How Do I Become a Preschool Teacher in Delaware in 2026

Preschool education plays a key role in shaping how children grow socially, emotionally, and academically. It’s during these years that kids learn to share, explore, ask questions, and express themselves. Teachers who guide them through that stage help lay the foundation for lifelong learning and confidence.

Delaware’s push for high-quality early learning is opening doors for people who dream of becoming preschool teachers. Across the state, from Wilmington to Dover and Rehoboth Beach, more families are enrolling their kids in early learning programs than ever before. This growing demand means passionate educators have a chance to make a real impact while building a stable career.

This guide breaks down how to become a preschool teacher in Delaware by 2026. You’ll find all the right preschool teacher requirements in Delaware here.

Related:

Why Teach Preschool in Delaware?

The Delaware preschool teacher demand is on the rise because of:

Expanded pre-K access through public school partnerships.
Increased funding for early learning programs.
A growing focus on improving teacher quality through credentials and professional development.

Delaware is investing heavily in early education through state-funded initiatives. One of the biggest is the Delaware Stars for Early Success and Early Childhood Assistance Programs (ECAP). The state recognizes that early learning directly affects school readiness and long-term achievement. As a result, there’s a consistent and growing Delaware preschool teacher demand.

Teachers can find early childhood jobs in Delaware in various settings:

Public schools embrace early childhood programs that are becoming part of district offerings.
Private childcare centers and faith-based preschools value educators with specialized training.
Head Start programs serve low-income families across the state.

Education Requirements

The process on how to become a preschool teacher in Delaware starts with the proper education. At a minimum, preschool teachers in Delaware need an associate degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE).

However, many employers, especially public schools, prefer or require a bachelor’s degree.

The Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) encourages teachers to earn a degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field, such as the following:

Child Development: Focuses on how children grow, learn, and behave. This foundation helps future preschool teachers understand developmental milestones and create age-appropriate lessons.
Human Services: Covers family dynamics and community support systems. This prepares teachers to work closely with families and support children’s social and emotional needs.
Elementary Education: Emphasizes teaching methods and classroom management. It gives ECE graduates strong skills for guiding young learners in structured school settings.

Typical coursework for an early childhood education degree in Delaware includes:

Child growth and development
Early literacy and language development
Creative arts and play-based learning
Curriculum planning and classroom management
Assessment and observation methods

Programs at Delaware colleges, such as the University of Delaware, Delaware State University, and Delaware Technical Community College, offer strong early childhood education pathways that meet preschool teacher education requirements Delaware.

Delaware Teacher Licensing and Certification

The next step is earning a Delaware preschool teacher certification through the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE).

Levels of Licensure

Delaware issues licenses based on grade levels and specialization. Preschool teachers fall under the Early Childhood Teacher License (Birth–Grade 2) category.

To qualify, candidates must:

Hold an approved ECE degree.
Complete student teaching or practicum hours.
Pass state-approved certification exams.

Testing Requirements

To qualify, Delaware teacher license for Early Childhood applicants must pass:

Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators: tests basic reading, writing, and math skills.
Praxis II: Early Childhood Education (5025): measures knowledge in early learning content and pedagogy.

The DDOE sets passing scores, and the scores can be submitted through the ETS testing portal. Here are some top tips to pass:

Start early. Review test outlines from ETS and focus on weaker subject areas.
Use official prep guides. Praxis study companions and practice tests mirror real exam formats.
Join a study group. Discussing sample questions helps reinforce understanding.
Simulate test day. Take timed practice tests to build focus and pacing.

Renewal and Continuing Education

Delaware teaching licenses are valid for five years. To renew, teachers must complete continuing education or professional development hours through approved programs. Workshops, conferences, and online courses through PDIS (Professional Development Information System) count toward renewal.

Additional Requirements

Beyond degrees and exams, Delaware teachers must meet other essential criteria before stepping into the classroom.

