During the 2017-18 school year, New York City successfully enrolled nearly 70,000 children in free, full-day, high-quality, pre-K. Building on the success of Pre-K for All, the NYC Department of Education (NYCDOE) launched 3-K for All, enrolling over 1,500 three-year-olds in free, full-day, high-quality, classrooms in School Districts 7 (South Bronx) and 23 (Brownsville).
These historic aichievements are made possible by committed, passionate early childhood teachers.
Why Pre-K for All?
Every student in New York City deserves the opportunity to acquire the foundation of skills, knowledge, and approaches to learning needed to be ready for school and ultimately, college and careers.
Pre-K:
- Helps develop critical vocabulary, oral language, and problem-solving skills
- Establishes strong partnerships with families
- Raises academic success across all income and racial groups
For more information on Pre-K for All, visit the NYC Department of Education's Office of Early Childhood Education.
For more information on the pre-K job marketplace, certification, or other questions, please refer to the sections below.
Click here to access our FAQ document on becoming a pre-K teacher in New York City.
Why 3-K for All?
What?
3-K for All is the most ambitious effort in U.S. history to provide every three-year-old in New York City with access to free, full-day, high-quality early childhood education.
How?
3-K for All will build on the success of Pre-K for All – through which the City has more than tripled the number of four-year-olds enrolled in free,full-day, high-quality Pre-K – and is part of a broader effort to create a continuum of high-quality early care and education programs for New York City children from birth to five years old.
Why?
3-K for All believes that free, full-day, high-quality 3-K lays a critical foundation for children to thrive in school and life. Children in 3-K for All will grow,learn, and explore the world around them. This investment in our youngest learners is an investment in the future of New York City.
When and Where?
In September 2017, the path to 3-K for All began in School Districts 7 (South Bronx) and 23 (Brownsville, Ocean Hill and East New York neighborhoods). We are excited to continue to roll out in Districts 4 (East Harlem), 5 (Harlem), 16 (Bed-Stuy), and 27 (Broad Channel, Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Rockaways) for Fall 2018. The NYCDOE will continue the expansion, adding additional school districts every year through the fall of 2020.
We will offer 3-K for All in multiple settings, just as we do in Pre-K for All: DOE District Schools and New York City Early Education Centers or NYCEECs (sometimes also referred to as“CBO’s”), including EarlyLearn sites.
How to indicate interest?
If you are interested in being a 3-K for All teacher for the 2018-19 school year, please complete an application through the application pathway that best fits your current qualifications. In the Job Preferences section of your application, you will have the opportunity to indicate "Yes" opportunities in 3-K for All, Pre-K for All and NYC Early Education Centers (NYCEECs).
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I am certified. |
I am:
- a study plan lead teacher candidate;
- an assistant teacher candidate; or
- a teacher's aide candidate
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You can be a lead teacher for all New York City Pre-K For All settings (district programs, Pre-K Centers, and NYCEECs) if you hold one of the following New York State teaching certificates:
- Early Childhood (Birth - Grade 2);
- Nursery, Kindergarten and Grades 1-6;
- Prekindergarten - Grade 6 certification; or
- Students with Disabilities (Birth - Grade 2)
If you are a certified teacher candidate, apply through the NYC Department of Education for all Pre-K For All opportunities NOW. |
Depending on your education level, you may serve as a "study plan" lead teacher and/or assistant teacher at a New York City Early Education Center (NYCEEC).
To qualify as a study plan candidate for a Lead Teacher position, you must:
- Hold a bachelor's degree;
- Possess some early childhood education coursework or work experience; and
- Upon hire, develop a study plan that within three years will lead to NY State teacher certification.
To qualify as a candidate for an Assistant Teacher position, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
- Hold a valid Level I or higher NYS Teaching Assistant certification.
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New York City Pre-K for All teachers works in one of several settings:
District Pre-K Programs
District School pre-K programs are offered at approximately 600 public elementary schools across the City. These classes are fully integrated into their school community and operate similarly to other grades in the building. Pre-K for All teachers in District pre-K programs are employees of the City of New York / Department of Education (DOE). Pre-K for All teachers in District pre-K programs must have NY State teaching certification in early childhood.
