Georgia preschool teacher

How To Become a Preschool Teacher in Georgia in 2026

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Georgia preschool teacher

Demand for Preschool Teachers in Georgia (2026)

Georgia’s preschool system has grown into one of the largest in the Southeast. Its state-funded Pre-K program, Bright from the Start, serves tens of thousands of four-year-olds each year. Even with that scale, the program still has waitlists in many counties. New classrooms continue to open, and experienced teachers are retiring or moving into leadership roles. That gap has made early childhood educators more valuable than ever.

Because preschool teachers work with young children during critical learning years, Georgia requires specific education, training, and credentials. Two bodies oversee these rules:

  • Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL)
  • Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC)

This guide explains how to become a preschool teacher in Georgia in 2026. It walks through education options, certification routes, Georgia Pre-K requirements, salary expectations, and long-term career paths.

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Overview: Requirements To Become a Preschool Teacher in Georgia

Understanding Georgia’s Early Childhood Landscape

The process on how to become a preschool teacher in Georgia can look differently. Georgia offers preschool in several different settings, and each one follows slightly different rules.

  • The best-known option is Georgia Pre-K, also called Bright from the Start. This is a lottery-funded, voluntary program for four-year-olds. It operates in public schools, private centers, and community locations, but all programs must meet state standards.
  • Private childcare centers serve children from infancy through preschool age. DECAL regulates these centers and often offers more flexible entry-level teaching roles.
  • Public school Pre-K programs operate within local school districts. These programs follow Georgia public education standards and typically require full teaching certification.

Minimum Requirements (Vary by Program Type)

Requirements depend on where someone wants to work. Here’s an overview of how to become a preschool teacher in Georgia, based on work setting:

  • Georgia Pre-K programs usually require a bachelor’s degree and early childhood certification for lead teachers.
  • Private childcare centers may accept a high school diploma, CDA credential, Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC), or associate degree.
  • Public school Pre-K programs require a bachelor’s degree and Georgia teaching certification in Early Childhood Education (P–5).

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

Step 1 — Meet Educational Requirements

Georgia offers multiple entry points. Here are the Georgia preschool teacher requirements for 2026.

  • Some people begin with a high school diploma or GED. This allows them to work in entry-level childcare jobs.
  • Others earn a Child Development Associate (CDA) or a Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC). These programs train teachers for assistant roles in preschool classrooms.
  • An associate degree in Early Childhood Education provides more in-depth training and qualifies teachers for additional positions.
  • To work as a lead teacher in Georgia Pre-K, a bachelor’s degree is required.

Step 2 — Choose Your Georgia Certification Path

1. Georgia ECE P-5 Certification (Public School + GA Pre-K)

This certification is required for teachers working in public school Pre-K programs.

The ECE P-5 Certification Georgia Pre-K teacher requirements include:

  • Completing a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field
  • Passing the Georgia Educator Ethics Assessment
  • Passing the GACE Early Childhood Education content exam
  • Completing a student teaching practicum in Georgia
  • Applying for certification through the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC)

This pathway prepares teachers for long-term careers in public education.

2. Georgia Pre-K Teacher Requirements (DECAL)

The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) oversees the Bright from the Start Georgia Pre-K program. DECAL preschool teacher requirements ensure teachers are prepared to work with young children.

Georgia Pre-K teacher requirements include:

  • A bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field
  • Georgia teaching certification or a DECAL-approved alternate pathway
  • A completed criminal background check
  • Current CPR and First Aid certification
  • Required health and safety training

These requirements apply to lead teachers in Georgia Pre-K classrooms. Assistant teachers may qualify with fewer credentials, such as a CDA or Technical Certificate of Credit.

3. Child Development Associate (CDA)

The CDA is a popular option for private childcare centers. Georgia CDA requirements include:

  • A high school diploma or GED
  • 120 hours of early childhood education training
  • 480 hours of work experience with young children
  • A professional portfolio
  • Family questionnaires
  • CDA exam

This Georgia early childhood education certification focuses on hands-on skills and child development basics.

4. Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC)

Georgia TCC early childhood programs are offered through Georgia technical colleges. They provide quick training for assistant teacher roles and entry-level childcare jobs.

