Become a preschool teacher in Florida

How Do I Become a Preschool Teacher in Florida in 2025

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The Growing Demand for Preschool Teachers in Florida

Research backs it up again and again: kids who attend quality preschool programs are more likely to succeed in K–12 and beyond. So the state’s investing big-time in early learning. This means that preschool education in Florida is booming. And I mean, really booming.

Between the state-funded Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) program and a rapidly growing network of private preschools and child care centers, there’s huge demand for qualified, passionate educators.

And guess what? That means you’re needed.

Today, we’re breaking down exactly how to become a preschool teacher in Florida. We’re talking requirements, credentials, certifications, and a few personal tips and resources to help you hit the ground running.

Related:

Understanding the Preschool Landscape in Florida

preschool teacher in Florida

If you become a preschool teacher in Florida, you’ve got several options on where you can work.

  • VPK programs (offered through public schools or private providers)
  • Private preschools (Montessori, faith-based, or corporate childcare centers)
  • Childcare centers (sometimes with infants through pre-K all under one roof)
  • Head Start programs (serving lower-income families with wraparound services)

The key thing to remember? Whether you’re working with 3-year-olds or 5-year-olds, your role is to build that critical foundation for lifelong learning.

You’ll also want to know about the two big names in Florida’s early learning world:

  • The Florida Department of Education (FLDOE)
  • The Office of Early Learning (now part of the Division of Early Learning under the Department of Education)

Specific agencies set the standards and manage licensing, training, and preschool teacher certification in Florida.

Minimum Education Requirements

Yes, you can become a preschool teacher in Florida with just a high school diploma or GED. However, if you want to actually lead a classroom, get promoted, or even just land a solid job in a competitive market, you’ll want more than that.

Here are your main options:

  • Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC)
    • State-recognized
    • Required for lead teacher roles in licensed centers
    • Can be completed through local colleges or online providers
  • Child Development Associate Credential (CDA)
    • Nationally recognized
    • Accepted in Florida AND other states
    • Issued by the Council for Professional Recognition

Both credentials are respected. It’s just a matter of whether you want to stick to Florida (FCCPC) or keep your options open nationwide (CDA).

Earning a CDA or FCCPC Credential

Let’s break it down step-by-step:

To Earn the FCCPC:

  1. 120 hours of early childhood education training (approved by the Department of Children and Families — DCF)
  2. 480 hours of hands-on experience working with children ages 0–5
  3. Complete a professional portfolio
  4. Pass an observation and final review

You can take FCCPC courses at:

  • Community colleges
  • Vocational schools
  • Online platforms like ChildCare Education Institute

To Earn the CDA:

  1. Enroll in a CDA-accredited program (online or in person)
  2. Build a professional portfolio
  3. Get 480 hours of documented work experience
  4. Complete a formal observation
  5. Pass the CDA exam and verification visit

CDA vs. FCCPC: Which One’s Better?

Okay, both the FCCPC (Florida Child Care Professional Credential) and the CDA (Child Development Associate Credential) will allow you to teach early childhood education in Florida.

Choosing between them really comes down to a few key questions:

  • Planning to work only in Florida? Go FCCPC. It’s state-recognized and fits local preschool rules.
  • Want options outside Florida? Choose CDA. It’s accepted nationwide.
  • Looking for affordable, local classes? FCCPC is usually cheaper with community college options.
  • Need flexible, online learning? CDA offers more online programs.
  • Working in a Florida child care center or VPK? FCCPC is often preferred.
  • Applying to Head Start or big programs? CDA credential in Florida is the way to go

Certification Requirements for VPK and Public Preschool Teachers

Now, this is where it levels up.

If your goal is to work in a public school or run a VPK classroom, you’ll need to meet the following Florida Department of Education preschool requirements:

  • A bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
  • Florida teaching certification for PreK–3 or Birth–Age 4 endorsement.

Usually, it’s one of two things:

  • PreK–3 certification (Early Childhood Education)
  • Birth–Age 4 endorsement

VPK teacher requirements in Florida also include passing the FTCE (Florida Teacher Certification Exams), which includes:

  • General Knowledge Test
  • Professional Education Test
  • Subject Area Exam for PreK–3

If that sounds intimidating, don’t worry. Many career changers go through Educator Preparation Institutes (EPIs), which are fast-track programs designed to help you get certified and become a preschool teacher in Florida without starting a four-year degree from scratch.

