Requirements for ECE Teacher Certification in New York
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.
New York Steps to Follow for Teachers
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.
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 with 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.
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
Obtaining Financial Aid for The Pursuit of Your Degree
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.
Accredited New York Programs
All potential teachers must complete and pass an extensive background check, provide transcripts, and verify their identity. You will be required to complete numerous teacher workshops and work with a mentor until deemed ready. Continuing education and professional development are also critical components of the teaching profession in the state of New York.
It is important that you take courses from colleges and universities that are approved by the New York State Education Department. Seek out accredited higher learning institutions and degree programs that will be easily transferable from one employer to the next and even out-of-state if you were to move. Also, keep in mind that online courses, certificates, and degrees permit you to continue to teach and gain invaluable work experience while you study.
Accredited Early Childhood Educator Teacher Preparation Programs
New York is filled with accredited colleges and universities that offer early childhood education programs. You will find roughly 50 accredited higher learning institutions that offer ECE in New York and over 100 colleges and universities offer various education and teaching programs. You can also choose between online courses or physical classrooms to complete your degree programs. Be sure to also carefully consider a minor or emphasis so that you can broaden your skill set and improve your pay range.
Harding University
Degrees Offered:
Bilingual and Multilingual Education; Post-grad Certificate
School Counseling and Guidance Services; Master’s
Early Childhood Education and Teaching; Bachelor’s & Master’s
Education/Teaching of Individuals in Early Childhood Special Education Programs; Master’s
Education/Teaching of Individuals in Elementary Special Education Programs; Master’s
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Multiple Disabilities; Post-grad Certificate
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Specific Disabilities; Master’s
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Speech or Language Impairments; Bachelor’s
Educational Leadership and Administration; Post-grad Certificate
Elementary Education and Teaching; Bachelor’s, Master’s, & Undergraduate Certificate
Elementary and Middle School Administration/Principalship; Post-grad Certificate
Kindergarten/Preschool Education and Teaching; Bachelor’s & Master’
Reading Teacher Education; Master’s
Special Education and Teaching; Bachelor’s & Master’s
ESL Teaching; Post-grad Certificate
Accreditation By:
Buffalo State - Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Teachers of Childhood Special Education and Childhood Education - Accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Teachers College - Columbia University
Degrees Offered:
Bilingual and Multilingual Education; Master’s
School Counseling and Guidance Services; Master’s
Curriculum and Instruction; Master’s & Dr.
Early Childhood Education and Teaching; Master’s & Dr.
Education/Teaching of Individuals in Early Childhood Special Education Programs; Master’s & Dr.
Education/Teaching of Individuals in Elementary Special Education Programs; Master’s
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Hearing Impairments; Master’s & Dr.
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Mental Retardation; Master’s & Dr.
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Multiple Disabilities; Master’s
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Orthopedic and Other Physical Health Impairments; Master’s & Dr.
Education/Teaching of the Gifted and Talented; Master’s & Dr.
Educational Leadership and Administration; Master’s & Dr.
Elementary Education and Teaching; Master’s
Reading Teacher Education; Master’s
Special Education and Teaching; Master’s & Dr.
ESL Teaching; Master’s & Dr.
Accreditation By:
Columbia University - Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education,
Columbia Teachers College - Accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Teachers College programs - Accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Hofstra University
Degrees Offered:
Administration of Special Education; Post-grad Certificate
Bilingual and Multilingual Education; Master’s & Post-grad Certificate
School Counseling and Guidance Services; Master’s & Post-grad Certificate
Early Childhood Education and Teaching; Bachelor’s & Master’s
Education/Teaching of Individuals in Early Childhood Special Education Programs; Master’s & Post-grad Certificate
Education/Teaching of Individuals in Elementary Special Education Programs; Master’s
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Multiple Disabilities; Post-grad Certificate
Education/Teaching of the Gifted and Talented; Post-grad Certificate
Elementary Education and Teaching; Bachelor’s & Master’s
Reading Teacher Education; Master’s
Special Education and Teaching; Master’s & Post-grad Certificate
Speech Teacher Education; Bachelor’s
ESL Teaching; Master’s & Post-grad Certificate
Accreditation By:
Hofstra University - Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Teacher education and educational leadership programs - Accredited by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council
New York University
Degrees Offered:
School Counseling and Guidance Services; Master’s & Dr.
Early Childhood Education and Teaching; Bachelor’s & Master’s
Elementary Education and Teaching; Bachelor’s, Master’s, & Dr.
Reading Teacher Education; Master’s
Special Education and Teaching; Master’s
ESL Teaching; Master’s, Dr., & Post-grad Certificate
Accreditation By:
New York University - Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education
School of Professional Studies - registered with the New York State Education Department
Teacher Education Programs - Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Counseling Psychology - American Psychological Association
School Building Leadership - Teacher Education Accreditation Council
School Counseling - Master's in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council
Speech-Language Pathology - American Speech-Language and Hearing Association-Council on Academic Accreditation
Teacher Education Programs - Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
There are numerous opportunities for those seeking a profession in very early childhood years education in the state of New york city. Online Master's in Really very early Childhood years Education and learning The New York State Education Division contains significant info concerning the means to acquire certification/licensure. You will require to familiarize yourself with this internet site, as it has many resources useful to both aiming instructors and also present educators.
