Job Requirements + Applications: Early Childhood

History and Expansion

Aspiring 3-K for All and Pre-K for All teachers must apply through one of the New York City Public Schools teacher application systems. Please select the application that best matches your background and qualifications.

• I am a NY State-certified teacher (or will be certified by September 1, 2024)
• I am a not-yet-certified Study Plan Lead Teacher or a NY State-certified Assistant Teacher (Level I or higher)
• I am certified to teach in another state
• I am certified or obtained my degree in another country
• I am a current NYC Public Schools teacher but want to teach 3-K or Pre-K

I am a NY State-certified teacher (or will be certified by September 1, 2024)

The NYC Online Certified Teacher Application is now open for the 2024-25 school year. If you currently hold or will hold, a New York State teaching certification by September 2024, you should apply through the NYC Online Certified Teacher Application for early childhood teaching opportunities. 

Apply Now!

I am a not-yet-certified Study Plan Lead Teacher or a NY State-certified Assistant Teacher (Level I or higher)

The Not-Yet-Certified Early Childhood Teacher Application is now open for the 2024-25 school year. If you will not be a NY State certified teacher by September 2024 and are interested in applying for opportunities in community-based organizations (CBOs), you should fill out the Early Childhood Teacher Finder, the application for not-yet-certified teacher candidates for early childhood opportunities at CBOs. 

There are several positions for which you may be eligible. Learn more about those positions and requirements by visiting 3-K for All and Pre-K for All: Pathways to the Classroom. 

For information on how to apply to Assistant Teacher positions in NYC Public Schools District schools, please visit our Paraprofessionals career page.

Apply Now!

I am certified to teach in another state

• You should refer to the New York State Department of Education’s webpage for out-of-state applicants (reciprocity) to determine your next steps in becoming certified to teach in New York State. 
• Follow the steps to apply for certification through the New York State Education Department; and learn more about applying to teach in a NYC public school as a certified teacher candidate.
• All applicants should indicate their interest in 3-K for All and Pre-K for All in Step 3 of the application and remain open to teaching at a NYC Early Education Center (NYCEEC).

I am certified or obtained my degree in another country

• Please go to the New York State Higher Education website to learn more about documents and eligibility requirements to teach in NY State with a non-US degree.
• You may also have to go through the process to have your international credits evaluated by the World Education Services. 
• You may be eligible to be a Study Plan Lead Teacher in a NYC Early Education Center (NYCEEC).  

I am a current NYC Public Schools teacher but want to teach 3-K or Pre-K

• If you are interested in applying for pre-K and/or 3-K positions in NYC District Schools or Pre-K Centers, you may log in to the Open Market Transfer system and search for open positions at the 3-K and pre-K level.
• If you are interested in applying for pre-K and/or 3-K positions at a NYCEEC, please contact our office directly to discuss your next steps and to learn of opportunities available near you. You may reach us at teachnycprek@schools.nyc.gov.