Kentucky’s progressive stance on education is clearly evident in its commitment to providing free public preschool education. This benefit is guaranteed to all four-year-olds from families whose income is at or below 160 percent of the poverty line. Furthermore, it extends to all three and four-year-olds who have developmental delays or disabilities.
In addition to this state-wide initiative, individual school districts also shoulder the responsibility of creating accessible programs for other four-year-olds, particularly those who do not have developmental delays and belong to families with higher socioeconomic standing. This dual approach prioritizes those in immediate need while striving for comprehensive inclusivity.
Here are the key features of Kentucky’s early education strategy:
- Free Access for Low-Income Families: This is a pioneering move to level the academic playing field by ensuring that financial difficulties do not hamper early learning;
- Inclusion of Children with Developmental Delays or Disabilities: Children with special needs are given priority, highlighting the state’s commitment to inclusive education;
- Further Provision by Individual School Districts: For those who fall outside the initial provisions, individual school districts extend their resources, demonstrating a community-wide dedication to early education.
Kentucky’s preschool programs are governed by the Kentucky Department of Education. Only certified preschool teachers, who have undergone proper training and have demonstrated a certain level of competence, are allowed to operate under this department.
However, it is critical to note that having the right qualifications isn’t the only requirement for being a successful preschool teacher in Kentucky. A sincere commitment to the role and a relentless drive for creating positive change can often make a more significant impact.
Kentucky’s laws mandate preschool programs to be developmentally suitable, fostering well-rounded development in children. It emphasizes a child’s physical, intellectual, and social development, moving beyond the confines of purely academic learning. This holistic approach to early education makes Kentucky’s preschool programs exceptionally beneficial for young learners.
Step 1. Complete a Degree and Educator Preparation Program
To join the ranks of early childhood educators in Kentucky, a certification in interdisciplinary early childhood education, catering from birth to primary age, is obligatory. This credential requires the accomplishment of a minimum bachelor’s degree and successful completion of an approved teacher preparation program.
Furthermore, academic performance is crucial for your teaching journey in Kentucky. You’ll need to uphold either:
- An overall GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, or;
- A GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the final 60 hours of your credited coursework, inclusive of both undergraduate and graduate studies.
Additionally, Kentucky upholds a ‘recency’ requirement for teacher certification. Essentially, you should have completed your teacher preparation program within five years prior to applying for certification or accomplished at least six semester hours of graduate credit within the same timeframe.
The curriculum for an Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education major in Kentucky can vary among institutions. However, you can typically expect to encounter the following modules:
- Utilization of Instructional Media;
- Young Children Assessment Techniques;
- Intervention Planning for Children with Special Needs;
- Advanced Curriculum Formulation;
- Language and Literacy Development in Young Children;
- In-depth Understanding of Human Development and Learning.
Gaining Practical Experience for Kentucky Preschool Teachers
Kentucky law stipulates that all prospective preschool educators complete student teaching and field experience as components of their teacher preparation program. Prior to embarking on your student teaching journey, a prerequisite of 200 field experience hours across a range of programs from primary to grade 12 is a must. These experiences should span:
- Engaging with diverse student populations;
- Observations in schools and associated agencies like Family Resource Centers;
- Conducting tutoring sessions for students;
- Direct interactions with students’ families;
- Involvement in school-based professional learning communities;
- Participating in school board and council sessions;
- Assisting fellow teachers or other school professionals.
Your student teaching tenure should span at least 70 full days and will be facilitated under the watchful eyes of a Cooperative Teacher. This mentor will track your progress and report to your University Supervisor. During this period, you’ll be placed in an age-appropriate setting, providing opportunities to assume comprehensive teaching duties – co-teaching, designing lesson plans, and showcasing classroom skills, to mention a few.
Step 2. Pass the Exams Required for Preschool Teacher Certification in Kentucky
For an aspiring preschool teacher in Kentucky, passing the Praxis I basic skills exams is a crucial step on the road to joining a certified teacher preparation program. The Praxis I exams aim to assess core academic capabilities in three key areas:
- Core Academic Skills for Educators: Reading: A score of 156 or more demonstrates a solid grasp of critical reading skills;
- Core Academic Skills for Educators: Writing: A score of 162 or over is needed to show your competency in written communication;
- Core Academic Skills for Educators: Mathematics: Scoring at least 150 verifies your proficiency in fundamental mathematics.
Making Strides with Praxis II
The Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board mandates the fulfillment of the Praxis II content area examination for your chosen field of certification. Prospective preschool teachers in Kentucky must conquer the following obstacles:
- Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education: A score of 166 or more in this area exhibits a firm understanding of early childhood learning paradigms;
- Principles of Learning and Teaching: Early Childhood Pedagogy: Securing at least 160 indicates comprehensive knowledge of early childhood teaching methodologies.
Kentucky’s Praxis Testing Centers
Kentucky boasts a number of Praxis testing centers situated across various regions of the state that are readily available to accommodate those preparing to become certified educators. Whether you reside in the urban heartlands or the suburban outskirts, there’s a testing center conveniently located near you in:
- Louisville;
- Lexington;
- Bowling Green;
- Frankfort;
- Florence;
- Highland Heights;
- Murray.
Step 3. Apply for Your Kentucky Teaching Certificate
Upon the successful completion of your degree, teacher preparation program, and required examinations, you’re on the cusp of turning your dream of becoming a certified preschool teacher in Kentucky into reality. The subsequent step involves applying for your Kentucky Teaching Certificate in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to streamline the application process:
- Download and Complete the CA-1 Application Form: This form is the official application for your teaching certification. Complete it with accurate and current information;
- Include Official Copies of Your College Transcripts: These documents validate the completion of your degree and teacher preparation program;
- Proof of Full-time Classroom Teaching Experience: Section 2 of the application form requires verification from your student teaching school superintendent or personnel director that you have had full-time classroom teaching experience;
- Certificates Verifying Passed Praxis II Examinations: Copies of these certificates are imperative to prove that you’ve met the examination requirements;
- Verification of Completion of Your Teacher Preparation Program: Section 4 of the application form must be filled out by your school’s certification officer, confirming you have successfully completed your teacher preparation program;
- Payment of Certification Fees: Include either a $50 certified check or money order payable to Kentucky State Treasurer, or alternatively, you can pay the certification fees online after mailing the application.