Background Checks

All preschool teachers must pass the Delaware preschool teacher background check. This process includes fingerprinting through the Delaware State Bureau of Identification (SBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). These checks ensure student safety and are required before employment.

Health Screenings and Immunizations

Other early childhood teaching requirements in Delaware include up-to-date immunization records and health screenings. These requirements verify they’re fit to work with young children.

CPR and First Aid Certification

Maintaining valid CPR and First Aid certifications is part of the early childhood teaching requirements that Delaware enforces. Teachers must know how to respond in emergencies involving infants and children. Most certifications must be renewed every two years.

Career Pathways for Preschool Teachers in Delaware

Preschool teachers in Delaware have multiple career options depending on their education and credentials.

Public vs. Private Preschool Settings

Public schools often require a teaching license and offer benefits like retirement plans and paid leave.
Private preschools and childcare centers may accept ECAP or credentialed teachers and provide flexible schedules.

Specialized Areas

Some teachers pursue preschool teacher jobs in Delaware with niche roles such as:

Inclusive education supports children with special needs.
Bilingual early education is for classrooms serving diverse communities.
Head Start teaching focuses on developmental and social-emotional growth for at-risk children.

Leadership and Advancement

With experience, preschool teachers can advance into early childhood career paths in Delaware, like the following:

A Lead Teacher oversees classroom activities, mentors assistant teachers, and ensures lessons meet learning goals.
A Center Director manages the entire preschool or childcare center, including staff, budgets, and compliance with state regulations.
A Program Coordinator designs and evaluates early childhood programs, supporting curriculum planning and teacher development.

Those with advanced credentials can move into policy, training, or curriculum design roles at the state or district level.

Salary and Job Outlook

According to recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average preschool teacher salary in Delaware is $62,260.

Public schools and Head Start programs often pay more due to state or federal funding.
Private childcare centers may offer slightly lower salaries but more flexible hours.

Salaries vary by region and employer:

Teachers in Wilmington and New Castle County typically earn more due to higher living costs.
Educators in Kent and Sussex Counties may earn slightly less but benefit from smaller class sizes and community-based schools.

Plus, the Delaware preschool teacher job outlook through 2034 looks strong. It is expected to grow about 7% over the next five years.

Resources and Support Networks

Completing the process on how to become a preschool teacher in Delaware is easier with the right resources and support systems. Fortunately, Delaware offers several organizations and programs that guide teachers through certification, training, and ongoing development.

Delaware Institute for Excellence in Early Childhood (DIEEC)

The DIEEC, based at the University of Delaware, provides professional development, coaching, and resources for childcare professionals across the state.

Delaware Stars for Early Success

This quality rating system helps programs improve their standards and gives teachers access to training, networking, and recognition opportunities.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Students can also access preschool teacher scholarships in Delaware, such as the following:

T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Delaware provides scholarships for ECE degrees and ongoing coursework.
State and federal financial aid is available through FAFSA and local education grants.

These resources not only reduce costs but also help teachers advance through the state’s credential levels.

Step-by-Step Path to Becoming a Preschool Teacher in Delaware

Here’s a quick summary of the steps to become a preschool teacher in Delaware:

Earn an ECE degree. Complete an associate or bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
Gain classroom experience. Finish student teaching or a practicum as part of your program.
Pass the Praxis exams. Take and pass the Praxis Core and Praxis II Early Childhood tests.
Apply for your license. Submit your application to the Delaware Department of Education with official transcripts and test scores.
Complete the additional requirements. Finish fingerprinting, background checks, and health screenings.
Maintain and renew your credentials. Renew your license every five years and continue professional learning through PDIS or DIEEC programs.

Conclusion

Delaware’s commitment to quality early education makes 2026 an excellent time to become a preschool teacher. With new funding, expanding preschool programs, and strong state support, aspiring educators can find rewarding opportunities to teach and grow.

For anyone wondering how to become a preschool teacher in Delaware in 2026, the path is clear.

Start with the proper education.
Meet the preschool teacher requirements that Delaware has set.
Take advantage of the many resources available.