The emphasis on preschool education in Illinois has a history spanning over three decades. In 1985, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) established a policy promoting early childhood education and gained the authority to provide grants to school districts operating pre-kindergarten programs catering to children aged 3 to 5.
If you’re interested in becoming a preschool teacher in Illinois, you may also like to explore our article on ‘How to Become a Preschool Teacher in Iowa’ to compare the requirements and steps in both states.
| University/School | Featured Program(s) |
|---|---|
| Grand Canyon University | B.S or M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education |
| Walden University | Online Early Childhood Studies Programs |
| Arizona State University – Online | Early Childhood Education, MEd; Early Childhood Education (Teacher Certification), MEd |
| Rasmussen University School of Education | Associate’s and Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education – Each offers a flexible and affordable way to prepare to teach children in Pre-K classrooms. |
| University of Phoenix | Associate of Arts with a concentration in Elementary Education, Bachelor of Science in Education / Elementary Education, Master of Arts in Education/Early Childhood Education |
| WGU | B.A. Elementary Education (Leads to initial teacher licensure); Master of Arts in Teaching – Elementary Education (Leads to initial teacher licensure) |
In 2004, significant strides were made to broaden the scope of available grants, extending their reach to encompass a more diverse array of eligible early learning centers, including private preschools. This forward-looking initiative, officially named the “Preschool for All Program,” was formally introduced by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) in 2007. Its primary goal was to provide educational assistance to children who encountered potential academic challenges stemming from their home and community environments, as well as those originating from families with incomes less than four times the federal poverty level.
By 2012, the impact of the Preschool for All Program had become evident as it had extended its financial support to encompass a total of 461 schools and learning centers, ultimately benefiting almost 79,000 students. This program has played a pivotal role in amplifying awareness about the paramount significance of early childhood education among parents throughout the state of Illinois. Consequently, Illinois has become an attractive destination for individuals deeply committed to pursuing careers in early childhood education.
Notably, data sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reveal that Illinois proudly holds the distinction of ranking fifth in the United States for the highest employment level of preschool teachers and administrators. Furthermore, it ranks fourth nationally in terms of teacher concentration. This supportive educational environment creates a reassuring atmosphere for those who possess an unwavering passion for their profession and are dedicated to advancing their skills and knowledge to foster the development of the upcoming generation.
For any preschool teacher employed within the Illinois public school system or operating under the umbrella of the Preschool for All Program, obtaining a valid Illinois professional educator license with an endorsement in early childhood education is an essential requirement. Earning this endorsement entails successfully completing the following crucial steps:
- Successfully complete a State-Approved Preparation Program;
- Pass the Content Examination in Early Childhood Education;
- Apply for a Professional Educator License;
- Register your Teaching License.
Step 1: Finish a State-Endorsed Training Program
To pursue a career as a preschool educator in Illinois, it is crucial to successfully complete an accredited teacher preparation program recognized by the state. This program entails meeting specific coursework and student teaching requirements that are integral to the overall training.
In the state of Illinois, every teacher preparation program must culminate in a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. Many of these programs also offer the opportunity to obtain a master’s degree, such as an M.Ed. or M.A.T., or provide post-baccalaureate certificates tailored to individuals who possess a bachelor’s degree but lack a formal teacher preparation background.
Illinois boasts 28 reputable early childhood educator preparation programs. The completion of one of these early childhood teacher programs is a mandatory prerequisite for acquiring an early childhood (birth to grade 3) teaching license within the state. Additionally, academic performance plays a significant role in this process; candidates must graduate with a minimum grade point average of C to qualify for licensure.
These teacher preparation programs are meticulously designed to align with the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards (IELDS). These standards serve as a foundation for setting appropriate expectations regarding the growth, development, and learning of preschool-aged children.
The minimum prerequisites for early childhood education teacher preparation programs in Illinois (which also apply to educators trained outside of Illinois or the U.S. seeking a professional educator license) include:
- Possession of a bachelor’s degree earned from a regionally accredited institution;
- Completion of a minimum of 32 semester hours in the field of early childhood education;
- Successful completion of a student teaching assignment or equivalent teaching experience;
- Completion of at least 3 semester hours dedicated to Cross-Categorical Methods for Exceptional Children;
- Attainment of a minimum of 6 semester hours focused on Teaching Reading Methods and content area reading;
- Completion of at least 3 semester hours dedicated to ESL/bilingual methods.
