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Verified by RI Board of Education

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education Licensing in Rhode Island

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for preschool teachers, except special education in Rhode Island, 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 Rhode Island

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  2. 2

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Continuing education and program notes

  • certificates are issued, depends on grade levels and type of disability

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    RI Department of Education • Office of Educator Quality and Certification

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $36,040 median (3% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #26 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (5)

  1. 1. Meet Rhode Island eligibility requirements for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education licensure.
  2. 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required state examinations.
  4. 4. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
  5. 5. Submit the application to RI Department of Education~Office of Educator Quality and Certification and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Rhode Island

With a median salary of $36,040, Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Rhode Island earn 3% below the national median of $37,120. Rhode Island ranks #26 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+3.2%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,294

Median annual salary

$36,040

Hourly estimate

$17.33
3% below national median

Difference: -$1,080

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$29,120
  • P2525th percentile$29,120
  • P50Median$36,040
  • P7575th percentile$37,480
  • P9090th percentile$51,700

State vs National Median

State: $36,040
National: $37,120

Total employment: 1,470 | Annual openings: N/A

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education Salary Ranking

#26 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
Rhode Island$36,040Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Massachusetts$45,030Specific course requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Connecticut$43,160Specific course requiredNo 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
Rhode Island72MediumBackground check or criminal history review is indicated.
Massachusetts54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Connecticut60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

RI Department of Education • Office of Educator Quality and Certification

255 Westminster St, Providence, RI, 02903-3400

Phone: 4012224600

Related Careers in Rhode Island

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$98,960Varies by state boardVaries by board
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$101,800Varies by state boardVaries by board
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$100,370Varies by state boardVaries by board
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$79,430Varies by state boardVaries by board

FAQ

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

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 is the typical Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in Rhode Island?

The median annual salary for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Rhode Island is $36,040. Salaries range from $29,120 (10th percentile) to $51,700 (90th percentile).

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

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Rhode Island earn 3% below the national median of $37,120, with a state median of $36,040.

How many Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations work in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island employs approximately 1,470 Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education license to Rhode Island from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. 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 Rhode Island?

The licensing agency is RI Department of Education / Office of Educator Quality and Certification. Review agency details at https://ride.ri.gov/teachers-administrators/educator-certification-0.

How often do you renew a Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education license in Rhode Island?

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