University Headquarters (HQ) is an industry-leading, independent educational organization that provides independent college rankings using a proprietary formula to create first class, unbiased rankings. The team at University HQ strives to provide accurate and trustworthy rankings that highlight the best programs for early childhood education in New York.
What is Early Childhood Education?
The education system in New York is consistently considered to be near the top in the country on all state rating listings. With one of the largest populations in the country, early childhood education (ECE) is not utilized by all young children. Many people still utilize family members and friends to care for their children until they are required to send them to kindergarten. This is beginning to change in New York, with more and more parents choosing formal early childhood education programs provided by the state. It is important to note that all teachers in New York must complete the same education, certifications, exams and training to be a preschool teacher.
Featured Early Childhood Education Programs
Top Ranked Campus & Online Early Childhood Education Programs in New York
New York University
Score: 88.62
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $60,438
- Out-of-State: $60,438
- Net Price: $29,499
- Acceptance Rate: 12%
- Retention Rate: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 87%
- Total Enrollment: 59,144
- Undergrad Students: 29,401
- Graduate Students: 29,743
- Grads Salary: $87,000
- Student-to-faculty: 8:1
CUNY City College
Score: 81.07
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,340
- Out-of-State: $15,290
- Net Price: $5,181
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 59%
- Total Enrollment: 14,489
- Undergrad Students: 11,929
- Graduate Students: 2,560
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Yeshiva University
Score: 79.46
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $49,900
- Out-of-State: $49,900
- Net Price: $35,912
- Acceptance Rate: 63%
- Retention Rate: 92%
- Graduation Rate: 85%
- Total Enrollment: 6,056
- Undergrad Students: 2,866
- Graduate Students: 3,190
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 7:1
CUNY Brooklyn College
Score: 78.47
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,452
- Out-of-State: $15,402
- Net Price: $5,972
- Acceptance Rate: 55%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 14,195
- Undergrad Students: 11,661
- Graduate Students: 2,534
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
CUNY Hunter College
Score: 78.43
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,382
- Out-of-State: $15,332
- Net Price: $4,848
- Acceptance Rate: 48%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 22,970
- Undergrad Students: 17,256
- Graduate Students: 5,714
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
New York Institute of Technology
Score: 77.54
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $44,360
- Out-of-State: $44,360
- Net Price: $22,494
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 6,906
- Undergrad Students: 3,453
- Graduate Students: 3,453
- Grads Salary: $91,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
SUNY at Albany
Score: 77.26
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,408
- Out-of-State: $28,998
- Net Price: $17,714
- Acceptance Rate: 68%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 66%
- Total Enrollment: 16,658
- Undergrad Students: 12,264
- Graduate Students: 4,394
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
CUNY Queens College
Score: 77.19
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,538
- Out-of-State: $15,488
- Net Price: $6,434
- Acceptance Rate: 69%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 17,001
- Undergrad Students: 14,406
- Graduate Students: 2,595
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
State University of New York at New Paltz
Score: 75.43
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,524
- Out-of-State: $18,434
- Net Price: $19,592
- Acceptance Rate: 58%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 73%
- Total Enrollment: 6,964
- Undergrad Students: 6,090
- Graduate Students: 874
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
CUNY Lehman College
Score: 75.42
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,410
- Out-of-State: $15,360
- Net Price: $4,974
- Acceptance Rate: 55%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Total Enrollment: 13,015
- Undergrad Students: 11,211
- Graduate Students: 1,804
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
SUNY Cortland
Score: 74.4
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,815
- Out-of-State: $18,725
- Net Price: $18,304
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 6,690
- Undergrad Students: 5,993
- Graduate Students: 697
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
SUNY Oneonta
Score: 74.17
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,812
- Out-of-State: $19,232
- Net Price: $18,129
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 75%
- Total Enrollment: 5,430
- Undergrad Students: 4,859
- Graduate Students: 571
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Fordham University
Score: 73.44
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $61,992
- Out-of-State: $61,992
- Net Price: $43,943
- Acceptance Rate: 54%
- Retention Rate: 88%
- Graduation Rate: 83%
- Total Enrollment: 16,556
- Undergrad Students: 10,098
- Graduate Students: 6,458
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Utica University
Score: 73.23
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $24,308
- Out-of-State: $24,308
- Net Price: $22,372
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 58%
- Total Enrollment: 3,861
- Undergrad Students: 2,678
- Graduate Students: 1,183
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Pace University
Score: 73.12
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $51,424
- Out-of-State: $51,424
- Net Price: $33,363
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 61%
- Total Enrollment: 13,609
- Undergrad Students: 8,223
- Graduate Students: 5,386
- Grads Salary: $89,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Hofstra University
Score: 73.09
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $55,450
- Out-of-State: $55,450
- Net Price: $35,036
- Acceptance Rate: 69%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 68%
- Total Enrollment: 10,238
- Undergrad Students: 6,110
- Graduate Students: 4,128
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Monroe College
Score: 72.96
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,922
- Out-of-State: $17,922
- Net Price: $9,157
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 7,011
- Undergrad Students: 5,916
- Graduate Students: 1,095
