How To Become a Preschool Teacher in Idaho in 2026

Demand for Preschool Teachers in Idaho (2026)

Idaho, like much of the country, has a shortage of early childhood educators. More than half of childcare centers nationwide struggle to find qualified teachers, and Idaho faces the same challenge. Low pay, fewer training options in rural areas, and higher demand for childcare all play a role.

While Idaho does not have a fully state-funded universal Pre-K program, many school districts and private centers offer preschool options. Because of this, licensure requirements for teachers can differ depending on the employer.

This guide will lead you through the main steps on how to become a preschool teacher in Idaho, covering education, certification, training, salary, and career options.

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Overview: Requirements To Become a Preschool Teacher in Idaho

Idaho’s Decentralized Preschool System

There is no statewide license on how to become a preschool teacher in Idaho. Instead, the requirements depend on the type of program you want to work in.

• Public school district preschools: Often require a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and Idaho state certification.
• Head Start programs: Require a combination of education, training, and experience; often prefer associate degrees or CDA credentials.
• Private preschools and childcare centers: Standards vary widely. Some require an associate degree in early childhood education or relevant credentials like the Child Development Associate (CDA).
• Faith-based programs: Requirements may differ, but most still expect formal training and background checks.

Despite the differences, the Idaho preschool teacher requirements 2026 share minimum expectations: teachers must meet instructional benchmarks, complete a criminal background check, and participate in ongoing training.

Where Preschool Teachers Work in Idaho

Preschool teachers can work in a variety of settings:

• Private early learning centers
• Head Start and Early Head Start programs
• Community-based preschools
• School-district-run optional preschool programs
• Home-based and faith-based childcare centers

These options allow teachers to choose roles based on their education, experience, and career goals.

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

Below are the two main steps on how to become a preschool teacher in Idaho.

Step 1 — Meet Idaho’s Minimum Education Requirements

Early childhood education in Idaho requirements vary by role:

• Assistant roles: A high school diploma or GED is typically enough.
• Private programs: Many require an associate degree in Early Childhood Education.
• Public school Pre-K programs: A bachelor’s degree plus Idaho teaching certification is needed.

Step 2 — Choose Your Idaho Certification Path

Idaho offers several certification options depending on the workplace:

1. Idaho Early Childhood/EC-SE Teacher Certification (Birth–Grade 3)

It is the basic Idaho childcare teacher requirements for public school or district preschool roles. It requires:

• A bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field
• Completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program
• Praxis exams in general subjects and early childhood content
• A criminal background check
• Student teaching experience

This Certification is issued by the Idaho State Department of Education.

2. Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP) Requirements (Private Centers)

For private centers, the requirements to be a lead teacher include:

• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development, or
• CDA credential, or
• 12 to 18 college credits in ECE plus work experience

Teachers must also fulfill necessary training, such as First Aid, CPR, safe sleep, and IdahoSTARS professional development courses.

3. CDA Credential (Child Development Associate)

The CDA credential is popular for career changers or childcare teachers. Idaho CDA requirements include:

• 120 hours of professional early childhood education training, covering eight CDA subject areas.
• 480 hours of work experience with children in the target age group.
• Family questionnaires and a professional portfolio documenting your experience and learning.

Idaho Training Requirements (IdahoSTARS + ICCP)

IdahoSTARS Training Requirements

The IdahoSTARS preschool certification is a statewide system providing professional development for licensed childcare facilities. Mandatory requirements include:

• Health & Safety Orientation
• Ongoing annual professional development
• Online and in-person training options are available statewide

Background Checks & Health Requirements

This is a very important step on how to become a preschool teacher in Idaho. All preschool teachers must pass a criminal history check and fingerprinting. ICCP facilities also require periodic rechecks.

CPR, First Aid, and Mandatory Reporter Training

Every licensed provider must complete CPR and First Aid training, as well as mandatory child safety reporter training.

What You’ll Study in Idaho Early Childhood Programs

Core Coursework

Students in ECE programs in Idaho can expect to study:

• Child growth and development
• Preschool curriculum methods
• Early literacy and numeracy
• Behavior guidance strategies
• Observation and assessment techniques
• Family partnerships and basics of special education

Field Experience & Practicum

University ECE programs necessitate practical experience. Students may complete practicums through Head Start programs, local school districts, or community preschools.