Pre-K Centers
A NYC DOE Pre-K Center is a district operated program that serves only pre-K students and is staffed by NYC DOE personnel. Pre-K Centers are located either in new buildings that are designed specifically to serve pre-K classes or existing district school buildings where space will meet the needs of each pre-K class. Pre-K for All teachers in District pre-K programs are employees of the City of New York / Department of Education (DOE). Pre-K for All teachers in District pre-K programs must have NY State teaching certification in early childhood.
To find a District pre-K program near you, click here to view all programs in each borough.
New York City Early Education Centers
NYC Early Education Centers (NYCEECs) are independent, community-based organizations that partner with the NYC Department of Education to provide free full-day high quality pre-K. There are over 1,200 NYCEEC meeting the diverse needs of families and learners throughout all five boroughs. NYCEECs are run by non-profits, community-based organizations, nursery schools, day care centers, private-pay programs or faith-based organizations. Calendar year, salaries, and benefits offered will vary from site to site. Each NYCEEC employs its own teachers; they are not employees of the City of New York. NYCEEC teachers must possess a Bachelor’s degree, have completed some early childhood education coursework; OR have significant experience working in early childhood education (with children under 6), and commit to obtain a NY State Early Childhood teacher certification within three years of employment.
NYCEECs are held to the same expectations as District Schools. NYCEEC Pre-K for All teachers receive the same professional development and support from the Division of Early Childhood as their DOE Pre-K for All teachers.
To find out which NYCEECs offer Pre-K for All near you, click here to view all programs in each borough.
Benefits of Teaching Pre-K in a NYCEEC:
Teaching pre-K in a NYCEEC is a wonderful opportunity to gain vital experience, become an expert at classroom management, and build upon your existing skills as an early childhood educator. For the past three years, the large majority of pre-K teacher hires occurred in NYCEEC settings. By expressing interest in NYCEEC positions on your application, you will vastly increase the likelihood of finding a pre-K teaching position.
- Embedded in their community. Teachers have the opportunity to develop close relationships with families and community.
- Offer flexibility and mission-driven programming. They have a strong early childhood focus, tailoring their services to early childhood aged students.
- Typically small, close knit environment affords teachers an opportunity to collaborate, brainstorm, learn and grow as a team.
- Provide opportunities for professional development and leadership.
- There are many different types of NYCEECs, allowing candidates to tailor the job search to find the right fit.
Interested teachers applying through the online teacher application have the opportunity to make their information available to all NYCEEC hiring directors by selecting “Yes” to “Would you like your application made available to NYCEEC hiring managers looking for early childhood educators?”
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As part of the historic Pre-K for All initiative, there are diverse employment opportunities available for candidates of different backgrounds with various levels of certification and experience.
Read on to learn more about opportunities for:
Assistant teachers:
Education directors
If you are certified in NY State early childhood education, you can teach pre-K in a district public school, pre-K Center or a New York City Early Education Center (NYCEEC).
To qualify, you must possess (or be on track to hold by September 1, 2018) one of the following NY State teaching certificates:
- Early Childhood (Birth - Grade 2);
- Nursery, Kindergarten and Grades 1-6 (N-6);
- Prekindergarten - Grade 6 (P-6); or
- Students with Disabilities (Birth - Grade 2)
Additional certifications needed in early childhood
The NYC Department of Education is committed to increasing educational opportunities and improving outcomes for students with disabilities. There is a particular need for teachers who hold NY state certification in Students with Disabilities (Birth – 2).
Additionally, there is a particular need for teachers with a Bilingual extension who are fluent in one of the languages New York City's children speak at home - Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, Haitian-Creole, French, Urdu, Bengali, Russian, Korean, and Arabic.
For more information on pre-K certification requirements, please refer to our Pre-K Certification FAQs.
