How Do I Become a Preschool Teacher in Wyoming in 2025

You’ve probably noticed how much early childhood education is getting attention these days. Wyoming, like most states, has realized that those first five years are absolutely critical. And when I say critical, I mean brain-building, foundation-laying, life-shaping kind of critical.

Now, 2025 is a big year because there’s a rollout of new pathways to become a preschool teacher in Wyoming. Between licensure changes, apprenticeship pilots, and more flexible endorsements, there are more doors open than ever before. So if you’ve been wondering, “What do I need to do actually to become a preschool teacher in Wyoming?” this guide is for you.

Here’s the roadmap we’ll cover today:

Wyoming preschool teacher requirements and the different pathways you can take.
What licenses and endorsements you’ll need (and how to get them).
The tests you’ll have to pass.
How reciprocity works if you’re moving in from another state.
The real deal on salaries, job outlook, and what kind of continuing education is expected.

Related:

Educational Requirements & Pathways

Let’s start with your education. Wyoming doesn’t believe in a one-size-fits-all path here. Depending on what role you want, how fast you want to get there, and whether you’re eyeing public schools or private centers, your path could look different.

Here’s an overlook of the different Wyoming preschool teacher requirements:

University of Wyoming Birth–Five Endorsement

One of the newer and more flexible options is the Birth–Five Endorsement at the University of Wyoming. This endorsement is designed for educators who specifically want to work with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.

You can complete it online, in person, or in a hybrid format.
It gives you solid training in child development, curriculum planning, and family engagement.
It’s shorter than a full bachelor’s degree if you already have a foundation.

Bachelor’s in Education + Teacher Prep Program

If your dream is to teach in a public school setting, you’re going to need a Bachelor’s degree in Education plus a teacher preparation program.

You’ll need to attend an accredited four-year college.
Complete student teaching as part of your preparation.
Graduate with eligibility to apply for Initial Licensure through the Professional Teaching Standards Board (PTSB).

This is the “traditional preschool teaching pathway in Wyoming,” and while it’s a bigger time commitment, it sets you up for more long-term career stability and usually better pay.

Alternative to a Full Degree

Maybe you’re not ready to commit to a bachelor’s yet. That doesn’t mean you can’t get started.

Many assistant teacher or support staff roles in Wyoming preschools only require:

A Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
Or partial college credits in early childhood education.
Sometimes a high school diploma plus training if you’re in smaller childcare centers.

Licensing & Endorsements

To become a preschool teacher in Wyoming, you’ll also need to think about licensing and endorsements. This is where things can get a little technical.

Early Childhood Birth–Age 8 Endorsement

If you’re aiming to teach preschool through third grade in a public school setting, you’ll likely need the Early Childhood Birth–Age 8 Endorsement.

The big requirement here is the Praxis II: Education of Young Children (5024) exam.

Passing score: 160 or higher
Covers child development, curriculum, assessment, and family/community relationships

Licensure via the Professional Teaching Standards Board (PTSB)

All Wyoming teachers—preschool or otherwise—go through the PTSB. To get licensed, you’ll need to:

Complete the Wyoming preschool approval process.
Finish student teaching.
Pass a background check.
Show knowledge of the U.S. and Wyoming Constitutions (yes, really).

That last one sometimes surprises people. But it’s a standard part of Wyoming licensing.

Teacher Apprenticeship Pilots

The latest early childhood certification in Wyoming 2025 is the teacher apprenticeship pilot program. Instead of taking on years of debt before you can even teach, these programs let you:

Work in a classroom while earning your credentials.
Get paid as you learn.
Have a mentor teacher guide you through the process.

This is a huge opportunity for people who want a more hands-on, less traditional entry into teaching.

Testing & Reciprocity

Praxis Exams Required

Here are the key Wyoming Praxis requirements for ECE:

Praxis II: Education of Young Children (#5024) requires a passing score of 160.
Praxis Pre-K Education (#5531) requires 155 as the passing score.
Praxis Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (#5023) requires a passing score of 166.

Each of these exams tests slightly different angles of early childhood knowledge. Which one you take depends on your program and the Wyoming early childhood endorsement you’re chasing.