The Preliminary Qualification is an entry-level certificate for classroom instructors that is legit for 5 years. The Professional Certification is an advanced-level certification for course instructors that is continuously legitimate, conditional upon ending up compulsory expert growth hrs. The Provisional Certification is an entry-level accreditation for student employees specialists that stands for 5 years.
It has a large network of partnership colleges and serves a few of the poorest areas in New York City. is an individual Ivy Organization study organization that supplies 3 preliminary certification programs in really early childhood years education and learning and discovering. Master's levels in very early youth education and discovering (birth via 8 years), early childhood years distinct education and learning (birth using eight years), as well as also a twin certification are easily available.
It supplies bachelor's as well as likewise master's degrees in extremely early childhood years education (birth with top quality two), really early youth and also youth education and learning and understanding (birth with 2 and qualities one by means of 6), as well as primary education (high qualities one with 6). There are numerous various methods you can absorb pursuing a career in this continually evolving location.
Make sure to investigate the kid treatment centers in your place, such as Intense Horizons, as many of these centers are in constant need of exceptionally certified teachers and additionally assistant educators. GreatSchools.org can help you discover leading preschools as well as elementary universities in your location also. There are numerous expert firms for educators in the state of New York that share similar goals.
The boosts in payment will certainly occur over a three-year period, starting in October 2019. Teacher candidates should certainly talk straight with NYCEEC program leaders to figure out even more concerning how this settlement news can affect your feasible starting salary, even if you are not presently accredited. Through the historic PRESCHOOL for All and also 3-K for All efforts, New York City is leading the country in making cost-free, full-day, top notch preschool in addition to 3-K accessible to every one of its four as well as also three-year-olds campaigns pressed by wonderful instructors.
To show in a New York City Early Education as well as finding out Center, leads need to either hold or get on track to obtaining among the accreditations over. It is an opportunity for teachers enthusiastic regarding functioning with little ones to get their early childhood years accreditation while training. NYCEEC instructors require to complete their accreditation within 3 years of being employed.
Duties include prep work as well as training the entire group in addition to little group lessons, coming from the course in addition to school-wide ambience as well as aid, and learning to join mother and fathers.
The 120-credit Bachelor's degree level in Youth Education/Early Childhood years prepares you to wind up being an educated, caring as well as inspiring trainer of childhood years and also early childhood years education and learning and also learning from infants in addition to young kids to kids who are in the initial via sixth qualities. In seeking your undergraduate level, you will definitely assess ideas of kid development, ideas and also learning for youngsters varying from babies to Quality 6.
As you pursue this level you will gain an understanding as well as likewise admiration of topics varying from scientific research study to tracks to language arts. You also will absolutely acquire approaches to take a look at along with analyzing a child's intellectual, social as well as also physical growth and also uncover the basic principles of class management for a diverse student population.
The education world is full of opportunities for those who have an interest in becoming a teacher. The following are just some of the areas where a teacher can choose to take on a new challenge:
- Preschool Schools: There are more preschools opening across the United States every year. These are wonderful places for kids to play and learn. If you have an interest in teaching these children, look into preschool openings in the New York area.
- Private Schools: You may not want to take on the public school system when teaching in New York. However, there are private schools throughout the city that you may be interested in opening up an office for. Many teachers are very happy working from home. This can be an extremely satisfying way to earn a good living.
- Education Administration: A few years ago, you might have seen ads for a New York education administration position. These positions are great if you are interested in a consulting gig. However, there is a high demand for education administrators in New York. In order to make a good living, these positions are usually competitive and often require more than just a high school diploma.
- Early Childhood Education: If you have some experience in public school, you may want to consider becoming an early childhood educator (ACE). ACEs work with kids at an early age. Typically, they teach children at least twenty-four months old and beyond. As a New York early childhood educator, you will work with families in a variety of different settings.
- Career Transition Schools: If you have some relevant experience in New York, you may want to consider opening up your own private career transition school. The job of a career transition school is to help individuals make a smooth transition between their current work and their future careers.
- Government Jobs: The government has always had a need for education professionals. If you are passionate about children, you may want to consider a career as a public school teacher in New York.
These are just a few of the areas where you can find the type of job you want in New York. if you are an education student.
Education students can be hired by many private companies that offer a number of different types of education-related positions. In addition to being able to take care of children, educators will also be responsible for educating parents on a variety of subjects such as science, math, reading, and the arts.
If you are someone that enjoys helping children in any other way, you can look into a career as a school social worker in New York. School District.
School social workers have a variety of different duties and are responsible for helping children through various emotional, mental, physical, or social difficulties that they may face. such as having a child who is ailing.
The work of a school social worker is incredibly important, because these workers are charged with keeping the overall well being of children in mind. They often help a wide variety of children attend school, which is not always easy.
No matter what career path you choose, there is one thing that is certain. you will be a great asset to the community and you will make a great living! In this economy, every individual is looking to get into a place where they can earn a steady income.
What does it take to become a preschool teacher in New York is actually quite simple. It's all about getting the education that you need to be prepared for your chosen career path.
The first step to finding the position that you want is to visit the State Department of Education to see if you are considered "qualified" to be a preschool teacher. It does take a lot of hard work and dedication, but if you are willing to put forth the effort, you can be on your way to a successful and rewarding career.
When looking for education-related jobs, you are never too young or old to begin. If you have a desire to make a difference in the world, you must find a way to do that with the knowledge that you have and the enthusiasm that you have.
Specialization Additional 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.
Career Options and Salary Info for Teachers
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.