An ideal candidate for a Lead Teacher:
- Possesses genuine joy in leading a classroom that builds on how young children learn and supports children in developing a wide range of language, early literacy and math, social-emotional, and physical skills;
- Is able to create an enriching classroom environment that fosters learning using a broad spectrum of activities and experiences; and
- Builds strong relationships with adults, actively engaging parents and caregivers from diverse backgrounds, colleagues, and members of the community.
The lead teacher is responsible for day-to-day activities, the children’s physical environment/classroom, supervision/evaluation of each child, record keeping, supervision of other staff, including volunteers, and working and communicating with parents, teaching staff, and children.
A Teacher’s skills include:
- Guiding children’s behaviors
- Understanding of multiple intelligences
- Speaking, reading comprehension, and active listening
- Writing, organization, and social perceptiveness
- Clear speaking and listening skills
- Critical thinking and problem solving techniques of child management
Return to list of opportunities
If you are not yet certified to teach in New York State with one of the above certifications (and will not be certified by September 1, 2018), you can still apply to teach pre-K at a New York City Early Education Center (NYCEEC) as a Lead Teacher.
To qualify, you must:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood or a related field
- Have completed some early childhood education coursework; OR have significant experience working in early childhood education (with children under 6);
- Commit to obtain a NY State Early Childhood teacher certification within three years of employment
For more information on becoming a New York State certified teacher, visit the New York State Office of Teaching Initiatives.
Additional needs in early childhood
There is a particular need for teachers who are fluent in one of the languages New York City's children speak at home - Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, Haitian-Creole, French, Urdu, Bengali, Russian, Korean, and Arabic.
An ideal candidate for a Lead Teacher:
- Possesses genuine joy in leading a classroom that builds on how young children learn and supports children in developing a wide range of language, early literacy and math, social-emotional, and physical skills;
- Is able to create an enriching classroom environment that fosters learning using a broad spectrum of activities and experiences; and
- Builds strong relationships with adults, actively engaging parents and caregivers from diverse backgrounds, colleagues, and members of the community.
The lead teacher is responsible for day-to-day activities, the children’s physical environment/classroom, supervision/evaluation of each child, record keeping, supervision of other staff, including volunteers, and working and communicating with parents, teaching staff, and children.
A Teacher’s skills include:
- Guiding children’s behaviors
- Understanding of multiple intelligences
- Speaking, reading comprehension, and active listening
- Writing, organization, and social perceptiveness
- Clear speaking and listening skills
- Critical thinking and problem solving techniques of child management
Return to list of opportunities
If you are not yet certified to teach in New York State with one of the above certifications (and will not be certified by September 1, 2018), you can still apply to teach 3-K at a New York City Early Education Center (NYCEEC) as a Lead Teacher.
To qualify, you must:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood or a related field; OR
- Hold an Associate’s degree with a commitment to obtain a NY State Early Childhood teacher certification within seven years of employment
Return to list of opportunities
To qualify to be an assistant teacher in a pre-K classroom in a NYC Early Education Center (NYCEEC), you must:
- Be at least eighteen years old
- Possess a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
- Hold a valid Level 1 or higher NY State Teaching Assistant certification
More information on how to obtain this certificate may be found at the New York State Education Department’s Teaching Assistant website.
For district Assistant Teacher (paraprofessional) positions, please visit Paraprofessionals Careers website.
To qualify to be a Teacher’s Aide in a pre-K classroom in a NYC Early Education Center (NYCEEC), you must:
- Be at least eighteen years old
- Possess a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
Additional needs in early childhood
Additionally, there is a particular need for teachers who are fluent in one of the languages New York City's children speak at home - Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, Haitian-Creole, French, Urdu, Bengali, Russian, Korean, and Arabic.
Assistant teachers and teacher’s aides assist with connecting parent’s needs and expectations to classroom goals and learning objectives, setting up and maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment, developing curriculum and materials, and handling emergencies.
An ideal candidate for an assistant teacher position:
- Builds positive self-concept and individual strength in children
- Organizes the classroom and brings out the best in children as well as adults
- Attends staff and committee meetings
- Participates in maintaining ongoing records of children
- Takes part in training sessions and parent meetings when applicable
- Has an awareness of and sensitivity to cultural issues and local community practices
Return to list of opportunities
Education Director qualifications depend on your pre-K program license.
