What is Early Childhood Education (ECE)?
Kansas, has historically faced challenges in public education, though it has moved up and now ranks 25th in the nation. However, the state excels in areas like children’s well-being, focusing on the health and development of its youngest citizens. In recent years, Kansas has made significant strides to improve public education, including investing in early childhood education. As a result, the demand for qualified preschool teachers has increased, creating plentiful opportunities to contribute to this growing sector.
If you’re interested in becoming a preschool teacher in Kansas, it’s important to understand the state’s focus on improving early childhood education. Preschool teachers play a key role in fostering lifelong learning, social skills, and emotional development. While Kansas works on addressing challenges in K-12 education, preschool educators are essential in providing quality care during a child's early years.
To become a preschool teacher in Kansas, you’ll typically need at least a bachelor's teaching degree. Many pursue a Bachelor’s in ECE, which enhances job prospects and opens opportunities for higher-paying and leadership roles. Kansas offers accredited programs both online and in-person. You may also need to complete state-mandated coursework, exams, and background checks to obtain a Kansas teaching license.
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Steps to Become an Early Childhood Education Teacher in Kansas
As in every state in the country, there are certain minimum requirements you must obtain to qualify as a preschool teacher in Kansas. If you are high school student considering this as a career path, then you should speak with a counselor to see what classes you may want to take in your junior and senior years to best prepare for college in this area of study. You might also look for opportunities to work as a teacher's assistant, as this could help as you pursue this career.
The state already ranks well in the category of childhood well-being. Because the state recognizes the importance of early childhood education it is now collaborating with organizations that specialize in this area. Some of the organizations include the Kansas Preschool Program and the Foundations for School Success.
Numerous studies across the nation have demonstrated that students that enter pre-kindergarten programs consistently do better throughout their school years than those who did not attend those programs. This has led most states to implement these to a greater degree and this includes Kansas. For this reason, the state is seeking passionate educators to play a major role in this pursuit.
Step 1. Get Your Degree and Complete an Educator Prep Program
The Kansas Department of Education requires public preschool teachers to have at least a bachelor's degree in early childhood education, covering general and professional studies. Key subjects include language development, child assessment, human development, behavior management, and exceptional development. A teaching practicum is also required.
You must complete a state-approved educator preparation program, which is included in approved education degree programs. This prepares you to apply for licensure upon graduation. Out-of-state teachers who have completed an approved program may have their credentials accepted in Kansas.
You must complete training for blood-borne pathogens, pass a TB skin test, undergo a criminal background check, and be approved by both the educator preparation program and the school where you plan to teach.
The teaching practicum typically lasts two semesters in an age-appropriate classroom. Activities include assisting the teacher, preparing lesson plans, and possibly taking over the classroom. A senior teacher will mentor and evaluate your performance.
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Step 2. Pass the Teacher Certification Exams
Very similar to other states, Kansas has a number of tests that preschool teacher candidates must pass to demonstrate their preparedness to be an effective teacher in the state. Kansas uses the PRAXIS exams, which include pedagogy and content assessments. The Kansas educational testing service delivers these assessments. They test your level of basic skills that you have learned in your educator preparation program.
When taking the pedagogy assessment, you will be required to get a score of 160 or better. The test for education of young children will require a score of 160 or better as well. These tests are offered in a number of locations throughout Kansas. Please check the ETS website for where their facilities are found in Kansas.
Step 3. Apply for Your Teaching License in Kansas
Once you have successfully finished your degree and taken all of your required exams, you will be eligible to apply for your teacher's license in Kansas. Presuming you went through an educator preparation program in the state, it is from your college or university that you will obtain this application. A licensure officer will be able to assist you with the process. They will work with you to begin the process. Both the application process and the payment of fees can be completed online.
Those who have completed an educator preparation program in another state will be required to do an initial out-of-state application. A fingerprint card will also be necessary. Any teacher who received their credentials from another country will use an out-of-country application and a fingerprint card. Generally speaking, the majority of information and documents can be submitted online.
Step 4. Maintain and Upgrade Your License
The initial license you receive will be good for two years. During those two years you will need to enter and complete the induction and mentoring program for the state at the school you're teaching at. You will need to have the completion of your induction/mentoring program verified by the administrator of your school in order for you to be able to upgrade your license to a professional license.
A professional license must be renewed every five years. During these five years the state requires you to receive continuing education, which is what will allow you to renew your teaching license. Those with a four-year undergraduate degree will need to complete 160 PDP (Professional Development Points). These will be taken within an individual professional development plan and must be by an approved local development council. A minimum of 80 PDP's has to come from college courses. The school district you work in will help you develop your plan. Those with a graduate degree will need 120 PDP.
Popular Career Choices:
- Preschool Teacher
- Kindergarten Teacher
- Elementary School Teacher
- Special Education Teacher
Top Teaching Programs in Kansas
- Kansas State University
This university has earned a reputation for having an exceptionally safe campus. Here you can get the level of education that you want. They offer a bachelor's degree in elementary education that is good for K-6. They also offer postgraduate and doctoral degree options.
Degrees Offered:- Bilingual and Multilingual Education; Post-grad Certificate
- School Counseling and Guidance Services; MS. & Dr.
