early literacy and social-emotional learning (SEL)
• Classroom management and communication skills
• Digital portfolios showing lesson plans or student engagement

Salary & Job Outlook for Preschool Teachers in Indiana (2026)

Average Salary Estimates

The Indiana preschool teacher salary in 2026 is roughly $32,000–$51,000 per year (around $16–$30 hourly).

Pay varies based on:

• Program type (public vs. private)
• Education level (degrees or credentials)
• Local demand and cost of living

Teachers with an Indiana childcare teacher training at the bachelor’s level generally earn more than those with only a CDA or associate degree.

Job Growth Trends

According to national trends, employment for early childhood jobs in Indiana is expected to grow at an average pace through the next decade. The need for early learning support remains steady, especially as families seek quality early education and state policy continues to support accessible pre-K options.

Optional Pathways & Career Advancement

Moving from CDA → Associate → Bachelor’s → Licensure

Many preschool teachers begin with a CDA and stack higher credentials, like:

• Associate degree → Bachelor’s degree → Teaching licensure
• Specialty certifications in areas like infant/toddler care
• Master teacher or instructional coach roles

Indiana also offers scholarships and professional development support through organizations like INAEYC.

Leadership Roles in Indiana Early Childhood

With experience and higher credentials, teachers can move into:

• Lead teacher positions
• Curriculum coordinator roles
• Child care program director
• PTQ coach or assessor roles

Additional Professional Credentials

Indiana early childhood professionals can pursue:

• Master Teacher certification
• Infant/Toddler specialization
• Special needs intervention credentials

These help diversify skill sets and open doors to specialized careers.

Timeline & Costs to Become a Preschool Teacher in Indiana

Costs vary widely based on school choice, credential pathway, and testing fees. Scholarships and state support programs may help offset expenses. To give you an idea, here’s a typical roadmap of Indiana’s early childhood education programs:

Final Checklist for Becoming a Preschool Teacher in Indiana

Preschool teacher qualifications in Indiana can vary depending on the type of program and the level of teaching role.

Below is the final checklist on how to become a preschool teacher in Indiana:

1. Choose a credential: CDA, Associate, Bachelor’s, or T2T program.
2. Complete training: Early childhood courses and program-specific requirements.
3. Gain experience: Practicum, student teaching, or on-the-job hours.
4. Pass background checks & safety training: Fingerprints, CPR/First Aid, child abuse training.
5. Build a portfolio: Lesson plans, activities, and credentials.
6. Apply for jobs: Public Pre-K, Head Start, licensed childcare, or faith-based programs.
7. Keep learning: Attend workshops, renew certifications, and stay updated on state standards.