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Verified by NY Board of Education

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education Licensing in New York

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for preschool teachers, except special education in New York, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in New York

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.

  4. 4

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  5. 5

    Certification: Certification required.

  6. 6

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  7. 7

    A public school teacher plans and provides instruction and material for the common branch subjects in the lower and upper elementary grades

    • academic subjects at the middle and secondary grade level such as English, mathematics, the sciences and social studies
    • special subjects such as music, physical education, occupational education, teaching students with disabilities at the early childhood, childhood, middle childhood, and secondary levels.

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    NYS Education Department • Office of Teaching Initiatives Higher Education

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $45,580 median (23% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #4 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet New York eligibility requirements for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required state examinations.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to NYS Education Department~Office of Teaching Initiatives Higher Education and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in New York

With a median salary of $45,580, Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in New York earn 23% above the national median of $37,120. New York ranks #4 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.1%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,739

Median annual salary

$45,580

Hourly estimate

$21.91
23% above national median

Difference: +$8,460

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$34,720
  • P2525th percentile$36,850
  • P50Median$45,580
  • P7575th percentile$58,170
  • P9090th percentile$73,320

State vs National Median

State: $45,580
National: $37,120

Total employment: 25,180 | Annual openings: N/A

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education Salary Ranking

#4 of 50 statesfor Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Nebraska$50,270
#2New Jersey$46,570
#3California$45,880
#4New York$45,580
#5Massachusetts$45,030

Nearby States Comparison

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
New York$45,580Degree requiredState-approved examVaries by board
Vermont$44,760Degree requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Massachusetts$45,030Specific course requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Connecticut$43,160Specific course requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
New Jersey$46,570Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Pennsylvania$34,250Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
New York60MediumDocumented experience may be required. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Vermont54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Massachusetts54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Connecticut60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
New Jersey72MediumBackground check or criminal history review is indicated.
Pennsylvania60MediumState-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

Official website verified

NYS Education Department • Office of Teaching Initiatives Higher Education

89 Washington Avenue, Education Building, 5N, Albany, NY, 12234

Phone: 5184743901

Related Careers in New York

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$110,000Degree requiredVaries by board
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$100,110Degree requiredVaries by board
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$108,700Degree requiredVaries by board
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$83,270Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in New York?

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 education do you need to become a Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in New York?

The board typically expects Degree required for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education licensure in New York.

What is the typical Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in New York?

The median annual salary for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in New York is $45,580. Salaries range from $34,720 (10th percentile) to $73,320 (90th percentile).

How does the Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in New York compare to the national average?

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in New York earn 23% above the national median of $37,120, with a state median of $45,580.

How many Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations work in New York?

New York employs approximately 25,180 Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education license to New York 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 New York?

The licensing agency is NYS Education Department / Office of Teaching Initiatives Higher Education. Review agency details at http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/.

How often do you renew a Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education license in New York?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.