How Do I Become a Preschool Teacher in Louisiana in 2026

Are you ready to start your journey? Are you wondering how to become a preschool teacher in Louisiana?

About 80% of brain development happens from birth through age three, and 90% by age four, which means the earliest years are when learning matters most. That’s why high-quality early childhood education is critical for Louisiana’s future.

The state is investing heavily in programs that give young children a strong start and families more support. From increasing funding for local child care networks to boosting the quality of preschool classrooms, Louisiana’s efforts are paving the way for both kids and teachers to thrive.

This guide explains everything you need to know about the preschool teacher requirements in Louisiana in 2026. It covers the education and certification steps, job outlook, salary, and career growth.

Related:

Why Teach Preschool in Louisiana?

The state loses an estimated $762 million in productivity and $1.3 billion in economic activity each year because many parents lack reliable child care. That’s why the state is doubling down on early learning, increasing the Louisiana preschool teacher demand.

Lawmakers and business leaders are pushing for new investments, including the following:

An additional $95 million in state funding each year
$30 million more for the Early Childhood Education Fund
Continued tax incentives for employers who support child care
Expansion of early childhood access through its Ready Start Networks

That means more funded pre-K classrooms, better resources, and stronger recognition for early childhood educators. In short, early childhood jobs in Louisiana are growing faster than ever.

Education Requirements

Earning requisite credentials is the first major step on how to become a preschool teacher in Louisiana.

Minimum Degree Expectations: Associate vs. Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education (ECE)

Many private childcare centers in Louisiana accept an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
To teach in publicly-funded pre-K classrooms, a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or a closely related field is required.

A Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education in Louisiana generally opens more doors, offers higher salary potential and marketability. An Associate degree allows quicker entry but fewer advancement options.

Louisiana’s Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate Requirement

Other preschool teacher education requirements in Louisiana are certifications.

Many early childhood settings in Louisiana require the Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate. This is a credential for lead teachers in publicly funded programs serving children from birth to pre-K.

Key Coursework

Whichever degree you pursue, coursework typically includes:

Child development and growth
Early literacy and language acquisition
Numeracy readiness for young children
Classroom and behavior management for young learners
Inclusive education and working with children with special needs
Family and community engagement in early learning

Teacher Licensing and Certification in Louisiana

Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate: Who Needs It, How to Earn It

This certificate is generally required for lead teachers in publicly funded early learning centers (e.g., Type III centers) that serve children from birth to age four or pre-K.
Earning the certificate usually entails the following:
- completing an approved teacher preparation program
- meeting coursework requirements
- submitting an application via the LDOE certification portal
Additionally, background checks and other compliance steps are required.

Teaching Endorsements for Birth–K and PK–3

If the goal is to teach in a public school pre-K (within K-12), the teacher will typically seek a full Louisiana teaching certificate with an endorsement. This includes Birth–K (birth to kindergarten) or PK–3 (pre-K through grade 3). This involves:

Earning a bachelor’s degree in education (or related field)
Completing a teacher preparation program (including student teaching)
Passing required licensing exams (such as the Praxis series)
Applying for licensure through LDOE

Praxis Exam Requirements

Candidates generally must pass the following (or equivalent) tests:

Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (reading, writing, mathematics)
Praxis Subject Assessment – Early Childhood Education (Test 5025) for early childhood content knowledge
Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) or other professional knowledge tests

Check the LDOE website for current passing scores and specific test requirements for the 2026 cohort.

Renewal and Professional Development Expectations

Preschool teachers must fulfill continuing education or professional development hours to maintain their Louisiana teacher license in Early Childhood. Specific requirements may vary depending on whether the teacher holds an Ancillary Certificate or a full K-12 certification.

Additional Requirements

Beyond education and certification, aspiring preschool teachers must satisfy several other criteria.

State and Federal Background Checks

The Louisiana preschool teacher background check is very important to ensure child safety. Teachers must complete state and federal criminal background checks, including fingerprinting, as part of the certification/licensing process.

CPR and First Aid Training

Part of the early childhood teaching requirements in Louisiana are CPR and First Aid certifications (infant/child). These certifications ensure teachers know about health and safety compliance.

