Application Fee
See agencyVerified by CO Board of Education
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education Licensing in Colorado
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for preschool teachers, except special education in Colorado, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in Colorado
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Certification: Certification required.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 5
Preschool teachers are not required to hold a CDE educator license (C.R.S.
- 6
In addition, the CPP Act requires that "teachers must be able to show that they have received education credits in the field of early childhood." This can be done through a portfolio that demonstrates knowledge in:.
- 7
Applying developmentally appropriate practice in the classroom as defined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children
- Knowledge of cultural competence
- Understanding family partnerships.
- 8
Early childhood programs participating in the Colorado Preschool Program must also demonstrate the capacity to deliver high-quality developmentally appropriate services as defined by the Colorado Quality Standards for Early Childhood Care and Education Services.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- center-based staff or minimum qualifications established by tribal government licensing for early childhood programs located on tribal lands
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
State Department of Education • Educator Licensing • Colorado StateBoard of Education
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$43,890 median (18% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#9 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet Colorado eligibility requirements for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Submit the application to State Department of Education~Educator Licensing~Colorado StateBoard of Education and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Colorado
With a median salary of $43,890, Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Colorado earn 18% above the national median of $37,120. Colorado ranks #9 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.8%Average Weekly Wage
$1,540Median annual salary
$43,890Hourly estimate
$21.1018% above national median
Difference: +$6,770
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPreschool Teachers, Except Special Education Salary Ranking
#9 of 50 statesfor Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Nebraska | $50,270 |
| #2 | New Jersey | $46,570 |
| #3 | California | $45,880 |
| #4 | New York | $45,580 |
| #5 | Massachusetts | $45,030 |
Nearby States Comparison
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $43,890 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Wyoming | $29,250 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Nebraska | $50,270 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Kansas | $43,200 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $37,970 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| New Mexico | $37,900 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Arizona | $35,240 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Utah | $34,210 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Wyoming | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Kansas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Oklahoma | 72 | Medium | Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| New Mexico | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Agency website unverified
State Department of Education • Educator Licensing • Colorado StateBoard of Education
201 E Colfax Ave Room 105, Denver, CO, 80203
Phone: 3038666600
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.
Related Careers in Colorado
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $63,390 | Degree required | 3-7 years |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $79,760 | Degree required | 3-7 years |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $73,690 | Degree required | 3-7 years |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $64,620 | Degree required | 1-2 years |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in Colorado?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Colorado?
Colorado lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations.
What education do you need to become a Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in Colorado?
The board typically expects Degree required for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education licensure in Colorado.
What is the typical Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in Colorado?
The median annual salary for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Colorado is $43,890. Salaries range from $35,240 (10th percentile) to $81,280 (90th percentile).
How does the Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in Colorado compare to the national average?
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Colorado earn 18% above the national median of $37,120, with a state median of $43,890.
How many Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations work in Colorado?
Colorado employs approximately 5,970 Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education license to Colorado from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Colorado?
The licensing agency is State Department of Education / Educator Licensing / Colorado StateBoard of Education. The official board website is currently under manual verification.
How often do you renew a Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education license in Colorado?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.