How Do I Become a Preschool Teacher in West Virginia in 2025

If you’ve ever watched a child light up when they learn something new, you already know how powerful this career can be. In West Virginia, that moment matters more than ever.

Why? Because the state is putting a big emphasis on early childhood education, and demand for qualified preschool teachers is climbing. Families want their children to have a strong start, the state wants higher educational outcomes, and preschool is where it all begins.

However, you need more than just passion to become a preschool teacher in West Virginia. You must meet educational requirements, pass exams, and follow state-specific pathways that change from time to time. And since we’re talking about 2025, there are a few updates you’ll want to know before you jump in.

So today, we’re going to walk you through the entire process to become a preschool teacher in West Virginia. We’ll go step by step, from education, licensure, and student teaching to career outlook, salaries, and even scholarship opportunities.

Related:

Educational Requirements

What do you actually need to become a preschool teacher in West Virginia? Here are the basic West Virginia preschool teacher requirements.

The Standard: A Bachelor’s Degree

If you’re aiming to be a lead preschool teacher in West Virginia, the go-to credential is a Bachelor’s degree. You’ll be expected to know about child psychology, literacy development, curriculum planning, classroom management, and family engagement. A degree gives you that strong foundation. You can pursue one of these areas:

Early Childhood Education (ECE)
Child Development
Preschool Special Needs/Early Childhood Special Education
Or a related education field that includes early childhood coursework

What About Associate Degrees?

Now, let’s say you don’t have four years to spare just yet. With an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education, you can still qualify for assistant roles or entry-level positions in childcare centers. It’s a good starting point if you want to get your foot in the door while you work toward your bachelor’s later.

Coursework You’ll Need

Most approved programs in West Virginia include coursework in:

Child growth and development
Language and literacy instruction
Curriculum and lesson planning
Family and community involvement
Classroom management and guidance
Assessment and observation techniques

If you choose a state-approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP), these courses will already be built into your degree plan.

Licensure & Certification Pathways

To officially become a preschool teacher in West Virginia, you need a license from the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE).

Let’s break it down:

Standard Route: The Traditional Teacher License

Earn a bachelor’s degree from a state-approved EPP.
Complete student teaching as part of your program.
Pass the required Praxis exams:
- Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (basic math, reading, and writing)
- Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT)Praxis Early Childhood Education exam
- Take note: the West Virginia early childhood certification 2025 you may encounter includes:
  - Early Childhood: Content Knowledge (5025) – literacy, math, science, social studies, arts, health
  - Prekindergarten Education (5531) – child development, diversity, family/community
  - Special Education: Preschool/Early Childhood (5691) – disabilities, IFSP/IEP, family partnerships
  - Principles of Learning & Teaching: Early Childhood (5621) – development, instruction, assessment
  - Education of Young Children (5021) – play-based, child-centered learning, birth-age 8
Submit your application through the WVDE online portal, including:
- Official transcripts
- Praxis score reports
- Background check and fingerprinting
- Application fee

Once approved, you’ll receive your teaching license to work as a preschool teacher in West Virginia’s Universal Pre-K system.

Assistant Roles

If you’d rather start smaller, you can go the Assistant Preschool Teacher route. The minimum here is:

High school diploma or GED, plus
Specific coursework or training in early childhood education or preschool special education

This role is a great entry point for people who want to gain classroom experience while continuing their education.

Temporary or Alternative Authorizations

West Virginia also has something called the Community Lead Teacher Authorization. This is designed for people working in preschool classrooms who may not have a bachelor’s degree yet. It’s an annual credential that requires:

Meeting basic coursework or training standards
Completing 6 hours of professional development each year for renewal

It’s not the same as getting the WV preschool teacher license, but it lets you teach while you work toward full licensure.

Supervised Experience & Student Teaching

Student teaching is non-negotiable if you’re going the preschool teacher degree in West Virginia/EPP route.

Here’s what it looks like:

Full-time placement in a preschool classroom (usually during your senior year).
You’ll plan lessons, work with children directly, and manage classroom routines.
A licensed cooperating teacher will mentor you, while university supervisors observe and evaluate your progress.