Online vs. On-Campus Programs in Idaho

Idaho offers several options for higher education in early childhood:

• Idaho State University (ISU) – Early Childhood Care & Education
• Boise State University – BA, Inclusive Early Childhood Education
• University of Idaho – Early childhood education (BS)
• College of Southern Idaho – Early Childhood Education, Intermediate Technical Certificate

You can pursue an online or on-campus program, depending on your needs.

Online programs offer flexibility. They allow students to study from home and balance work or family commitments, while still completing required local practicum hours.

On-campus programs provide structured, in-person learning. They offer direct access to faculty, hands-on labs, and integrated practicum experiences.

Both pathways meet Idaho’s state requirements, so the choice depends on your schedule, learning style, and preference for in-person interaction.

How Long It Takes To Become a Preschool Teacher in Idaho

Pathway Timelines

• CDA: 6 to 9 months
• Associate degree: 2 years
• Bachelor’s degree plus Idaho certification: 4 years
• Alternative certification for public school teaching: 1 to 2 years

Fast-Track Options (2026)

• Online CDA preparation courses
• IdahoSTARS workforce development programs
• Community college pathways with transferable credits
• Accelerated bachelor’s degrees and alternative certification routes

Cost of Becoming a Preschool Teacher in Idaho

Tuition Overview

Idaho Community Colleges (Most Affordable)

• Average in-state tuition: $4,599 per year
• Ideal for associate degrees or starting ECE training.

Idaho Public Universities (4-Year Colleges)

• Resident tuition: $8,500–$9,400 per year
• Examples: Boise State ($9,048–$9,364), University of Idaho (~$9,400)
• Additional costs: housing, meals, books.

Online ECE Programs

• Costs vary, often lower than on-campus programs when excluding housing and transportation.
• Flexible for working adults balancing study and a job.

Teacher Certification Costs

• Praxis Testing Fees: Typically $90–$150 per test, depending on the subject.
• Background Checks: Around $40–$60 for fingerprinting and state/federal checks.
• Idaho SDE Application Fees: Start at $75 for initial certification submission.

These are additional costs on top of tuition and training programs, so candidates should budget for Idaho early childhood certification accordingly.

Financial Aid & Scholarship Options

Support is available through:

• IdahoSTARS Rising Stars Wage and Professional Registry incentives
• T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Idaho scholarships
• Federal Pell Grants and FAFSA
• Employer tuition reimbursement programs

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

Salary Estimates

Average preschool teacher salaries in Idaho vary by setting. District-based Pre-K teachers earn higher pay than private center teachers. Rural areas typically pay less than urban areas, such as Boise.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average Idaho preschool teacher salary was approximately $26,020 – $35,150 annually.

Job Demand

The demand for preschool teachers in Idaho is growing, driven by childcare shortages and population growth.

Rural areas, in particular, are experiencing an increased need for qualified teachers.

Head Start and community-based programs continue to expand, further boosting job opportunities.

Career Growth Opportunities

Preschool teachers can advance to positions such as:

• Lead teacher
• Idaho childcare director
• Early intervention paraprofessional
• Pre-K teacher (with certification)
• Program administrator

Top Idaho Employers Hiring Preschool Teachers

Some of the largest providers of preschool teacher jobs in Idaho include:

• Idaho Head Start programs
• YMCA of Idaho
• Local school districts, such as Boise, Nampa, and Twin Falls
• Private preschools and Montessori programs
• Faith-based childcare centers
• Community childcare agencies

Tips for Succeeding as a Preschool Teacher in Idaho

To succeed in Idaho’s early childhood workforce:

• Join the Idaho chapter of the Association for the Education of Young Children (AEYC).
• Complete IdahoSTARS professional development regularly.
• Learn Idaho Early Learning eGuidelines.
• Build strong classroom management skills.
• Network with local childcare centers and school districts.

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

There are several pathways to becoming a preschool teacher in Idaho, from earning a CDA credential to completing an associate or bachelor’s degree and obtaining state certification. The right path depends on the type of program a teacher wants to join.

If you want to work in a private center, you can choose the CDA or associate degree path. If you are interested in district Pre-K programs, you will need a bachelor’s degree and Idaho state certification.

With the need for early childhood educators rising in Idaho, this is a great time to start training, gain experience, and begin a rewarding career helping young children grow.