Background Checks and Health Screenings

Another thing you need to know about earning a preschool teaching license in Florida is that it includes background checks and health screenings. This is non-negotiable.

You have to pass a Level II Background Screening.

That means:

  • An FBI fingerprint check
  • No disqualifying offenses (like anything involving violence, abuse, or neglect)

Also required:

  • TB test
  • Physical health screening to ensure you’re fit to work with kids (both mentally and physically)

These checks are managed by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), and trust me, they take this process very seriously.

Preschool Teacher Roles and Work Settings in Florida

There’s a surprising amount of variety in preschool teaching. Some of the most common preschool teaching jobs in Florida include:

  • Lead Preschool Teacher
  • Assistant Teacher
  • VPK Instructor
  • Infant/Toddler Specialist
  • Teacher’s Aide
  • Classroom Support Staff

And where can you work?

  • Public elementary schools (especially if you’re certified)
  • Private preschools (Montessori, faith-based, etc.)
  • Charter schools
  • Head Start programs
  • Corporate childcare centers (Think Bright Horizons, KinderCare)
  • Home-based centers or family daycares

Let’s not forget Florida’s diverse population! If you’re bilingual or have experience with special needs students, you’re going to be in high demand.

We understand that being a preschool teacher may not pay off as much. Fortunately, there are more real opportunities to boost your income, such as:

  • Starting your own licensed home daycare
  • Creating and selling lesson plans or activity packs on TeachersPayTeachers
  • Teaching online preschool classes
  • Moving into director or administrative roles
  • Offering tutoring or enrichment classes for preschool/kindergarten readiness

You can even start a blog or YouTube channel, sharing your journey and earning through affiliate links, ads, or course sales.

You can achieve so much more than just a classroom role if you’re willing to get creative, stay passionate, and keep learning. But always make sure that you have the proper credentials, training, and legal requirements in place first.

Continuing Education and Career Advancement

Once you’re in, the learning doesn’t stop. Florida law actually requires ongoing training for childcare providers, typically 10 hours per year for licensed professionals.

There’s also a clear path to move up:

  • CDA or FCCPC
  • Associate Degree in Early Childhood
  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • Florida Teacher Certification
  • Director roles, curriculum specialists, or VPK leadership positions

Want to grow without the debt? Look into:

  • TEACH Early Childhood® Florida (offers scholarships and tuition help)
  • Florida Early Learning Coalition (regional organizations offering career guidance and job placement)
  • DCF Training Portal (for required online courses)

Resources for Aspiring Preschool Teachers in Florida

Meeting the preschool teacher qualifications in Florida 2025 is totally doable, especially when you know where to find help! Here are some must-know resources to get you started and keep you on track:

  • Florida DOE Certification: Your official source for educator certification info, testing, and applications.
  • DCF Child Care Training: Find approved training courses, background check details, and licensing rules.
  • Office of Early Learning: Stay updated on VPK programs, funding, and early childhood initiatives.
  • Florida AEYC: Connect with a professional community, find scholarships, and access training resources.
  • TEACH Florida: Tuition assistance and professional development support for early childhood educators.

Conclusion: Start Your Journey to Teaching Preschool in Florida

Do you want to be the person who helps a child write their first letter? Who celebrates when they tie their shoes for the first time? Who gives them the foundation for math, reading, and, more importantly, kindness?

If that answer is yes, then yes, this is your calling.

And here’s the best part: Florida offers so many paths to make this dream happen. Whether you’ve got a degree, a high school diploma, or just a love for children and a desire to grow, there’s a starting point for you.

Here’s what you can do right now:

  1. Look up your local Early Learning Coalition. They’re amazing for finding scholarships, training opportunities, and job leads in your area.
  2. Enroll in an FCCPC or CDA training program. Pick the credential that fits your goals and start your classes ASAP to get those required hours underway.
  3. Sign up for your DCF background check. This is a must before you can work with kids, so get it started early to avoid delays.
  4. Join an online community or Facebook group for Florida preschool teachers. Connecting with others will keep you motivated, answer questions, and help you network for jobs.