Preschool teachers typically need at least an associate degree in early childhood education or a related field. Some states may also require that preschool teachers have a bachelor's degree. In addition to education, most states require preschool teachers to have relevant experience working with young children. This experience can be gained through internships, work placements, or volunteer work.
Most states also require preschool teachers to be certified. Certification requirements can range from simply completing an application and paying a fee to meeting specific education and experience requirements. In some cases, preschool teachers may need to pass a background check and/or a criminal record check.
It is important to note that the requirements listed here are just a general overview. Certification requirements can vary significantly depending on the state or province you are located in. For specific information on the requirements in your area, please contact the relevant education or licensing department.
Here are some links to additional information on preschool teacher certification requirements in different states:
* [New York State Early Childhood Teacher Certification](http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/certificate/ece.html)
* [California Child Development Permit](http://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/cd/cd/)
* [Texas Teacher Certification](http://www.tsbvi.edu/certification/ece.htm)
* [National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) - Standards and Accreditation](https://www.naeyc.org/standards-accreditation)