How Do I Become a Preschool Teacher in Vermont in 2025

Vermont needs preschool teachers. Badly. Across the state, families are struggling to find high-quality childcare and early learning programs. Classrooms are filling up, waitlists are long, and directors are constantly posting “help wanted” ads. Why? Because the demand for early childhood educators keeps rising, but the supply of qualified teachers isn’t keeping up.

So today, let’s break down the process of how to become a preschool teacher in Vermont. We’re going to cover everything—what education you need, the different licenses and certifications, student teaching requirements, and how to keep your credentials valid. We will also discuss what the job market looks like and even provide financial support to help you along the way.

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Educational Requirements

Here’s where it gets a little layered. Different roles in early childhood education come with different requirements. Not every teaching position in a preschool classroom requires the same degree or license.

Let’s break down the basics of Vermont preschool teacher requirements:

Assistant Teachers

If you want to start as an assistant, the requirements are more accessible:

A high school diploma (or GED)
PLUS one of the following:
- A 30-hour course in child development, or
- Some college credits in early childhood education (ECE)

Assistant roles are a great entry point if you’re brand new to the field and not ready to dive straight into a bachelor’s degree. You’ll still be in the classroom, gaining experience, and you can always move up with more education later.

Lead Teachers

For lead teachers—meaning the person in charge of the classroom—the bar is higher:

At a minimum, you’ll need a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent college coursework in child development.

However, most employers, especially in publicly funded programs like Head Start or pre-K collaborations with school districts, prefer or require a bachelor’s degree.

Preschool Teachers in Vermont Schools

If your goal is to become a licensed preschool teacher in a Vermont public school or pre-K program, the requirements are stricter:

A bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or a closely related field from an accredited program.
Completion of an approved teacher preparation program.

Want to go even further? Vermont recognizes advanced credentials, too. For example:

A Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education or something like a “Master Preschool Teacher” designation can set you apart as a leader. These advanced paths often prepare you for roles in administration, policy, or training other teachers.

So, think of education requirements as a ladder:

Assistant teacher = diploma + training.
Lead teacher = CDA or associate, but a bachelor’s is preferred.
Licensed preschool teacher = bachelor’s + teacher prep.
Leadership roles = master’s or higher.

Licensing and Certification Pathways

What’s next in how to become a preschool teacher in Vermont? Licensure.

If you want to be a fully licensed preschool teacher in a public school or pre-K program, you’ll need to go through the Vermont Agency of Education (AOE).

Here’s how it works:

Traditional Route: State-Issued License

This is the most common pathway:

Earn a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education Vermont 2025 Early Childhood Special Education, or a related field.
Complete an approved teacher preparation program, which includes both coursework and supervised student teaching.
Pass the required Praxis exams:
- Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (reading, writing, math) – unless you qualify for a waiver.
- Praxis Early Childhood Education (5025) for content knowledge.
Complete a minimum 13-week student teaching placement with a licensed mentor teacher.
Undergo a fingerprint-based background check.
Apply for your Initial Level I Educator License through Vermont’s ALiS online system.

After at least three successful years of teaching, you can upgrade to a Level II License (good for five years).

Alternative Routes

Not everyone takes the traditional path. Vermont offers options for those with different backgrounds:

Peer Review: If you didn’t complete a formal teacher preparation program but have the coursework, experience, and competencies, you can compile a portfolio to prove your readiness.
Reciprocity: If you’re already licensed in another state, Vermont may recognize your credentials through the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, though you may still need to meet some Vermont-specific requirements.

Emerging Credentials for Early Childhood Educators

Vermont is also reshaping how it supports the early childhood workforce. Beyond the state teaching license, you may hear about ECE Level I–III Credentials, which recognize educators at different stages of training and experience.

On top of that, proposals like Bill S.119 aim to strengthen and expand early childhood-specific licensure and pathways, giving professionals more flexibility and recognition as the field grows.