Georgia Pre-K (Bright From the Start) Requirements

Lead Teacher Requirements

Georgia Pre-K lead teachers must have:

  • An approved bachelor’s degree
  • Georgia teaching certification or a DECAL-approved alternate route
  • A cleared background check
  • CPR and First Aid certification

Assistant Teacher Requirements

Assistant teachers need:

  • CDA or TCC
  • Required childcare training
  • DECAL fingerprint-based background check

Training Requirements (DECAL + GaPSC)

Regardless of role, all Georgia Pre-K teachers must complete ongoing training. This includes:

  • Mandated reporter training
  • Health and safety training
  • Annual professional development hours

What You’ll Study in Georgia Early Childhood Programs

Core Coursework

Students in early childhood programs learn about:

  • Child growth and development
  • Preschool curriculum and assessment
  • Early literacy and math skills
  • Teaching children with different learning needs
  • Classroom management
  • Family engagement and cultural awareness

Practicum & Field Hours

For bachelor’s-level Georgia early childhood education programs, students usually complete 200–300 hours of hands-on experience. This includes:

  • Observing teachers: 20–40 hours watching experienced teachers in action
  • Helping in the classroom: 50–100 hours assisting with activities and routines
  • Teaching practice: 100–150 hours planning and leading lessons with guidance
  • Family and documentation work: 20–30 hours recording observations and communicating with families

These hours give future teachers real experience in classrooms and prepare them for their own teaching.

Online vs. On-Campus Program Options

Georgia offers many choices, including:

  • University of Georgia – BSEd in Elementary Education
  • Georgia State University – Birth Through Five, BSEd
  • Kennesaw State University – BS in Early Childhood Education
  • Albany State University –  BS Early Childhood/Childhood Education
  • Georgia technical colleges for CDA and TCC programs

These programs are offered online and on campus. If you have a busy schedule, online programs give you more flexibility. If you prefer a structured learning environment, on-campus programs are the better choice.

How Long It Takes To Become a Preschool Teacher in Georgia

Pathways & Timelines

  • CDA: 6–9 months
  • TCC: 1–2 semesters
  • Associate degree: 2 years
  • Bachelor’s degree + certification: 4–5 years
  • Alternative certification: 12–24 months

Fast-Track Options (2026)

Fast options include:

  • Online CDA programs
  • TCC programs at technical colleges
  • DECAL-approved alternate certification routes

Cost of Becoming a Preschool Teacher in Georgia

Tuition Overview

  • Technical colleges: Most affordable, around $2,400–$3,000 per year for in-state students.
  • Public universities: Average $6,400 per year, with HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships available to help cover costs.
  • Online ECE programs: Tuition is similar to the school’s regular rates; online programs offer flexibility for busy students.

Certification Costs

  • GACE exams: $123–$193 per test
  • Certification application: $20–$50
  • Background check/fingerprinting: $50–$55
  • CPR & First Aid training: $40–$100

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial help is available through:

  • HOPE Grant and HOPE Scholarship
  • DECAL Scholars program
  • T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Georgia
  • Federal Pell Grants and loans

Salary & Job Outlook for Preschool Teachers in Georgia (2026)

Salary Averages

Here’s an overview of Georgia preschool teacher salary.

  • State Average: $30,382/year ($14.61/hour)
  • Salary Range: $16,888 – $45,597 per year
  • Typical Range (25th–75th percentile): $25,300 – $33,800
  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $40,530/year

Source: ZipRecruiter

Job Demand

Georgia’s preschool teacher and assistant jobs are growing fast, with a 13.6% increase expected for 2026, creating about 1,710 new openings. This growth is driven by:

  • Statewide childcare and preschool teacher shortages
  • Growing demand in metro regions
  • Expansion of Pre-K classrooms

Career Growth Opportunities

Advanced preschool teacher jobs in Georgia include:

  • Lead or master teacher
  • Childcare center director
  • Public school Pre-K teacher
  • Early intervention specialist
  • Instructional coach

Top Employers Hiring Preschool Teachers in Georgia

Major employers include:

  • Bright from the Start Georgia Pre-K sites
  • Private childcare centers
  • Public school districts
  • Head Start and Early Head Start programs
  • Faith-based preschools
  • YMCA and nonprofit providers

Tips for Becoming a Successful Preschool Teacher in Georgia

To thrive as a preschool teacher in Georgia, it helps to:

  1. Join Georgia AEYC.
  2. Keep up with DECAL training requirements.
  3. Build classroom management and observation skills.
  4. Learn Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards (GELDS).
  5. Get experience through volunteer or assistant roles.

Conclusion: Choosing the Best Path to Become a Preschool Teacher in Georgia

Georgia offers several pathways to start a career as a preschool teacher. Depending on your goals and experience, you can pursue:

  • A Child Development Associate credential
  • A Technical Certificate of Credit in early childhood education
  • An associate’s degree in early childhood education
  • A bachelor’s degree with Georgia teacher certification

Each pathway fits different goals and timelines.

With a strong Pre-K system and growing demand, early childhood education is a stable and meaningful career in Georgia. Choose the route that fits your schedule, budget, and career goals to begin a rewarding journey shaping the next generation.