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Monroe College-Bronx
Score: 70.76
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,922
- Out-of-State: $17,922
- Net Price: $9,157
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 7,011
- Undergrad Students: 5,916
- Graduate Students: 1,095
- Grads Salary: $64,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
SUNY Brockport
Score: 70.17
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,678
- Out-of-State: $15,748
- Net Price: $16,261
- Acceptance Rate: 68%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 63%
- Total Enrollment: 6,424
- Undergrad Students: 5,149
- Graduate Students: 1,275
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Daemen University
Score: 69.11
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $33,724
- Out-of-State: $33,724
- Net Price: $20,273
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 2,642
- Undergrad Students: 1,782
- Graduate Students: 860
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Mercy University
Score: 69.1
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $22,106
- Out-of-State: $22,106
- Net Price: $15,879
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Total Enrollment: 8,615
- Undergrad Students: 6,379
- Graduate Students: 2,236
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Long Island University
Score: 67.68
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $41,642
- Out-of-State: $41,642
- Net Price: $25,802
- Acceptance Rate: 93%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 48%
- Total Enrollment: 15,737
- Undergrad Students: 11,319
- Graduate Students: 4,418
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
SUNY College at Potsdam
Score: 67.02
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,712
- Out-of-State: $18,622
- Net Price: $15,310
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 2,427
- Undergrad Students: 2,082
- Graduate Students: 345
- Grads Salary: $64,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
SUNY Buffalo State
Score: 65.3
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,486
- Out-of-State: $18,906
- Net Price: $13,812
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 49%
- Graduation Rate: 36%
- Total Enrollment: 6,445
- Undergrad Students: 5,464
- Graduate Students: 981
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
SUNY at Fredonia
Score: 64.07
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,771
- Out-of-State: $19,191
- Net Price: $15,795
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 60%
- Total Enrollment: 3,491
- Undergrad Students: 3,212
- Graduate Students: 279
- Grads Salary: $53,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Steps to Become an Early Childhood Education Teacher in New York
New York has a number of early childhood education preschool teaching paths from which to choose. Four primary types of certifications exist; however, all begin with a bachelor’s degree program from an approved and accredited college or university. You will also have to complete a teacher preparation program and a certain number of hours working with children during your degree. You will also be required to pass exams and renew and update your certificates throughout your career and you will have to continue your education in most positions.
The job of a preschool teacher is one of the most important jobs in the country. In just a few years, you can become a critical influencer in the growing field of early childhood education and preschool teaching in the state of New York. Be sure to select an accredited college or university for the best chance at the best job opportunities. You should also select a program that will lead you to a teaching certificate. It is important to note that not all teaching programs offer pathways to become a certified teacher in New York. Choose wisely and start your search today.
Step 1. Earn Your Degree Receive a Recommendation
A teacher preparation program is absolutely necessary to be able to teach anywhere in New York. This provides prospective teachers will real experience in a classroom setting with a first-hand look at what life will be like as a professional preschool teacher. You will first observe teachers and learn from them pertaining to classroom management and behavior discipline.
Once the initial classroom observation is complete, you will begin student teaching, also referred to as an internship or field experience. It is during this portion of the teacher preparation program that you will begin to lead the class as the teacher in a number of ways. You might prepare lesson plans, teach lessons, and/or assess students with the supervision of a licensed educator. All student teachers will be graded on their performance by both the mentor teacher and the degree program. The duration requirement for a student teacher is 40 days to be eligible for teacher certification in early childhood education in the state of New York. All approved education programs include the teacher preparation program, culminating in a bachelor’s degree.
Employers of preschool teachers in New York will require that you complete a bachelor’s degree. You might choose a degree program in early childhood education, child development, elementary education for those hoping to teach kindergarten, or other related degrees. The degree program must be approved by the state to be eligible for teacher certification. You might also consider completing a parent and infant development or early intervention certification.
Your courses will focus on early childhood education and development. They will teach you the best ways to effectively structure your classroom and educational platforms. It will also be essential that you learn the most effective ways to teach young children various subject matter, such as mathematics and literacy. Depending upon your program, you may have to complete an internship or fulfill student teacher requirements and you will be required to receive a recommendation from your college or university stating that you are prepared and ready to be eligible to apply for certification. All teachers must also complete a workshop on the ‘Dignity For All Students Act’ in order to teach in New York. Most programs for teachers will offer you the opportunity to take this workshop at some point in your educational career.
National Online Rankings - Associate Degrees in ECE National Online Rankings - Bachelor's Degrees in ECE National Online Rankings - Master's Degrees in ECEStep 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.
Check out our Financial Aid Guide Get our education resources and scholarships guide hereSearch Online Programs Offering Early Childhood Education Majors
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.
Find Your Online Early Childhood Education College
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 |