Practical Experience & Student Teaching

Before earning a Vermont teaching license in preschool, you’d need practical experience with young children:

Traditional Licensure: At least 13 consecutive weeks of student teaching in a preschool classroom with a licensed mentor teacher, plus regular evaluations.
ECE Credentials or Vermont CDA requirements: Documented supervised work in childcare settings, with supervisor feedback and sometimes a portfolio.

Pro tip: Track your hours, lesson plans, and reflections. Good documentation strengthens both your application and your professional growth.

Continuing Education & License Renewal

Becoming a preschool teacher isn’t a one-and-done deal. After you earn your preschool teacher degree in Vermont and license, you still have to keep learning:

Licensed teachers (AOE): At least 30 hours of professional development every three years to renew. Workshops, grad courses, and online training all count.
CDA & ECE Levels: Typically require 12 hours of annual training, approved by Vermont’s Child Development Division.

Professional growth matters. New brain research, teaching strategies, and state policies come out every year. Staying current not only keeps you certified but also makes you a stronger and more competitive teacher.

Career Outlook & Advancement in Vermont

You’ve gone through the education, the licensing, and the student teaching. What’s waiting for you on the other side?

Job Growth

Preschool teaching jobs in Vermont are projected to grow about 5% through 2028. Thanks to Act 166, which funds universal pre-K, demand for qualified early educators is steady.

Vermont Preschool Teacher Salary

The average preschool teacher earns about $36,000/year, with variation by role:

Assistants: $28,000
Licensed teachers: $40,000+ with benefits
Directors/specialists: $48,000–$75,000

Vermont ECE Certification Pathways

Preschool teaching can grow with you:

Move from assistant to lead teacher with a CDA or Vermont’s ECE I–III ladder.
Specialize in special ed, infant/toddler, or bilingual ed.
Advance into leadership or mentoring roles.
Earn dual licensure (Early Childhood + Special Education) through Vermont State University for broader job options.

Training Options

Lead teachers: CDA or equivalent coursework.
Assistants: High school diploma + training.
Home providers: Must register/license depending on group size.
Online training: ChildCareEd.com offers CDA and certificates (accepted by Vermont’s Northern Lights system).

Financing & Support Resources

Education and licensure don’t come for free.

The good news is Vermont has stepped up to support early educators:

Patty Morgan Scholarship – Helps cover costs for early childhood licensure candidates.
Free Tuition Guarantee – Qualifying Vermonters can attend Vermont State University tuition-free.
Better Together Scholarship – Up to $5,000 for out-of-state students or $2,000 for in-state students, renewable.
International Student Scholarship – Competitive award of up to $3,500 per year for eligible international students.
Flexible Learning – Many programs in Vermont offer online or hybrid options, so you can work while earning your degree.

Step-by-Step Summary & Tips

Here’s a quick summary of the Vermont early childhood certification process.

Choose your education path. CDA? Associate? Bachelor’s? Decide what level matches your goals.
Complete the required coursework through an accredited program.
Get hands-on experience. Practicum, student teaching, or supervised childcare work.
Pass the Praxis exams (Core + Early Childhood).
Apply for Vermont licensure via ALiS—or use Peer Review/Reciprocity if eligible.
Keep your certification alive with professional development.
Look ahead to advancement. Director roles, dual licensure, or even graduate study.

Pro tip: Network early. Get involved with groups like VAEYC (Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children). Attend their events, meet people, and find mentors. Those connections will help you navigate your path and find job opportunities.

Conclusion & Call to Action

You become a preschool teacher in Vermont in 2025 through a mix of education, experience, licensure, and ongoing growth.

The beauty of this field is that Vermont offers multiple entry points. Maybe you’re just out of high school and want to start as an assistant. Maybe you already have a bachelor’s degree and are ready for licensure. Or maybe you’re looking at leadership and advocacy roles down the line. Wherever you start, there’s a pathway forward.

If you’re serious about this career, here’s your next move:

Explore accredited programs at Vermont State University and other local colleges.
Reach out to VAEYC or the Vermont Agency of Education for guidance.
Check out scholarships like the Patty Morgan Scholarship.
And most importantly, take the first step. The earlier you start, the sooner you’ll be shaping the lives of Vermont’s youngest learners.