For assistant teachers or those with temporary authorizations, supervised experience is also key. You’ll need to document your hours, show evidence of training, and sometimes submit evaluations to support your renewal applications.

Continuing Education & Renewal

The West Virginia teacher certification preschool is not a one-time thing. You have to maintain it.

Licensed preschool teachers must complete 15 hours of professional development every year. This can be workshops, college courses, or WVDE-approved training.
You must then pursue a Beginner Educator Internship with a mentor during your first year, plus one of these:
- Six credits of college coursework
- A master’s degree in education
- Or National Board Certification
Temporary or Community Lead Teacher Authorizations require even more attention. You’ll need to complete coursework or online CE, such as two WVDE e-learning courses, to renew annually.

Career Outlook & Compensation

WV Preschool Salary And Outlook

Nationally, preschool teachers earn about $37,130 per year ($17.85/hour). In West Virginia, pay is slightly lower overall.

Role	Median	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Preschool Teachers	$29,540	$42,210	$49,840
Preschool Administrators	$36,080	$46,570	$57,600

Charleston stands out as the best place for preschool careers, with teachers earning $37,030-$51,620 and admins up to $92,990. In contrast, Huntington-Ashland offers lower pay overall, with teachers at $27,590-$51,960 and admins topping at $62,250.

Advancement

Where can this career take you?

Being a Lead Preschool Teacher entails running your own classroom.
As a Preschool Director, you oversee an entire program.
In an Early Childhood Program Administrator role, you shape curriculum and policy at the district or state level.

State Early Childhood Education Context

The West Virginia early childhood educator pathway is actually ahead of the curve in some ways. The state offers Universal Pre-K in every county, guided by Policy 2525 and the Pre-K Standards Framework. That means quality standards are high, and classrooms must meet strict rules like:

Small class sizes: Maximum 20 kids, with a 1:10 adult-to-child ratio
Instructional time: Minimum of 12 hours per week, though many programs offer full-day
Developmentally appropriate practices: Play-based learning, individualized instruction, and social-emotional focus

Scholarships & Financial Assistance

If cost is holding you back, know this—there are options.

State scholarships and grants: West Virginia offers funding programs for future educators, especially in high-need fields like early childhood.
TEACH Early Childhood West Virginia Scholarship Program: Provides financial aid for teachers to earn associate’s, bachelor’s, or even master’s degrees in ECE.
Federal financial aid: Always an option—FAFSA can connect you with Pell Grants, student loans, or work-study.
Start small, then build: Many people begin as assistants with just a diploma or associate’s degree, then use on-the-job experience plus scholarships to advance.

Tips to boost your chances: Apply early (deadlines fill fast), keep your GPA strong, write a personal statement that shows your passion for kids, and don’t be afraid to apply for multiple small scholarships because they add up.

Step-by-Step Summary

Here’s a shortened guide on how to get a preschool license in WV and start teaching.

Choose your degree path—Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education is preferred.
Enroll in a state-approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP).
Complete required coursework in child development, curriculum, and literacy.
Pass the Praxis exams (Core, PLT, and Early Childhood).
Gain student teaching experience under supervision.
Apply for licensure through WVDE (submit transcripts, test scores, and background check).
Maintain your license by completing professional development every year.
Consider advancement from assistant to lead teacher to director/administrator.

Conclusion & Call to Action

So, how do you become a preschool teacher in West Virginia in 2025? You start with the right education, follow the licensure steps, get plenty of hands-on experience, and keep learning even after you’re licensed.

Yes, it takes commitment. Yes, it takes time. But the reward is great!

You’ll play a direct role in shaping the foundation of children’s lives. You’ll give them the tools, confidence, and curiosity to succeed in school and beyond.

And right now, West Virginia needs you. With universal Pre-K expanding, workforce shortages ongoing, and families counting on quality educators, there’s never been a better time to step up.

If you’re just starting, understanding the West Virginia CDA requirements can help you qualify for assistant preschool positions while working toward full teacher licensure.