All the necessary documents should be mailed to the Division of Certification, Education Professional Standards Board, 100 Airport Road, 3rd Floor, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601.
Step 4. Maintain and Upgrade Your Kentucky Teaching Certificate
With your Kentucky teaching certificate in hand, you’ve commenced an inspiring journey in shaping young minds and hearts. Although your certificate remains valid for five years, the journey towards professional growth never ceases. During your first year of teaching, you’re required to complete the Kentucky Teacher Internship Program. This innovative program, conducted through an electronic Intern Management System, is designed to monitor your development and facilitate a seamless introduction to Kentucky’s teaching landscape.
Continuing Your Educational Journey as a Kentucky Preschool Teacher
The expiration of your five-year teaching certificate is not the end but the start of a new phase in your professional journey. To renew your certificate for the first time, you need to:
- Accurately complete Section I of the Application for Certificate Renewal/Duplicate;
- Obtain verification from your school superintendent (Section II of the application form) for completing at least three years of full-time teaching experience in the preceding five years. Alternatively, you can satisfy the recency requirement with 6 semester hours of college credit (this needs to be confirmed by your college);
- Pay the renewal fee through a check or money order made payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer
- Complete 15 graduate hours of college credit or fulfill half of the Continuing Education Option requirements—a ranking system based on your teaching tenure that provides impactful continuing education activities.
For the second five-year renewal, you may opt to complete an approved master’s degree program comprising 32 graduate hours or finish your Continuing Education Option requirements. Further renewals every five years merely require evidence of three years of full-time teaching experience in the past five years or completion of six semester hours of college credit.
Setting Standards for Child Care Providers in Kentucky
Kentucky also sets high standards for child care centers operating outside the Kentucky Department of Education’s purview. These institutions are governed by the Kentucky Department of Health and Family Services. Key qualifications for the director of a child care center include:
- Being at least 21 years old;
- Holding a high school diploma or GED;
- Working exclusively as a child care director during the center’s operating hours.
Type I centers, with at least 4 children in a nonresidential setting or 13 children in a residential setting, require the director to meet one of several educational requirements. Type II child care facilities, which care for 7 to 12 children at a private residence, also require similar qualifications or some relevant experience and training.
Kentucky Preschool Teacher Salaries
In Kentucky, early education professionals like preschool teachers can expect to receive competitive compensation in comparison to national averages. This can be attributed to the state’s commitment to fostering high-quality early childhood education services, underpinned by the Tier I and Tier 2 Preschool Partnership Grants administered by the Kentucky Department of Education.
The following figures represent the salary spectrum for different roles within the early education sector (medians, top 25%, and top 10%):
- Preschool Administrators: $40,720 – $49,560 – $61,620;
- Preschool Teachers: $28,960 – $43,220 – $56,880;
- Preschool Special Educators: $54,460 – $61,440 – $67,700.
The Kentucky Career Center forecasts promising growth for positions in the early education sector. Administrators are looking at a 13.9 percent growth rate between 2016 and 2026 while preschool teachers are expected to experience an 11.4 percent increase. Even more impressive is the expected growth within special education, where a 20 percent increase in positions is projected by 2026. This anticipated growth, combined with competitive salary rates, makes Kentucky an appealing state for early education professionals.
Louisville/Jefferson County: A Hub of Early Education Opportunities
Being the largest combined metro area in Kentucky, Louisville/Jefferson County provides a wide array of public school systems and private providers for early education services, including:
- Jefferson County Public Schools;
- La Petite Academy;
- Primrose School;
- Harvey Browne Preschool;
- Cadence Academy;
- Bright Horizons;
- The Gardner School;
- Evergreen Christian Preschool;
- Providence Childcare and Preschool;
- Kindercare.
In this region, preschool teachers and administrators can anticipate salaries within these ranges:
- Preschool Administrators: Median – $40,530; 75th Percentile – $51,250; 90th Percentile – $68,530;
- Preschool Teachers: Median – $23,330; 75th Percentile – $31,730; 90th Percentile – $49,230.
Lexington-Fayette: A Winning Destination for Preschool Teachers
Fayette county stands out for its competitive preschool teacher salaries, with top earners surpassing the national figures. Its wide array of schools include:
- Fayette County Public Schools;
- Fayette Cooperating Preschool;
- Growing Together;
- La Petite Academy;
- Community Montessori School;
- Milk & Honey Preschool;
- The Lutheran School of Lexington;
- Michael’s School.
Salaries for early education professionals in the Lexington-Fayette area range between:
- Preschool Administrators: Median – $44,900; 75th Percentile – $53,030; 90th Percentile – $62,900;
- Preschool Teachers: Median – $29,070; 75th Percentile – $45,040; 90th Percentile – $60,890;
- Special Education Preschool Teachers: Median – $53,760; 75th Percentile – $63,640; 90th Percentile – $74,100.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the landscape of early education in Kentucky presents a promising picture. With a strong focus on improving quality, increasing salaries, and fostering growth in early education careers, the state has made significant strides in shaping a bright future for its youngest learners. For educators, the opportunities for professional growth and the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children make Kentucky a prime destination in the realm of early education. If you want to improve your knowledge as a teacher, it is recommended that you also study tips for preschool teachers.