Child Care (Article 47) Providers
- Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field of study.
- Teaching license or certificate valid for services in the early childhood or childhood grades as pursuant to New York State Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) regulations.
- At least two years of Lead Teacher experience in a program for children less than six years of age.
School-Based (Article 43) and Group Family Day Care Providers
- Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field of study.
- Teaching license or certificate valid for services in the early childhood or childhood grades as pursuant to New York State UPK regulations.
With strong leadership, an Education Director makes sure all educational staff meet program standards, organizes staff workshops, plans and executes training sessions for teachers and other staff, helps teachers in planning and assessment, and provides immediate performance feedback to teachers.
An Education Director helps teachers and assistants to work as a team, ensures that daily classroom routines and physical set-up of classrooms are emotionally, socially, physically and cognitively appropriate, serves as a resource to classroom teams as needed, and visits public schools to create and manage relationships to support children’s transition to public school.
An ideal candidate for an education director:
- Possesses the ability to develop and maintain relationships with parents
- Utilizes the teaching skills to plan and carry out parent workshops
- Has experience in a human services setting, including working with low-income children and families
- Maintains an awareness of and sensitivity to cultural issues and local community practices
Return to list of opportunities
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Teaching Pre-K in NYC FAQs
Pre-K Certification Requirements FAQs
Early Childhood Teacher Finder
Online application for those that do not possess a NY State Early Childhood Certificate (or will not obtain by September 1, 2018).
New Teacher Finder
Online application for those that possess a NY State Early Childhood Certificate (or will obtain by September 1, 2018).
Pre-K Marketplace Map
Online map of all Pre-K programs and settings throughout the five boroughs.
NY State Education Department (NYSED)
Use the dropdown menu to find the type of certification and to determine the qualifications for that certification.
NYSED Teacher certification phone number : 518-474-3901 .
New York State Education Department Certification Information
General information regarding how to obtain NY State certification.
Teach Website
NY State Department of Education website to verify a teacher’s certification by name only.
Interstate Reciprocity Information
Information for applicants that received certification in another state.
International Evaluation of U.S. Credentials
Information for applicants that received certification outside of the US.
NYSED - Approved Teacher Preparation Programs
NY State Department of Education website with approved NY State teacher preparation programs.
Paraprofessional Certification Information
DOE website with information on becoming a Paraprofessional (Teaching Assistant).
Open Market Transfer (OMT)
Information for current DOE teachers interested in transferring schools (transfer period is approximately May-August).
United Federation of Teachers (UFT)
United Federation of Teachers (UFT) website. The UFT is a federation of teachers, nurses and other professionals working in New York City’s five borough.
Headquarters Phone Number: 212-777-7500.
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Check out the recorded webinars below to learn more about New York City’s Pre-K for All initiative, as well as the application and hiring process!
Teacher Chat!Listen in a conversation with current NYCEEC ambassadors. These pre-K teachers and leaders came together to talk about their experiences with and passion for Pre-K for All.
Certification 101: How to Become a NY State Certified Early Childhood Teacher How to successfully complete the application. Concrete interview tips and recommendations.Why Pre-K for AllA conversation with Sophia Pappas, the CEO of the New York City Department of Education's Department of Early Childhood Education. The webinar shares what the life of a pre-K teacher is like, an in-depth understanding of the settings that offer pre-K and where you can expect to find jobs.
Navigating the New Teacher Finder & the Early Childhood Teacher FinderLearn insider tips to successfully complete your application, search for positions, and find the right fit for you!
Resume Writing Tips & TricksFind out how to make sure that hiring managers notice your resume. Learn practical tips about resume construction that are specific to educators like you.
Mastering the Interviews and Model Lessons An in-depth discussion about interview and model lesson strategies and best practices.
All about CertificationLearn more about the certification process and requirements necessary to be a lead or assistant teacher in New York City.
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The New York City Department of Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer.