Kentucky preschool teacher

How Do I Become a Preschool Teacher in Kentucky in 2026

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Kentucky’s big push for early learning is opening more doors for preschool teachers than ever. In 2025, Governor Andy Beshear introduced the “Pre-K for All” plan. This is a statewide effort to give every 4-year-old access to free, high-quality preschool.

It’s a huge step toward helping kids start school ready to learn. Plus, it also means more opportunities for passionate educators who want to make a difference in those early years.

This guide explains everything about how to become a preschool teacher in Kentucky in 2026. This will specify the preschool teacher requirements Kentucky.

Related:

Why Teach Preschool in Kentucky?

Kentucky preschool teacher

Before learning how to become a preschool teacher in Kentucky, it’s good to know why this job matters. It’s also worth seeing why more people are choosing this career across the state.

Now is the perfect time to become a preschool teacher in Kentucky. The demand for trained teachers is growing because of programs like Kentucky All STARS, which rates and improves early childhood centers. Head Start programs in both cities and rural areas also continue to support the vast Kentucky preschool teacher demand.

Many rural districts and community programs are actively recruiting early childhood educators, while larger cities like Louisville, Lexington, and Bowling Green continue to expand public pre-K offerings.

These efforts have increased the number of early childhood jobs in Kentucky, including roles in:

  • Public school preschool programs
  • Community childcare centers
  • Nonprofit and faith-based preschools
  • Head Start and Early Head Start centers

Education Requirements

Minimum Degree Requirements

To meet preschool teacher education requirements Kentucky, future educators must hold at least an associate degree in early childhood education (ECE).

However, those who plan to teach in public preschool programs generally need a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. It could also be in an Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (IECE).

Many schools and districts prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree, especially if they’ll be working under the state’s Birth–Primary teaching certification.

Coursework and Focus Areas

An early childhood education degree Kentucky typically includes courses such as:

  • Child Growth and Development
  • Early Literacy and Language Acquisition
  • Curriculum Planning and Assessment
  • Inclusive Education and Special Needs Support
  • Family and Community Engagement

Kentucky Teacher Licensing and Certification

Once the degree is completed, future teachers must obtain a Kentucky teacher license early childhood through the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB).

1. Early Childhood Certification (Birth–Primary)

Kentucky’s Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (IECE) certification qualifies teachers to work with children from birth through kindergarten. This includes those with developmental delays or disabilities.

2. Praxis Exam Requirements

Candidates must pass:

  • Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (tests reading, writing, and math)
  • Praxis II: Early Childhood Education (5025)

Passing these exams demonstrates readiness to teach foundational subjects and manage early learning environments effectively.

3. Applying for Licensure

Applications for teacher certification are submitted through the EPSB’s Kentucky Educator Credentialing System (KECS). Applicants must upload transcripts, exam results, and program completion verification.

4. Renewal and Continuing Education

Initial Kentucky preschool teacher certification is valid for five years. To renew, teachers must do the following:

  1. Complete continuing professional development hours.
  2. Maintain good standing.
  3. Follow EPSB’s renewal procedures.

Additional Requirements

Before working with children, preschool teachers in Kentucky must meet several safety and training requirements as well.

  1. Background Checks and Fingerprinting: Before stepping into the classroom, every future preschool teacher in Kentucky must pass a Kentucky preschool teacher background check. Fingerprinting is part of the process, ensuring that the learning space stays safe and trustworthy for children.
  2. CPR and First Aid Certification: Preschool teachers wear many hats, and one of them is being ready for the unexpected. Most centers, especially licensed ones, require current CPR and First Aid certification. It’s not just paperwork; it’s peace of mind for both teachers and parents.
  3. Student Teaching or Practicum: Books and lectures can only take you so far. That’s why part of the early childhood teaching requirements Kentucky is hands-on experience through a practicum or student teaching placement. It’s where future teachers get to test what they’ve learned, build confidence, and discover their own classroom style.

Career Pathways for Preschool Teachers in Kentucky

Preschool teacher jobs in Kentucky is vast and varied. There are plenty of options when it comes to where and how they want to teach. Each setting offers a different kind of experience.

  1. Public Preschool Programs: Many public preschools operate within local elementary schools and receive funding from the Kentucky Department of Education. Teachers in these classrooms must hold full IECE certification.
  2. Private Childcare and Early Learning Centers: Private centers often hire teachers with associate or bachelor’s degrees in early childhood education. They usually offer more flexibility in teaching methods but still follow Kentucky’s licensing and quality standards.
  3. Head Start and Nonprofit Programs: Head Start programs serve children from low-income families and play a big role in early childhood education across Kentucky. Teachers in these settings must meet federal qualifications, typically a bachelor’s degree in ECE or a related area.
  4. Faith-Based and Community Preschools: These programs combine learning with community or spiritual values, giving teachers a chance to nurture both academics and character development.
  5. Advancement Opportunities: As teachers gain experience, new early childhood career paths Kentucky open up. Many move into leadership or specialized roles such as:
    • Lead Teacher or Mentor
    • Center Director or Administrator
    • Curriculum Specialist
    • Early Intervention Coordinator

Salary and Job Outlook

Average Salary

As of 2025, the average preschool teacher salary in Kentucky is $31,251 per year (around $15 an hour). Actual pay can vary depending on education, experience, and location.

Typical salary range:

  • Low end: Around $26,000 per year
  • High end: Up to $42,000 per year
  • Most teachers earn: Between $12.50 and $16.70 per hour

Regional differences:

  • Urban areas (Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green): $16–$20 per hour on average
  • Rural counties: $12–$14 per hour, often with smaller classes and close-knit communities

Highest-paying cities in Kentucky:

  • Florence: ~$35,710 per year ($17.17/hour)
  • Erlanger: ~$35,476 per year ($17.06/hour)
  • Paducah: ~$35,288 per year ($16.97/hour)

Job Growth

The Kentucky preschool teacher job outlook is steady but gradually expanding, supported by statewide efforts to improve early learning.

Key drivers of growth include:

  • Expansion of Kentucky All STARS, the state’s early childhood quality rating system
  • Continued investment in Head Start and public preschool programs
  • Local demand for qualified teachers with IECE certification

Looking ahead, employment opportunities are expected to rise through 2026 and beyond. This is especially true as Kentucky continues to prioritize early childhood education access and quality.

Resources and Support Networks

You can have access to multiple Kentucky early childhood teacher resources and that support professional growth:

  • Kentucky Association for Early Childhood Education (KAECE): Offers networking opportunities, professional development workshops, and an annual state conference.
  • Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB): Provides licensure information, renewal requirements, and online application support.
  • T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Kentucky: A scholarship program that helps early educators afford tuition and textbooks while working.
  • Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA): Offers preschool teacher scholarships Kentucky and other financial aid options for students pursuing education degrees.

Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Preschool Teacher in Kentucky

Here’s the summary of the steps to become preschool teacher Kentucky:

  1. Earn an associate or bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Choose an accredited Kentucky college or university offering an ECE or IECE major.
  2. Complete a student teaching or practicum requirement. Gain real-world classroom experience under the supervision of a licensed early childhood educator.
  3. Pass the required Praxis exams. Take and pass the Praxis Core and Praxis II: Early Childhood Education test.
  4. Apply for Kentucky Teacher Certification (Birth–Primary). Submit your application through the EPSB system and provide transcripts and exam results.
  5. Undergo background checks and obtain CPR/First Aid Certification. Complete fingerprinting and first aid training to meet employment requirements.
  6. Maintain certification through continuing education. Renew every five years by completing EPSB-approved professional development hours.

The process on how to become a preschool teacher in Kentucky is straightforward but requires dedication and proper training. Each step builds on the last. It helps future teachers gain the skills, experience, and credentials they need to teach young children with confidence.

Conclusion

Kentucky’s focus on early education is opening real opportunities for future teachers. With the “Pre-K for All” plan and the growing demand across schools and childcare centers, 2026 is an ideal time to join the field.

For anyone who enjoys working with young children and wants to make a lasting impact, this is the moment to start.

To become a preschool teacher in Kentucky 2026, start by finding an accredited Early Childhood Education program. Next, complete your training and gain the hands-on experience needed to build confidence in the classroom. Then, pass your required exams and apply for certification through the EPSB.

Start now and be part of shaping Kentucky’s next generation of learners.