Becoming a preschool teacher in New York

How Do I Become a Preschool Teacher in New York in 2025

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The Importance of Preschool Teachers in New York

As a preschool teacher, your role is not just babysitting and teaching children their ABCs and how to count from 1 to 10. You’re a mentor, role model, language coach, science explorer, art critic, and occasional dance partner—all rolled into one.

And in New York, the role is bigger than ever. The state, and especially NYC, has made a serious commitment to early childhood education. Over the past decade, programs such as Universal Pre-K (UPK) for 4-year-olds and 3-K for 3-year-olds have expanded to reach a greater number of families. This means that the demand for certified preschool teachers in New York is at an all-time high.

If you’ve been wondering, “How do I become a preschool teacher in New York?”, 2025 is actually a great time to get started. We’ll cover everything, from education requirements (and shortcuts if you’re changing careers) to salary ranges, benefits, and how to keep growing in your career.

Related:

Understanding Preschool Teaching Roles in New York

Becoming a preschool teacher in New York

Before we dive into how to become a preschool teacher in New York, you should first understand the different roles.

The title “preschool teacher” sounds simple enough, but in New York, it can mean different things depending on where you work.

Public School Settings (UPK & 3-K)

If you teach in a New York City Department of Education program (UPK for 4-year-olds, 3-K for 3-year-olds), you’ll usually need to have a preschool teacher certification NY with a Birth–Grade 2 license. These roles follow the state’s learning standards, often have union benefits, and pay better than most private school jobs.

Private Preschools & Daycare Centers

These can be Montessori schools, church-based preschools, or small independent programs. Some want certified teachers, but many are fine with an associate degree or a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, especially if you have strong classroom experience.

Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)

These often run UPK or Head Start programs under contract with the city. Depending on funding, you might need certification, or the requirements could be more flexible.

While opportunities do exist for non-certified teachers, earning your certification is strongly recommended. Here’s why.

  • Certified teachers: higher pay, better benefits, more job options.
  • Uncertified teachers: still plenty of opportunities, but typically lower salaries and fewer benefits.

If you want to become a preschool teacher in New York, especially in public programs, you must have the right academic qualifications. By standards, you must earn a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education degree in New York (Birth–Grade 2) from a NYSED-approved teacher preparation program.

New York has alternative routes for career changers:

  1. If you’re starting: Enroll in a Bachelor’s in ECE at a CUNY, SUNY, or private college. You’ll get classroom training, theory, and student teaching experience.
  2. If you hold a degree in another field: Enroll in an alternative certification program or a post-bacc ECE program to meet the NYS teacher certification requirements.

Here are some of the best ECE Programs in NY:

New York University (NYU) – Steinhardt School

  • Degree options: Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education
  • Strengths: Prepares graduates to work in inclusive classrooms and with children from a variety of backgrounds.
  • Why it stands out: Strong connections to NYC schools and plenty of opportunities for internships and practicums.

SUNY New Paltz

  • Program: Early Childhood & Childhood Education (Birth–Grade 6).
  • What you’ll get: A balanced mix of classroom learning and field experience.
  • Notable features:
    • Affordable tuition with a strong record of preparing graduates for NYS teacher certification
    • Personalized instruction

CUNY – Hunter College

  • Urban focus: The Early Childhood Education program emphasizes teaching in diverse, multicultural environments.
  • Extra perks: Strong alumni network for mentorship and career support.
  • Affordability: CUNY tuition rates make this an excellent value for quality education.

Online & Hybrid Options

If you’re working full-time or have a family, CUNY and SUNY both offer flexible online programs that still lead to certification.

Step-by-Step Guide to New York State Teacher Certification

Completing the NYS teacher certification requirements is basically a checklist.

Step 1: Complete an Approved Teacher Preparation Program.

Make sure your program is on NYSED’s official approved list.

Step 2: Pass the required tests.

  • EAS (Educating All Students Test) – Covers diversity, equity, and inclusion in teaching.
  • CST (Content Specialty Test) in Early Childhood Education – Subject-specific exam for Birth–Grade 2.
  • edTPA – A portfolio assessment (check if still required in 2025, as rules change).

