Early Childhood Education Degree in New York - Best Programs for 2025

What is Early Childhood Education?

New York’s education system is often ranked among the best in the country. Despite the state’s large population, not all young children participate in early childhood education (ECE). Many families still rely on relatives or friends for childcare until kindergarten. However, this trend is starting to shift as more parents are opting for formal early education programs offered by the state. It’s worth noting that preschool teachers in New York must complete much of the same education, certifications, exams, and training as other educators.

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Steps to Become an Early Childhood Education Teacher in New York

New York offers several early childhood education paths, all starting with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college. You’ll need to complete a teacher preparation program, gain hands-on experience, pass required exams, and renew certifications throughout your career, often with ongoing education.

Preschool teaching is a vital role, shaping the future of early childhood education in New York. In just a few years, you can join this growing field. Choose an accredited college that offers a program leading to teacher certification, as not all programs qualify. Start your search today to set yourself up for the best opportunities.

Step 1. Earn Your Degree

A teacher preparation program is essential for teaching in New York. It offers real classroom experience and a first-hand look at life as a professional preschool teacher. You’ll observe and learn from experienced teachers about classroom management and discipline.

After the initial classroom observation, you’ll begin student teaching, also called an internship or field experience. During this phase, you’ll lead the class in various ways, such as preparing lesson plans, teaching, and assessing students under a licensed educator’s supervision. Your performance will be evaluated by both your mentor teacher and your degree program. To qualify for teacher certification in early childhood education in New York, student teaching must last at least 40 days. All approved programs include this preparation, culminating in a bachelor’s degree.

Preschool teacher employers in New York require a bachelor’s degree, often in early childhood education, child development, elementary education for aspiring kindergarten teachers, or a related field. The program must be state-approved for teacher certification. You might also consider certifications in parent and infant development or early intervention.

Your courses will focus on early childhood education and development, teaching you how to structure classrooms and educational platforms effectively. You'll also learn strategies for teaching subjects like math and literacy to young children. Many programs require an internship or student teaching, along with a recommendation from your college confirming your readiness to apply for certification. Additionally, all teachers in New York must complete a workshop on the ‘Dignity For All Students Act,’ often offered during your program.

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Step 2. Pass Your Exams

New York, as with a few other states, has created their own teacher certification exams. These are called the New York State Teacher Certification Examinations. Depending on how you complete your teacher preparation program, you may have to take a different test. These tests include: the Academic Literacy Skills Test (Reading/Writing); the Educating All Students Test (teaching responsibilities, diverse populations, ESL Learners, and Special Needs Students); the Content Speciality Test – Multi-Subject: Teachers of Early Childhood or Birth-Grade 2 (Literacy and English Language, Math, Arts, and Sciences); and the edTPA-Early Childhood (Readiness to Lead a Classroom). Testing stations are available all over New York.

You will have to meet the optimal score range to pass each test. Each exam tests you on various aspects of education and teaching. You will be tested on the subject matter you are required to teach and other general subjects, such as math, science, arts, and literacy. And all teachers will be required to complete the New York State Teacher Certification Examination, including preschool teachers.

Step 3. Initial and Professional Certification

All teachers require an initial certificate to begin teaching. You can choose between several different types of certificates and pathways to certification based on your existing situation. The Initial Certificate is valid for five years and is considered the entry-level teaching certification. You can also apply for a Professional Certificate once you complete the mandated professional development hours for teaching. If you are a pupil personnel professional, you must complete the Provisional Certificate. This certificate is also valid for five years. And the Permanent Certificate is the advanced certificate for individuals in the pupil personnel career path. It is valid for life or until revoked.

Step 4. Maintain and Upgrade Your Certificate

You must maintain and upgrade your teaching certificates to advance your career. During your first year of teaching, you will be observed and mentored. After you complete three years of full-time teaching, you can apply for the Professional Certificate. Once you have your Professional Certificate, you still have to complete at least 175 professional development hours every five years. These hours must be reported to the New York State Education Department to qualify. For those who wish to be a preschool teacher or a childcare provider at a school that is not public, you will be required to complete additional child care provider training requirements. These will vary based on the employer.

Popular Career Choices:

Preschool Teacher
Kindergarten Teacher
Elementary School Teacher
Special Education Teacher

Additional Specialization Certifications

Specializations and advanced certificates have the ability to increase your annual salary and provide you with better job opportunities. While professional development is required, advanced certification from colleges and universities is not required by the state. However, the more professional certifications and degrees you complete the better your pay opportunities will be in the end. You might consider specializing in any number of areas, such as special education, STEM or a foreign language. It is also a good idea to remain active in state and national professional organizations as a way to network, learn the latest teaching techniques, and to improve your skill set.

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Potential Careers and Salaries for Graduates

The New York State Education Department and the University of the State of New York provide a number of ECE programs. Some of such programs include child care, Early Head Start, Head Start, and Universal Pre-Kindergarten. While the programs exist for all students throughout the state it is important to note that the funding and amenities vary greatly from one region to another. One of the most progressive and advanced goals of the state’s early childhood programs is to provide preschool for all children aged three. And because the state is so heavily populated you will have a wide array of job opportunities in any number of ECE positions.

Occupation	Entry-Level	Mid-Career	Late-Career
Preschool Teacher	$38,500	$36,900	$50,000
Elementary School Teacher	$48,600	$60,000	$70,900
Professor of Education	$60,200	$97,000	$105,000
Preschool Director	$37,400	$39,600	$44,700
Special Education Teacher	$55,500	$60,900	$80,500
ESL Teacher	$37,800	$41,400	$56,800
School Psychologist	$60,100	$66,300	$88,000