Moreover, candidates may be required to successfully pass the Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP), which comprises four distinct subtests in reading comprehension, language arts, mathematics, and writing. This requirement is often necessary for admission into many teacher preparation programs, unless candidates have previously cleared a recognized examination such as the SAT, ACT, GRE, or equivalent.
Step 2: Pass the Early Childhood Education Content Exam
Following the successful completion of your teacher training program, the next crucial step on your journey to becoming a licensed early childhood educator is passing the Early Childhood Education content examination. This examination is an integral component of the Illinois Licensure Testing System (ILTS) and is a prerequisite for teacher licensure in the state.
The specific examination for Early Childhood Education (test 107) is a computer-administered test featuring 125 multiple-choice questions. Candidates are allotted a duration of 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete the examination, and the associated fee is set at $135. Pearson Vue, a globally recognized test administrator, conducts this examination, with 30 Pearson Vue centers available solely in Illinois for test-takers’ convenience.
To adequately prepare for this examination, candidates can make use of the ILTS Early Childhood Education Preparation Materials. These resources are thoughtfully designed to assist candidates in comprehending the format and content of the test, thereby enhancing their likelihood of success.
Additionally, candidates who are currently enrolled in Illinois-approved educator preparation programs are encouraged to engage in discussions with their academic advisors to determine the most opportune timing for taking this examination. This ensures that the test is scheduled in alignment with their academic progress and overall readiness.
Step 3: Process for Acquiring a Professional Educator License
After finishing your educator training program, the next crucial step is applying for your professional educator license. The college or university where you completed your program plays a key role in this process. They will inform the Board of Education through the Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS) that you are eligible for licensure. This step is commonly known as “entitlement.”
When your educational institution notifies ELIS, it’s essentially validating that you’ve met all necessary coursework and examination requirements for an educator license in Illinois. Following this notification, a prompt will appear on your ELIS home screen indicating that you should apply for your entitlement. At this stage, you’re required to click on this prompt and proceed to submit your application along with the specified fee to obtain your professional educator license.
Step 4: Activating Your Illinois Teaching License
To ensure the legitimacy of your Illinois teaching license, it is imperative to complete the registration process with the Regional Superintendent of Schools in either your employment area or residential area. This registration necessitates a fee of $50 and grants you a professional educator license valid for five years. It is crucial to emphasize that your license attains full validity only after this official registration.
The registration procedure entails accessing your ELIS (Educator Licensure Information System) account. Within this platform, you will navigate through the registration steps and submit the requisite fee electronically. Additionally, it is obligatory to furnish evidence of having fulfilled the mandatory professional development hours to your Regional Office of Education.
The specific quantity of professional development hours required is contingent on your level of educational qualifications:
- Holders of a Bachelor’s degree need at least 120 hours;
- For a Master’s degree, the requirement is at least 80 hours;
- Individuals with two or more advanced degrees require at least 40 hours;
- Teachers with National Board Certification also need at least 40 hours.
Moreover, you can fulfill your professional development obligations by engaging in at least one uniquely qualifying activity. Such activities include earning an advanced degree, completing the National Board Certification program, acquiring a new endorsement in Illinois, or becoming highly qualified in a new subject area.
Preschool Teacher and Administrator Salaries in Illinois
When it comes to salaries, preschool teachers and administrators in Illinois typically align closely with the national median for their roles, as indicated by 2018 BLS data. This data provides insights into earnings at the median, top 25%, and top 10% percentiles within these professions.
- Preschool Administrators: $48,980 – $61,890 – $113,900;
- Preschool Teacher: $29,090 – $36,050 – $44,730;
- Preschool Special Educator: $56,600 – $67,510 – $79,660.
However, when it comes to the upper echelons of the salary scale, Illinois preschool administrators outperform their national counterparts significantly, earning salaries exceeding $100,000 compared to the national average of $83,730 for the top ten percent.
The job growth for teachers in Illinois aligns with the national rate, as reported by the state Department of Employment Security, remaining at approximately 10 percent over the decade spanning from 2016 to 2026. Meanwhile, administrators are projected to experience a 9.3 percent increase in job opportunities during the same period, whereas special education teachers are expected to see a more modest 3.3 percent uptick.
Collectively, the early childhood education job market in the state is anticipated to have more than 2,500 openings annually, arising from both existing teachers transitioning into retirement and the creation of new teaching positions.
