Job Requirements + Applications: Early Childhood

History and Expansion 

Aspiring 3K and Pre-K 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 NYCPS (New York City Public Schools) teacher but want to teach 3K or Pre-K 

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

The NYC Online Certified Teacher Application is currently closed 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 and Pre-K: Pathways to the Classroom.  

For information on how to apply to Assistant Teacher positions in NYCPS (New York City 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 3K and Pre-K in Step 3 of the application and remain open to teaching at a NYC Early Education Center (CBO). 

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 (CBO).   

I am a current NYCPS (New York City Public Schools) teacher but want to teach 3K or Pre-K 

• If you are interested in applying for Pre-K and/or 3K 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 3K and Pre-K level. 
• If you are interested in applying for Pre-K and/or 3K positions at a CBO, 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.