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3-K for All and Pre-K for All: Pathways to the Classroom

As part of the historic 3-K for All and Pre-K for All initiatives, we have diverse employment opportunities for aspiring teachers of different backgrounds with various levels of certification and experience.

New York State Certified Lead Teacher 

If you are certified in New York State early childhood education, you can teach in all three 3-K for All and Pre-K for All settings: District Schools, Pre-K Centers, or New York City Early Education Centers (NYCEECs).

To qualify, you must possess (or be on track to hold by September 1, 2024) one of the following New York State teaching certificates:

  • Early Childhood (Birth–Grade 2);
  • Nursery, Kindergarten and Grades 1–6 (N–6);
  • Prekindergarten–Grade 6 (P–6); or
  • Students with Disabilities (Birth–Grade 2)*

*Please note that if you hold a Students with Disabilities (Birth - Grade 2) certificate, you are only eligible to teach in a students with disabilities classroom.

Study Plan Lead Teacher (Not-Yet-Certified) – Pre-K For All Classrooms

If you are not-yet-certified to teach in NY State with one of the above certifications (and will not be certified by September 1, 2024) you can join 3-K for All and Pre-K for All as a Lead Teacher at a NYC Early Education Center (NYCEEC). To qualify, you must:

  • Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood or a related field; and
  • Have completed some early childhood education coursework; OR have significant experience working in early childhood education (with children under 6); and
  • Commit to obtain a New York State Early Childhood teacher certification within three years of employment.
  • For more information on becoming a New York State certified teacher, visit the New York State Office of Teaching Initiatives. 

Study Plan Lead Teacher (Not-Yet-Certified) – 3-K for All Classrooms

If you are not-yet-certified to teach in NY State with one of the above certifications (and will not be certified by September 1, 2024) you can join 3-K for All and Pre-K for All as a Lead Teacher at a NYC Early Education Center (NYCEEC). To qualify, you must:

  • Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood or a related field; or
  • Hold an Associate’s degree with a commitment to obtain NY State Early Childhood teacher certification within seven years of employment.

Assistant Teacher (Certified)

To qualify to be an Assistant Teacher in a 3-K or pre-K classroom at a NYC Early Education Center (NYCEEC), you must:

  • Be at least eighteen years old; and
  • Possess a high school diploma or equivalent (GED); and
  • Hold a valid Level 1 or higher NY State Teaching Assistant certification or a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential

For more information on Assistant Teacher (paraprofessional) positions in District Schools, please visit the pages below.

More information on obtaining an Assistant Teacher certificate may be found at the New York State Education Department’s Teaching Assistant website. 

Teacher’s Aide (Not Certified)

To qualify to be a Teacher’s Aide in a 3-K or pre-K classroom in a NYC Early Education Center (NYCEEC), you must:

  • Be at least eighteen years old; and
  • Possess a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).

Education Director (Certified)

If you are an experienced early childhood educator looking for a leadership position, you can work as an Education Director at a NYC Early Education Center (NYCEEC). To qualify, you must:

  • Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field of study; and
  • Hold a teaching license or certificate valid for services in the early childhood or childhood grades as pursuant to New York State Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) regulations; and
  • Have 2+ years of Lead Teacher experience in a program for children less than six years of age. *only required by Child Care (Article 47) Providers

We are seeking enthusiastic and effective teachers to staff 3-K for All and Pre-K for All classrooms now for mid-year positions, as well as for the 2022-23 school year.


Whether you are new to the early childhood profession or a veteran educator, we invite you to join 3-K for All and Pre-K for All.

Early Childhood Education
Resource Library

"STUDY PLAN" FAQ

"BUILD YOUR STUDY PLAN" CHECKLIST

"WHAT IS AN EDUCATION DIRECTOR?" WEBINAR

“When the chance to teach full day pre-K opened up in my school in 2009, I jumped. It’s an exciting time. The Chancellor has a wonderful vision for the children.”
Phyllis Berk, Pre-K Teacher, Queens