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin
In the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metro area, the employment landscape for preschool education professionals is notable. This region ranks as the second-highest in employment levels for preschool teachers nationally and third for both preschool administrators and special educators. These roles are not only prevalent but also offer competitive salaries within Illinois. Prominent educational institutions in the area include:
- Chicago Public Schools;
- Urban Child Academy;
- The Gardner School of Chicago;
- GEMS Chicago Early Years;
- Chicago Preschool Academy;
- The Goddard School;
- Lincoln Park Preschool and Kindergarten;
- Chicago Waldorf School;
- Sinai Preschool;
- Beverly Montessori.
In this region, including schools and Head Start programs, the salary range for preschool teachers, special educators in early childhood, and administrators are as follows:
Preschool Administrators:
- Median Salary: $51,840;
- 75th Percentile: $64,450;
- 90th Percentile: $120,400.
Preschool Teachers:
- Median Salary: $29,390;
- 75th Percentile: $36,090;
- 90th Percentile: $43,570.
Special Education Preschool Teachers:
- Median Salary: $56,030;
- 75th Percentile: $67,320;
- 90th Percentile: $79,730.
Rockford
In Rockford, the compensation for educators and administrators in preschool settings approaches the high salary benchmarks set by the Chicago metropolitan area. However, Rockford, often referred to as the Forest City, presents a distinct working atmosphere, contrasting with the highly urbanized environment found in the southern region. Key educational institutions in Rockford include:
- Rockford Public Schools;
- Montessori Private Academy;
- Spectrum Progressive School;
- Alpine Academy of Rockford;
- Christian Life Schools;
- Beyer Early Childhood Center;
- Westminster Presbyterian Church Preschool;
- KinderCare.
In Rockford’s public and private preschools, the salary expectations for teachers and administrators are as follows:
Preschool Administrators:
- Median Salary: $50,110;
- 75th Percentile: $70,470;
- 90th Percentile: $91,070.
Preschool Teachers:
- Median Salary: $28,090;
- 75th Percentile: $40,070;
- 90th Percentile: $56,700.
Peoria
Peoria, Illinois boasts a diverse array of preschool options, from well-known chains like KinderCare to smaller local and religious institutions actively seeking dedicated teachers and administrators. Some of the notable preschools in Peoria include:
- Peoria Public School District;
- Montessori School of Peoria;
- First Federated Preschool;
- Peoria Academy;
- Redeemer Early Learning Center;
- A+ Children’s Academy;
- Salem Lutheran Preschool;
- KinderCare.
For educators and administrators considering a career in Peoria’s preschools and learning centers, here’s a glimpse of the salary ranges they can expect:
Preschool Teachers’ Salary:
- Median Salary: $29,180;
- 75th Percentile Salary: $37,760;
- 90th Percentile Salary: $48,970.
Whether you’re passionate about teaching in a public school district or prefer the Montessori approach, Peoria offers a variety of rewarding opportunities in the field of early childhood education.
Springfield
If you’re seeking opportunities in the field of early childhood education in Springfield, Illinois, you’ll discover a range of positions available in both public and private preschools. Some of the notable institutions where preschool teachers and administrators can pursue their careers include:
- Springfield Public Schools;
- John’s Lutheran Preschools;
- Westminster Cooperative Preschool;
- Building Blocks Preschool;
- Silverleaf Children’s Academy;
- The Goddard School.
For those considering a career in Springfield’s preschools and learning centers, here’s an overview of the salary ranges to expect:
Preschool Administrators’ Salary:
- Median Salary: $48,050;
- 75th Percentile Salary: $56,440;
- 90th Percentile Salary: $62,670.
Preschool Teachers’ Salary:
- Median Salary: $27,040;
- 75th Percentile Salary: $31,270;
- 90th Percentile Salary: $39,600.
Springfield offers diverse opportunities for passionate educators and administrators to make a meaningful impact on the development of young minds. Whether you’re interested in a public school setting or a cooperative preschool, Springfield has options to suit your career goals in early childhood education.
Conclusion
Illinois’s significant commitment to early childhood education provides a nurturing environment for those aspiring to become preschool teachers. The state’s well-defined requirements and supportive programs offer a strong foundation for your teaching career. As a preschool teacher in Illinois, you have the opportunity to shape the lives of young learners, guiding them toward their future academic success. With a variety of opportunities across the state, alongside competitive salaries and job growth, Illinois is the perfect place to kickstart your teaching journey.