Step 3: Complete fingerprinting and background checks.

You’ll go through state fingerprint clearance before you can step into a classroom.

Step 4: Apply for initial certification.

The New York preschool teaching license process has a few more steps after you finish your degree and the required training. You’ll need to submit your Initial Certification application through the New York State Education Department’s TEACH Online Services system. This is your starting license, and it’s valid only for five years.

Step 5: Work toward professional certification.

After three years of teaching plus mentorship and professional development, you can upgrade to Professional Certification, which is permanent as long as you keep your PD hours up.

Alternative Pathways and Career Changers

Here are ways to become a preschool teacher in New York if you’re coming from a different field:

  1. Transitional B Certificate: Lets you teach while you finish your ECE coursework. Often used in high-need schools.
  2. NYC Teaching Fellows / Teach NYC: Intensive training, mentorship, and subsidized tuition for people willing to teach in underserved areas.
  3. Online NYSED-Approved Programs: If you can’t quit your job yet, online learning is your friend.
  4. Early Childhood Workforce Initiatives: Offer tuition help, paid internships, and coaching for new teachers.

Preschool Teaching Requirements in Private and Non-Certified Settings

If you’re not ready for the full certification process, you can still work in preschool settings that don’t require a license. Here are the required preschool teacher education requirements NY for these types of positions:

  • Private Preschools/Nursery Schools – Often prefer an associate’s or bachelor’s in early childhood education, but some accept a high school diploma plus experience.
  • Child Care Centers (OCFS Licensed) – Lead teachers need a degree in ECE, a CDA credential, or a high school diploma with significant experience; assistants need less formal training.
  • Head Start – Lead teachers need at least an associate in ECE (bachelor’s preferred); assistants can qualify with a CDA.
  • Religious/Community Preschools – Vary widely; may offer on-the-job training or require some ECE coursework.

Key Differences from Certified Roles:

  • Lower starting salaries (think $30K–$45K vs. $55K+ in public programs)
  • Often fewer benefits
  • More flexibility in requirements

Preschool Teacher Jobs and Demand in New York

Between the state’s UPK and 3-K expansions, retirements, and general turnover, the early childhood teacher career path NY is looking pretty good. There’s steady demand for preschool teachers in New York. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data show that NY is the third highest employer of preschool teachers in the U.S.

High-Need Areas:

  • NYC public schools
  • Rural districts
  • Head Start programs
  • Community-based organizations

Where to Look for Jobs:

  • NYC DOE Careers page
  • NYSED Job Bank
  • NAEYC Jobs board
  • Indeed

Salary Expectations and Benefits

Being a certified teacher in New York in 2025 comes with clear financial and career advantages.

  • Certified Teachers in Public Programs earn between $55,000–$75,000+.
  • Private/Uncertified Roles, however, usually earn $30,000–$45,000.

Public programs also have perks that often include health insurance, pension plans, and even paid holidays or summers off (depending on the role). These benefits can significantly boost your total compensation and give you more financial stability over time.

Professional Development and Continuing Education

Now that you know everything about the New York early childhood certification steps, you must learn is how to maintain your credentials and keep growing in your career.

In New York, certified teachers must complete 100 hours of Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) every five years. You can find PD opportunities through:

  • NYC DOE training
  • SUNY/CUNY workshops
  • NAEYC & NYAEYC conferences

And if you’re aiming for leadership or specialized roles, a Master’s in Early Childhood Education might be the next step. Plus, there are scholarships like T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood NY to help cover the cost.

Conclusion: Your Path to Preschool Teaching in New York

Here’s a quick summary of the steps on how to teach preschool in New York.

  1. Decide whether you’ll pursue certification or start in a private setting.
  2. Choose an early childhood education degree in New York that fits your schedule and goals.
  3. Complete the NYS teacher certification requirements—exams, fingerprinting, and application.
  4. Start teaching in your chosen setting.
  5. Continue learning and move toward Professional Certification.

With preschool programs like UPK and 3-K expanding, the demand for qualified teachers in New York is only growing.