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Be first

Teach Pre-K and discover the joy of firsts

Passionate about teaching young children and creating the foundation they need to grow and thrive? If you are a high school student or considering a 2-year or 4-year program in Early Childhood Education, teaching Pre-K may be the right career for you. As one of a child’s first classroom teachers, you’ll hold a unique and special place in education—not to mention in the hearts of proud and grateful families.

Why teach Pre‑ K?

Pre-K matters

Brain science has confirmed the first five years of life are a time of tremendous physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development. Pre-K maximizes the ability of children during this time and helps prepare them to enter Kindergarten ready to learn. And though Pre-K benefits all children, the impact is even greater on under-resourced students. A diverse teacher population representative of the student body ensures a more culturally competent learning environment for all children.

In their own words

“It is more than pay—it is our children that really count. Our children are our future doctors, lawyers, and even teachers.”
Miranda Rich

Early Childhood Education
CTE Classroom Instructor

“Pre-K is so important because that is really where those foundational skills are taught. It really is one of the first opportunities for us to create a joy for learning.”
Dr. Paula Wilkins

Chief Academic Officer
Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools

“I’m excited to be a Pre-K teacher because I really want to make an impact. As long as I know they left my class each and every day with a smile, that would make me the proudest.”
Emily Pruitt

Early Childhood Education
CTE Classroom Student

How to
get started

Pre-K Lead Teachers must have a minimum of a Bachelorʼs degree, preferably in early childhood, child development, or a related field, and also have specialized training related to Pre-K. Teachers that hold a BK (Birth through Kindergarten) license can be more highly compensated. It is highly encouraged, and in some publicly-funded programs mandated, that lead teachers have or be working toward BK licensure.

Learn more about the pathways to licensure:

START HERE

Career Outlook

“Between 2014 and 2024, it is expected that nearly 441,300 child care positions and 158,700 preschool teacher positions
600,000
(combined)
will be open due to growth and
replacement, nationwide."*
See our source here
The North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation estimates that
400,000
working parents across the state are constrained by child care needs.*
See our source here
Almost half of families with children in North Carolina
44%
live in child care deserts.*
See our source here

Contact Us

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Someone from our team will be in touch soon about opportunities to help build the foundation children need to grow and thrive.

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