Out-of-State Reciprocity

If your teacher prep program is regionally accredited and you already hold a license in another state, you can qualify for the Wyoming teacher reciprocity preschool program. However, you’ll still need to:

Pass a background check.
Possibly take additional coursework if your old program didn’t cover Wyoming-specific requirements.

Experience & Student Teaching

Acquiring the right education and acing examinations are important, but nothing replaces hands-on classroom experience.

Student Teaching

All licensure pathways include student teaching. This is a semester or so where you step into the classroom under supervision. You’ll:

Practice lesson planning.
Work directly with children.
Learn the ropes of classroom management.

Apprenticeship Experience

If you’re in the new apprenticeship program, your experience looks a little different. Instead of unpaid student teaching, you’ll:

Work in a classroom as a paid employee.
Have an assigned mentor.
Gradually take on more responsibility until you’re teaching full-time.

Continuing Education & Renewal

Alright, you already have your Wyoming preschool teacher license. But don’t pack away the books just yet.

PTSB License Renewal

Wyoming requires teachers to complete professional development credits every certification cycle to renew their license. This could be workshops, graduate classes, or in-service training.

Childcare Regulations Training

If you’re working in a childcare or private preschool regulated by the Department of Family Services (DFS), you’ll need 30 hours of training every two years. Topics include:

Health and safety.
Child development.
Nutrition.
Positive guidance strategies.

Career Outlook & Compensation

Salary Data

The average Wyoming preschool teacher salary sits around $32,500 per year.
If you’ve got credentials, endorsements, and public school placement, you can hit $40,000+.
Administrative roles, such as preschool directors, can go even higher.

Not millionaire money, but stable, with benefits if you’re in the public system.

Job Growth Projection

Here’s the encouraging part: Wyoming expects about 10% growth in preschool teaching jobs over the next five years.

Urban areas like Cheyenne and Casper will likely see the most demand.
Rural areas often face shortages, too. So, if you’re willing to work outside the big cities, your skills will be in high demand.

Step-by-Step Summary Table

Step 1: Choose your education path. You can select either the Birth–Five endorsement or a bachelor’s degree paired with a licensure program.
Step 2: Complete your teacher preparation requirements, which include coursework and student teaching (or, if available, an apprenticeship option).
Step 3: Pass the required Praxis exams along with the Wyoming Constitution exam.
Step 4: Apply for your Early Childhood endorsement through the Professional Teaching Standards Board (PTSB).
Step 5: If you’re looking for flexibility, consider the apprenticeship route as an alternative to licensure.
Step 6: Once licensed, keep your credential active by completing continuing education every renewal cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can an existing teacher add the Early Childhood endorsement?

Yes! Licensed Wyoming teachers in other fields can test into or complete coursework for the Early Childhood Birth–Age 8 endorsement.

Q: Is the Birth–Five endorsement valid for public preschools?

It depends. Some public programs tied directly to K–12 may require the broader Early Childhood Birth–Age 8 endorsement, but private and community preschools often accept Birth–Five.

Q: How does the apprenticeship program work?

You work while earning your license—paid, mentored, and gradually taking on teaching duties. It’s new in 2024–25, so details may vary by district.

Q: What are the reciprocity requirements for out-of-state educators?

You’ll need a regionally accredited program, an active license in your home state, and a background check. Some extra coursework may be required.

Q: Do endorsements or licenses expire?

Yes. All licenses and endorsements must be renewed on a regular cycle, usually every 5 years, with proof of continuing education.

Conclusion & Call to Action

So, how do you become a preschool teacher in Wyoming in 2025? You’ve got options.

Want flexibility? Try the Birth–Five Endorsement.
Want stability in public schools? Go the Bachelor’s + licensure route.
Want hands-on, debt-friendly training? Look at the new apprenticeship programs.

And remember, it’s not just about checking boxes. Preschool teaching is about shaping Wyoming’s youngest learners, setting them up for success, and making a real difference in families’ lives.

If this path excites you, here are a few more advice to become a preschool teacher in Wyoming:

Explore the University of Wyoming programs.
Check your district for apprenticeship opportunities.
Stay updated with the PTSB requirements.

Wyoming needs passionate, trained early educators. If that’s you, 2025 could be your year to step into the classroom.