Finish your education. Many states have varying degrees of education that needs to be complete. Check with your state to see what applies to you. For example, in California you need at least 40 college units to be a master teacher in a state- funded facility. Twenty-four of these units must be in early childhood education and the remaining 16 must be in general education. The District of Columbia requires a bachelor's degree and teaching license.
Complete a state application. These applications are usually found on line at your state department of education. They will ask you to provide personal information, such as if you have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor (other than a traffic ticket) or a felony. Citizenship and state residency will also be determined.
Submit fingerprints. In California, these prints are taken through a process called "Live Scan." Your prints are taken, digitized and sent to the Department of Justice and the FBI. You need to present a valid photo ID, such as a driver's license or state ID card. There is a one-time fee for fingerprints. These fees vary by state and location within the state.
Complete a Verification of Experience form. This form documents your formal preschool experience. It counts student teaching, experience in another state, and any other teaching done under supervision.
Get your official college transcripts. These will be necessary to show that you have completed your educational requirements. Once you send for and receive the transcripts, do not open them. The official seal on the back of the envelope must not be broken. It is always a good idea to request an unofficial transcript. That way, you can check the accuracy of the coursework and grades.
Pay an application fee every five years. You will have to pay an initial fee, which varies by state, and typically a fee every five years. This, too, varies by state.
Complete Professional Growth hours. Again, this varies by state. California requires a minimum of 105 hours over five years. These will need to be verified by a Professional Growth Adviser (usually the administrator at your school or a district mentor).