How to Become a Preschool Teacher in North Carolina in 2026

If you want to know how to become a preschool teacher in North Carolina, you’re on the right page. Here are the key points to remember.

The degree requirement varies depending on whether it’s a public or private employer.
Public schools require a Birth–Kindergarten (B‑K) for their preschool teachers.
The timeline to become a preschool teacher varies depending on the pathway.

Preschool teachers in North Carolina earn $30,000–$40,000 per year, on average.

There’s a growing demand, too, for preschool teachers due to the:

Ongoing expansion of state-funded pre-K programs
Chronic teacher shortages, especially in rural areas

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) oversees the teacher licensure process.

Related:

Quick Answer: Steps to Become a Preschool Teacher in North Carolina

Here’s a more detailed look at how to become a preschool teacher in North Carolina.

1. Earn an associate or bachelor’s degree in early childhood education (ECE).

You can choose between these degree options depending on your goals.

A 2-year associate’s degree if you’re planning to work in private schools and childcare centers.
A 4-year bachelor’s degree if your goal is to earn a B-K license, work in public schools, and apply for lead teacher roles.

Be sure to check for accreditation; most schools have SACSCOC accreditation.

2. Complete a state-approved educator preparation program.

You must complete an NCDPI-approved educator preparation program. This can either be:

Part of your associate’s or bachelor’s degree program
A post-baccalaureate program if you have a non-education bachelor’s degree

A supervised teaching experience in preschool or early childhood classroom settings is part of it.

3. Apply for a Birth–Kindergarten (B-K) license.

You can apply for an NC early childhood teacher license upon its completion. Your college must submit Form V to NCDPI.

4. Submit transcripts and background checks.

Remember these important aspects about submitting your official transcripts.

You must request official transcripts from all universities you have attended. These must show your completion of the required ECE coursework or approved teacher prep program.
Your college/s must send your official transcripts directly to the NCDPI.
You should order your official transcripts ASAP to prevent delays.

Background checks are also necessary. You must submit your fingerprints through either:

Your local county sheriff’s office or police department
Private providers like Certifix Live Scan

The background checks include state- and federal-level criminal history checks.

5. Apply through the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

You should use the NCDPI Educator’s Licensure portal to submit your application.

Create an account to start your application.
Confirm your completion of a state‑approved educator preparation program.
Upload your supporting documents.
Review your application before clicking the submit button.
Pay the non-refundable application fee.
Monitor your application status.

Once approved, you’ll receive your official B-K teaching license.

6. Complete continuing professional development.

Take note of the renewal period (5 years) and requirements. In-person and online workshops, seminars, and courses qualify for professional development hours. You can also earn additional certifications or endorsements for career growth.

North Carolina Preschool Teacher Requirements (Public vs Private)

The North Carolina preschool teacher requirements differ depending on the type of setting.

Public School Preschool Teachers

If you want to work in public schools, you must have:

A bachelor’s degree in ECE or a related field
A B-K license

NC Pre-K & Private Childcare Centers

If you’re aiming for work in pre-K and private childcare centers, you can do one of these things:

Earn an associate’s degree in ECE or a related field (i.e., often acceptable for many employers)
Meet CDA requirements in North Carolina
Meet employer-specific standards (i.e., vary widely)

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) oversees the licensure process for private childcare centers and NC Pre-K programs.

Requirement	Public Schools	Pre-K & Private Childcare Centers
Degree	Bachelor’s degree	An associate’s degree is often sufficient
Licensure	B-K	Not required; CDA may be accepted
Educator Preparation	NCDPI-approved program	Not required; employer may prefer it
Oversight Agency	NCDPI	NCDHHS

Understanding the Birth–Kindergarten (B-K) License in NC

The Birth–Kindergarten license NC DPI issues has these characteristics:

Covers teaching children from birth through kindergarten
Includes supervised field experience in qualified public settings
Applies to public schools and their pre-K, kindergarten, and early intervention programs
Qualifies teachers to serve as lead educators in public pre-K classrooms

There’s another NC Department of Public Instruction teacher license, too. The elementary education license covers teaching children core academic subjects in Grades 1 to 6.

Education Pathways in North Carolina

Choose from among these education pathways depending on your degree level and goals.

