How To Become a Preschool Teacher in Arizona in 2026

Growing Demand for Preschool Teachers in Arizona (2026)

About 28,900 early childhood teaching professionals are in Arizona. There’s also an increasing demand for their services, owing to Arizona’s increase in population and, thus, the need for childcare services.

In particular, preschool teachers are in high demand. As a result, there are plenty of career opportunities in the field.

So, if you’re wondering how to become a preschool teacher in Arizona, read on.

Here, we’ll discuss the Arizona-specific licensing routes and their requirements. These are the ECE certificate, associate’s degree, CDA, and alternative pathways. We’ll also cover their cost, timelines, and job outlooks.

Related:

• Online Education Degrees: Arizona
• Best Early Childhood Education Online Associate Degree Programs
• Top Online Sensory Integration and Occupational Support Certification Programs
• Best Online Colleges for Early Childhood Education

Step-by-Step: How To Become a Preschool Teacher in Arizona

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to become a preschool teacher in Arizona.

Step 1 — Meet Minimum Education Requirements

Many preschool and childcare roles demand a high school diploma or GED. This is particularly true for entry-level and assistant roles. But for teacher-caregiver/lead teacher roles, employers require or prefer a college degree.

Arizona also increasingly prefers formal ECE qualifications to:

• Meet licensing and quality standards
• Improve classroom quality and child outcomes

Step 2 — Choose Your Certification Pathway

Be sure to consider your current education level and career goals in doing so.

1. Early Childhood Education Certificate (Birth–Grade 3)

For this pathway, you must have a combination of:

• A bachelor’s degree
• ECE coursework aligned with Arizona’s standards

You must also meet the required student teaching or supervised practicum hours. These must be four semester hours in birth-preschool settings and four in K-3 settings.

2. Associate Degree Pathway (Preschool/Childcare Centers)

Many Arizona childcare employers accept AA degrees for lead preschool teacher roles. This is particularly common in community-based childcare programs and private preschools.

Arizona also accepts either the:

• National CDA credential as a degree alternative
• Arizona’s state-aligned certificates

3. Arizona CDA (Child Development Associate Credential)

The Arizona CDA requirements are as follows:

• Complete 120 clock hours covering the eight CDA subject areas. Each subject area must have no fewer than 10 hours.

• Prepare a professional portfolio. This must demonstrate applied knowledge, competency, and classroom readiness. It must include education documentation, reflective competency statements, and more.

• Meet the observation requirements conducted by a qualified CDA professional development specialist. The visit includes a portfolio review, teaching observation, and a reflection conversation.

The process demands time, effort, and money to meet the expectations. But its benefits are worthwhile – a CDA credential improves employability and growth.

4. Alternative Pathways for Career-Changers

Arizona also offers alternative teacher certification options for career changers.

• The Alternative Teaching Certificate (Teaching Intern/Teacher in Residence) is a temporary two-year teaching credential (renewable yearly up to two more). You can teach full-time while completing certification requirements. Eligibility requirements include a bachelor’s degree and an IVP fingerprint clearance card.
• State‑approved Alternative Educator Preparation Programs include Teach-Now, Grand Canyon University, and American College of Education. You can work while completing your requirements.
• Classroom‑Based Alternative Preparation Programs grant the Classroom‑Based Standard Teaching Certificate. Charter schools and school districts prepare teachers in these programs.
• Standard Professional Certification via Program Completion requires completion of an approved alternative preparation program and required courses/exams. Then, you can apply for the Standard Professional Teaching Certificate. It is a 12-year teaching credential with automatic renewal with approved endorsements.

Arizona Requirements for Preschool Teachers (2026 Regulations)

Here are the Arizona preschool teacher requirements 2026 you must be aware of.

Arizona Department of Education Requirements

ADE requires those who want to work as preschool teachers in public or state-funded settings to:

• Obtain a fingerprint clearance card from Arizona’s Department of Public Safety.
• Pass a full background check.
• Complete the approved ECE coursework hours.
• Meet the practicum/field experience requirements.

Each Arizona early childhood education certification requirement must be met. Failing one means not getting the certification at that time.

DES Childcare Licensing Requirements

The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) has different requirements for teaching staff. Licensed childcare centers must ensure that their teaching staff meet these requirements.

Teachers must: 

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Meet education requirements, such as an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in ECE.
• Have a CDA credential.

The alternative is completion of an approved ECE coursework and documented experience.

Assistant teachers must:

• Be at least 16 years old.
• Meet education requirements, usually a high school diploma or GED.
• Meet basic childcare training requirements.
• Work under the supervision of a qualified lead teacher.

