How Do I Become a Preschool Teacher in California in 2025

The Demand for Preschool Teachers in California

California knows quality early care and education (ECE) helps kids succeed, but many families face high costs—up to 20% of income for a family of three earning $40,000, and 50% for a single minimum-wage earner. Existing programs for kids from birth to five years of age are often fragmented and uneven.

So now, California is investing in expanding affordable, high-quality ECE and raising teacher standards. With Universal Transitional Kindergarten (UTK) launching by 2025, the demand for qualified preschool teachers is growing fast.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what you need to become a preschool teacher in California, from education and permits to job options and career growth. I’ll even share some tips for career changers looking to get started fast.

Related:

Preschool Teaching in California: Public, Private, and Transitional Kindergarten Roles

Before we talk about how to become a preschool teacher in California, let’s look at the types of preschool jobs out there.

In California, you could work in:

Public Preschools – like the California State Preschool Program (CSPP)
Private Preschools – from small centers to big-name programs
Montessori Schools – follow a unique child-centered teaching philosophy
Head Start Programs – federally funded, community-based preschools
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) – part of the public school system for 4-year-olds

Wait, what’s the difference between Preschool and TK?

Good question. Here’s the quick breakdown:

Preschool = birth to age 5, typically before kindergarten
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) = a public school grade level for 4-year-olds, meant as a bridge between preschool and kindergarten

Preschool teachers usually need ECE coursework and a Child Development Permit, while TK teachers need a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential with additional child development training.

Minimum Education Requirements

Let’s start diving into preschool teacher requirements in California.

If you want to teach preschool in California, your first step is to meet the minimum education requirements. Most entry-level positions ask for 12 Early Childhood Education (ECE) units, including:

Child Development
Child, Family & Community
Curriculum & Developmentally Appropriate Practice

These units can be taken at a community college, university, or online through accredited programs.

To work in most state-funded preschool programs, you’ll need a California Child Development Permit, issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

There are six levels of this permit:

Assistant: 6 units of Early Childhood Education (ECE)
Associate Teacher: 12 units of ECE
Teacher: 24 units of ECE + 16 units of General Education + relevant experience
Master Teacher: Teacher requirements + 6 specialization units + experience
Site Supervisor: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in ECE/Child Development + administration units + experience
Program Director: Bachelor’s degree + Site Supervisor requirements + additional experience

How to Earn the Child Development Permit

Here’s a straightforward step-by-step guide to having a career in early childhood education in California.

Step 1: Take the required coursework.

You’ll need to complete ECE/CD units from an accredited college. Community colleges are your best bet for an associate degree in child development in California. They are affordable, accessible, and many have permit-aligned certificates.

Popular options include:

California Community Colleges (check your local one!)
California State University (CSU) campuses
Online programs like the University of Phoenix or Pacific Oaks College

Step 2: Get experience (for higher levels).

Some permit levels require experience in licensed child care or preschool settings. Volunteer, intern, or get hired at a center while you’re studying — it all counts.

Step 3: Apply online.

Head to the CTC Online portal and submit:

Application form
Official transcripts
Proof of experience (if needed)
Application fee ($50)
Livescan fingerprinting for background check

Alternative Pathways and Career Changers

Not 18 anymore? Working another job? No worries. You can still become a preschool teacher in California, even as a career changer.

Here’s how:

Accelerated ECE Certificate Programs – some can be completed in 6–12 months
Online ECE Degrees – flexible and designed for working adults
Credit for Prior Learning – military service, parenting experience, or informal child care can sometimes be counted

Plus, programs like TEACH Early Childhood California and the Career Pathways Grant offer financial help with tuition, books, and even paid release time for working students pursuing a preschool credential in California.

Licensing and Background Checks

Working with children = serious responsibility. That’s why background checks and health screenings are important requirements for preschool teachers in California in 2025.

Here’s what California requires:

Livescan fingerprinting (linked to CDSS or TrustLine database)
Child Abuse Central Index Check
Criminal Background Check
Immunizations: MMR, Tdap, and Flu (or opt-out form)
TB Test or Risk Assessment

As an important part of the preschool job qualifications in California 2025, make sure these are current because many employers won’t even interview you without them.

Where to Work: Preschool Teaching Jobs Across California

Once you have your teacher permit for preschool in California, where can you work? Short answer: everywhere.

Some of the most common job sites include:

California State Preschool Program (CSPP): These are public preschool programs often run through local school districts. They serve families who meet income guidelines and offer high-quality early learning — a great place to get steady work with benefits.
Head Start: This program focuses on helping low-income families by providing free early education and support services. It’s a fantastic way to make a difference in communities that really need it.
Private Preschools: From Montessori schools to faith-based programs or those following the Reggio Emilia approach, private preschools offer a variety of teaching philosophies and settings. These can range from small neighborhood centers to large, well-known institutions.
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Classrooms: If you have a teaching credential, TK classrooms in public schools are a growing area. TK is designed for 4-year-olds, preparing them for kindergarten in a school setting.
Family Child Care Homes: Interested in running your own preschool or daycare out of your home? Family child care homes let you be your own boss, offering more flexibility and a chance to create your own community space.

Preschool Teacher Salaries and Job Outlook in California

Preschool teachers in California earn more than the national average, thanks to the state’s investment in early learning.

Average Salary in 2025:

Entry-level: $38,000–$43,000
Experienced: $50,000–$65,000+
Top metro areas (SF, LA, San Diego): Up to $70,000+

And ECE teaching jobs in California are only going up from here.

Why? California’s push to expand Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and preschool programs means the need for qualified teachers is skyrocketing. It’s estimated that there will be over 300,000 children enrolled in TK, requiring nearly 15,000 lead teachers and up to 20,000 assistants statewide.

Professional Development and Career Growth

This isn’t just a job. It’s a career path with room to grow.

Here’s how you can level up after earning a preschool teacher certification in California:

Get a higher-level permit (Master Teacher, Site Supervisor)
Specialize in Inclusive Education, STEM for early learners, or bilingual instruction.
Earn a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Child Development or Education
Move into administration, curriculum development, or teacher training

Plus, California supports ongoing learning:

CDTC (Child Development Training Consortium): offers reimbursements and stipends
TEACH California: helps cover tuition and supplies
Professional Growth Activities: required for most permit renewals

Join networks like:

California Association for the Education of Young Children (CAEYC)
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

Conclusion: Take the First Step Toward Teaching Preschool in California

Here’s a quick recap on how to become a preschool teacher in California in 2025

Complete ECE coursework (at least 12 units to start).
Apply for the California Child Development Permit (start at Assistant or Associate level).
Pass background checks and health screenings.
Gain experience in licensed child care settings.
Explore job options across public, private, and TK classrooms.
Continue professional development and consider higher permits or degrees.
Join early childhood education networks for support and growth.

Becoming a preschool teacher in California in 2025 isn’t just about checking boxes. It’s about stepping into a role where you make a real difference in children’s lives. From completing your ECE coursework to earning your Child Development Permit, clearing your background checks, and landing your first job, the path is clear and achievable.

The better news is that California’s system is flexible and tiered, meaning you can start small and grow your credentials and skills over time. Whether you’re starting fresh, changing careers, or looking to move up in the field, there’s a place for you.

And remember, the demand is high, the salaries are competitive, and the work is incredibly rewarding. There’s nothing quite like seeing a 4-year-old’s face light up when they learn something new, and knowing you helped make that happen.

So, if you’re ready to join the wave of passionate educators shaping California’s future, start exploring your local community colleges, check out online ECE programs, and apply for your permit today.