Traditional Bachelor’s Route

If you’re a high school graduate and planning to teach in public schools, you should:

Earn a bachelor’s degree in ECE with a B-K focus
Complete a state-approved teacher preparation program

Associate Degree + Childcare Route

If you want to test the waters or save on costs, consider:

Earning an associate’s degree in ECE at your local community college
Completing the state-approved teacher prep modules included in the program
Getting a CDA credential

You can transfer your associate’s degree credits to a bachelor’s degree completion program, too.

Alternative Licensure Pathway

If you have a non-education bachelor’s degree, try the alternative teaching license North Carolina offers. It is known as a residency license, a lateral entry option, that:

Provides coursework and mentorship to help NC residents meet B-K license standards
Allows candidates to be full-time teachers in public schools while completing licensure requirements

Preschool Teacher Salary in North Carolina (2026 Data)

The actual preschool teacher salary in North Carolina depends on:

Type of employer (public vs. private)
Experience (entry-level vs. leadership)
Location (rural vs. urban)

In general, here’s what you can expect in annual salaries:

Statewide median salary: $41,030 (Typical range $36,160-$45,130)
Entry-level vs experienced: $32,000–$38,000 vs. $40,000+
Public vs private salary gap: $35,000–$42,000+ vs. $32,700
Rural vs urban differences: $1,200–$2,000+ difference

Major metro areas have slightly different average annual salaries.

Charlotte: $41,730
Raleigh: $42,390
Greensboro: $38,398

Metric	North Carolina (2026)	National (BLS, May 2024)
Median Annual Salary	$41,030	$37,120
Entry-level	$32,000–$38,000	$28,300
Experienced	$45,000+	$60,070+

Job Outlook & Demand in North Carolina

Is there demand for preschool teachers in NC? Yes, of course, there’s a strong demand for preschool teachers in the Tar Heel State. This is due to a combination of factors, including the:

Expansion of publicly-funded pre-K programs to increase access for families
Chronic teacher shortages in rural counties
Increased state investment in early childhood education initiatives
Growth of the population and its impact on education services

Cost of Becoming a Preschool Teacher

Your total costs will depend on which education pathway you choose.

Associate’s degree: $3,500–$10,000 per year at local community colleges
Bachelor’s degree: $7,000–$15,000 per year (public, in-state)

You must also plan for additional costs, including:

Licensure fees: $50-$100
Background check fees: $50–$70 per applicant
Testing fees: $120–$200 per test

Getting a B-K license brings long-term return on investment. Higher salaries, better benefits, and greater access to career growth opportunities make it so.

ROI Comparison Chart

Degree Level	Average Annual Salary	Career Advancement
Associate’s	$32,000–$38,000	Assistant teacher or childcare roles
Bachelor’s with a B-K focus	$41,000–$45,000+	Public pre-K lead teacher, greater growth potential

Online Early Childhood Education Degrees in NC

Are you a working adult? If yes, you should consider earning an online early childhood education degree that NC programs offer. You’ll appreciate that it aligns with licensure requirements and offers flexible schedules.

But only enroll in an accredited hybrid or online program. No accreditation = no eligibility for B-K licensure.

Remember, too, that in-person field placements are required in these programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a preschool teacher in North Carolina?

2-3 years for an associate’s degree, including licensure. 4-5 years for a bachelor’s degree.

Do I need a bachelor’s degree in NC?

Yes, if you want to teach in public schools or NC pre-K lead teaching roles.

What is a Birth–Kindergarten license?

It’s the official state license for public school teachers in the birth-to-kindergarten levels.

Can I teach preschool with a CDA in North Carolina?

Yes, but only in private childcare settings or NC pre-K assistant jobs.

How much do preschool teachers make in NC?

$41,030 per year, on average.

Is North Carolina expanding Pre-K programs?

Yes, and it’s among the reasons for the strong demand for qualified preschool teachers.

2026 Policy Updates & What to Watch

Here are changes to watch out for in the North Carolina teacher certification process 2026.

Changes to the teacher license rules were expected to take effect on March 1, 2026.
Pre-K funding expansion reflects the state’s increased ECE investment.
Updated teacher salary schedules increase base pay and wage supplements.
Residency license is still the preferred alternate route, especially with upcoming adjustments.