The DES requirements include the following:

• Complete at least 18 hours of approved training every year.
• Have current infant and child CPR certification and first aid training.
• Complete mandatory reporter training.
• Meet annual continuing education requirements.

Additional Qualifications That Improve Hiring Odds

Boost your employability by going beyond the preschool teacher qualifications Arizona requires. Consider gaining:

• Bilingual or ESL skills
• Trauma-informed care training
• Special needs/IEP familiarity

2026 can be your year of opportunities. But you must start working toward meeting these state requirements.

What You’ll Study: Early Childhood Education Curriculum in Arizona

Early childhood education programs in Arizona follow state standards, as outlined below.

Core Courses

Students study relevant topics in: 

• Child development
• Early literacy
• Classroom management
• Observation and assessment
• Family/community communication

The didactic courses prepare students for the next phase of their training.

Practicum Experience (Required for State Certification)

Arizona teacher certification early childhood programs require supervised clinical experience, too. The number of hours depends on the pathway, as follows.

Preservice teachers plan lessons, practice teaching under supervision, and support classroom routines.

Online vs. In-Person ECE Programs in Arizona

Online ECE degrees offer:

• Flexible scheduling that allows a good work-life balance
• Access to programs without relocations
• More affordable costs

There are also hybrid options for working adults. Check out the programs offered by ASU Online, Rio Salado, and NAU.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Preschool Teacher in Arizona?

Now, you know how to get a teaching certificate in Arizona. Your next question is, “How long will it take?”

Certificate vs. Associate vs. Bachelor Pathway Timelines

Here are estimated timelines for each pathway:

• CDA → 6–9 months
• AA in ECE → 18–24 months
• BA/BS in Early Childhood Education → 4 years
• Alternative certification → 1–2 years

Accelerated Options for 2026

If you want to earn your teaching certification faster, consider these accelerated options.

• Competency-based and online degree formats
• Credit for prior learning
• Transfer-friendly community college pathways

Weigh the pros and cons of the traditional and accelerated options.

Cost of Becoming a Preschool Teacher in Arizona

Becoming a preschool teacher is fairly affordable.

Tuition Estimates

Community colleges offer the most affordable programs. Many public universities also offer affordable in-state annual tuition.

Apply for financial aid to reduce costs.

Certification & Licensing Fees

Factor in additional costs like:

• Fingerprint Clearance Card ($67)
• ADE teaching certificate fees ($60)
• CDA ($600 paper, $525 online)

Consider costs for observation fees, training materials, and others, too.

Ways to Reduce Costs

Students in approved ECE degree programs in Arizona can apply for:

• Scholarships for future teachers
• TEACH AZ
• FAFSA and Pell Grants
• Employer tuition reimbursement

Preschool Teacher Salary & Job Outlook in Arizona (2026)

The good Arizona preschool teacher salary means good returns on investment, too.

Salary Ranges

Here’s the salary aspiring preschool teachers can expect at each level:

Arizona Regions With the Highest Demand

If you’re looking for more job opportunities and higher pay, consider:

• Phoenix Metro
• Tucson
• Yuma and Flagstaff

Career Advancement Opportunities

From an entry-level role, you can advance to roles like:

• Lead teacher
• Center director
• Special education pathways
• K–3 licensure

Career growth usually means more advanced education and training and experience.

Where to Get Hired: Top Arizona Employers of Preschool Teachers

Consider these top employers when starting your teaching career.

Public & Charter Schools (ECE Classrooms)

Teachers enjoy stable salary schedules and state benefits here.

Head Start and Early Head Start Programs

Teachers work with children from low-income families.

Licensed Childcare and Private Preschools

Teachers provide children with curriculum-based care and learning.

Faith-Based Programs

Churches and religious organizations offer teachers the opportunity to combine learning and faith.

Community-Based Youth Organizations

These nonprofits target underserved populations that enable children to learn in structured settings.

Tips for Success as an Arizona Preschool Teacher

• Build a strong portfolio.
• Develop classroom management strategies.
• Learn Arizona’s Early Learning Standards.
• Earn specialized endorsements (SPED, ESL).
• Continue professional development.

Conclusion: Choosing Your Path to Become a Preschool Teacher in Arizona

Aspiring preschool teachers can choose from many pathways. These include degree and non-degree pathways depending on their current education and goals. Begin with a Fingerprint Clearance Card and coursework.

Indeed, both new graduates and career changers can be preschool teachers.