- Curriculum and Instruction; MS. & Dr.
- Education/Teaching of Individuals with Autism; Post-grad Certificate
- Educational Leadership and Administration; MS. & Dr.
- Elementary Education and Teaching; BS. & MS.
- Special Education and Teaching; MS. & Dr.
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services: MS.
Accreditation By: Regional Accreditation by The Higher Learning Commission; Education Program Accreditation by NCATE
- The University of Saint Mary
This is a liberal arts school. You can get a quality bachelor's degree in elementary education and those that want to go on to complete a postgraduate degree in education can do so on campus or they can choose the online option. For some, completing their postgraduate degree online is a convenient way to add to their credentials while working a full-time job.
Degrees Offered:- Curriculum and Instruction; MS.
- Education, General; BS. & MS.
- Education/Teaching of Individuals with Orthopedic and Other Physical Health Impairments; MS.
- Education/Teaching of the Gifted and Talented; MS.
- Educational Leadership and Administration; MS.
- Elementary Education and Teaching; BS. & MS.
- Special Education and Teaching; MS.
Accreditation By: Regional Accreditation by The Higher Learning Commission; Education Program Accreditation by NCATE
- The University of Kansas
This is the biggest of all the universities in the state. Here you can get a bachelor's degree in early childhood education that is good for birth through grade 3 as well as elementary education that is good for K-6. In addition, you can also take a choice of postgraduate and doctoral degrees.
Degrees Offered:- Curriculum and Instruction; MS. & Dr.
- Early Childhood Education and Teaching; BS.
- Education/Teaching of Individuals with Autism; Post-grad Certificate
- Educational Administration and Supervision; MS.
- Educational Leadership and Administration; Dr.
- Elementary Education and Teaching; BS.
- Physical Education Teaching and Coaching; BS., MS., & Dr.
- Reading Teacher Education; Post-grad Certificate
- Special Education and Teaching; MS., Dr., & Post-grad Certificate
Accreditation By: Regional Accreditation by The Higher Learning Commission; Education Program Accreditation by NCATE
- Fort Hays State University
This is a school that has earned a reputation for offering a solid education for a very affordable price. You can earn a BS in early childhood education. The programs here are good for teaching children from birth to 8 years old. The school also offers the ability to complete the program completely online.
Degrees Offered:- School Counseling and Guidance Services; MS.
- Education, General; MS.
- Educational Leadership and Administration; MS.
- Elementary Education and Teaching; BS.
- Physical Education Teaching and Coaching; BS. & MS.
- Special Education and Teaching; BS. & MS.
Accreditation By: Regional Accreditation by The Higher Learning Commission; Education Program Accreditation by NCATE
Potential Careers and Salaries for Graduates
All of the requirements listed above are for those who plan on working in the public-school system. Those who plan on working in other venues, such as child care facilities will be regulated by the Department of Health and Environment for the state of Kansas.
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- Group Day Care
To work in one of these facilities the state requires you to be at least 18 years old. It will also be necessary to be certified in first aid and CPR and have some childcare training. Anyone wanting to work in a group daycare will need to submit to a KBI criminal history as well as a background check for child neglect and child abuse. - Licensed Day Care
To work in a licensed daycare the state requires that you are a minimum of 18 years old. It is also necessary to have training in CPR and first aid, along with childcare training. You will need to submit to a criminal history as well as a background check to make sure you've never been charged with child neglect or child abuse. - Preschools
This type of facility will have a program director that has met the state required qualifications and this director must be on staff full-time. The director will have to meet all of the background checks and training and the staff will as well. The facility itself will provide education for children ages 30 months to kindergarten. Sessions cannot last more than 3 hours. - Child Care Centers
This type of facility requires a full-time program director and the qualifications the director must meet is dependent on how many children are in the facility. The state sets the requirements for both the director and its staff based on their criteria that will include all appropriate background checks. This facility-type can take children as young as two weeks old and sessions can range between 3 hours and up.
The state is pushing to improve its overall performance in public education and they are putting an emphasis on early childhood. For this reason, it is projected by some experts that the position will have a solid 10% growth over the next several years. The salary offered depends on several factors and they include qualifications, where in the state you are teaching, and length of time that you've been teaching. On the low end, a preschool teacher might earn in the low $20,000 a year range and a bit over $40,000 a year on the high end. On average, a preschools teacher in the state typically earns around $30,000 a year.
Kansas is serious about improving its overall reputation for public education and it recognizes the importance of teaching children at a young age to get them off to a good start. For this reason, they are seeking highly motivated preschool teachers, and this means it's a great opportunity for those who would like to enter this career path. With the job growth projections being solid and the salaries for the areas cost-of-living being reasonable, it is a great choice for those who really want to play a role in helping children get off to a great start in school.
Occupations/Salaries
| Occupation | Entry-Level | Mid-Career | Late-Career |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preschool Teacher | $28,500 | $30,900 | $34,200 |
| Elementary School Principle | $48,700 | $51,500 | $58,600 |
| Special Education Teacher, ECE | $47,900 | $42,800 | $58,000 |
| Postsecondary Professor | $80,600 | $92,200 | $99,400 |
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