Student Teaching or Practicum Requirements

Hands-on experience is essential. Most teacher preparation programs (for full certification) require supervised student teaching. Even for ancillary certification, early childhood programs may require a practicum or internship component in an approved setting.

Career Pathways for Preschool Teachers in Louisiana

Now that you know all about the process on how to become a preschool teacher in Louisiana, it’s time to explore career opportunities.

There are several early childhood career paths Louisiana in which a preschool teacher may work.

Public School Pre-K Programs: Many public elementary schools include pre-K classrooms staffed by licensed early childhood teachers. These positions typically come with state benefits, structured schedules, and opportunities for advancement.
Private Childcare and Early Learning Centers: Private centers often hire teachers with Ancillary Certificates or associate degrees. These jobs tend to offer more flexible hours and smaller class sizes.
Head Start and Early Head Start: Funded by the federal government, Head Start programs focus on supporting low-income families with high-quality preschool education. These positions often include comprehensive training and community involvement.
Advancement Opportunities: With experience, preschool teachers can move into higher preschool teacher jobs in Louisiana, such as:
- Lead Teacher
- Curriculum Specialist
- Center Director
- Instructional Coach
- Early Childhood Program Administrator

Salary and Job Outlook

As of 2025, the average preschool teacher salary in Louisiana is $30,768 per year. Teachers with bachelor’s degrees or those working in public programs tend to earn on the higher end of this range.

There are also regional differences in base salaries.

Shreveport, Houma, and Monroe: Among the highest-paying cities, with average salaries ranging from $34,000 to $35,600 per year.
Baton Rouge and New Orleans: Offer competitive pay around $33,000–$34,000, supported by larger early learning networks and higher living costs.
Smaller parishes: Areas such as Denham Springs or Alexandria offer slightly lower pay (around $32,000–$33,000), but often provide a close-knit teaching environment and lower job competition.

The Louisiana preschool teacher job outlook is strong, with continued state investment in early childhood education. Ongoing efforts to expand access to quality preschool are expected to create more classrooms and teaching positions through 2026 and beyond.

Resources and Support Networks

There are several Louisiana early childhood teacher resources to help you navigate this career option:

1. Louisiana Department of Education – Early Childhood Office

This is your go-to for official certification, licensing, and program standards. The Early Childhood Office manages Ready Start Networks, Ancillary Certificates, and professional development programs.

2. Louisiana Association for the Education of Young Children (LAAEYC)

LAAEYC is a statewide professional organization offering workshops, conferences, and networking for early childhood educators. Membership helps teachers stay updated on trends and connect with others in the field.

3. T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Louisiana Scholarship

As one of the best preschool teacher scholarships in Louisiana, this program provides financial aid and scholarships to early childhood educators pursuing degrees or credentials. It covers tuition, books, and paid release time for working teachers.

Other helpful resources include:

Child Care Aware of Louisiana
Louisiana Workforce Commission’s Early Childhood Career Portal
Local Ready Start Networks that provide mentorship and training

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Become a Preschool Teacher in Louisiana

Here are the simple steps to become a preschool teacher in Louisiana:

Earn a degree. Get an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from a state-approved program.
Complete student teaching. Gain supervised classroom experience.
Pass Praxis exams. Take the Praxis Core and Early Childhood Education tests if seeking public school licensure.
Apply for certification. Apply for the Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate or a Louisiana Teaching Certificate.
Complete the requirements. Finish background checks and CPR/First Aid training.
Start teaching. Apply to preschools, public pre-K programs, or Head Start centers.
Maintain certification. Complete professional development to stay certified.

Conclusion

If you want to become a preschool teacher in Louisiana in 2026, now is the best time to start. Louisiana’s commitment to expanding high-quality preschool has increased the demand for trained, passionate teachers. You’ll play a vital role in shaping young learners’ futures, guiding their first steps into a lifetime of curiosity, confidence, and growth.

Start to explore accredited early childhood education programs and connect with the Louisiana Department of Education’s Early Childhood Office for certification guidance. With the right preparation, 2026 could be the year you start inspiring Louisiana’s youngest learners, one preschooler at a time.