To teach preschool classes in Michigan public schools, you must be willing to complete the following steps:
 | Complete an approved teacher preparation program |
 | Façade and passed the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) |
 | Apply for and renew a provisional (first) teaching permit |
 | Apply for a vocational training certificate |
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According to the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget, there were 7,270 licensed preschool teachers in Michigan as of 2012. By 2020, the ministry forecasts 8,260 of these teachers, or a 13.5% increase. On average, there are 287 openings for preschool teachers in Michigan each year.
The Office of Professional Preparation Services (OPPS) and the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) have partnered to ensure that Michigan youth, from preschool through age 12,ºgrade, achieve their educational goals through quality child development programs. These two organizations also ensure that all educational programs in the state meet the standards set by the Michigan Legislature and the State Board of Education.
In 1986, the Michigan State Board of Education approved theQuality standards and curriculum guidelines for preschool programs for four-year-olds. The aim of the program was to provide a framework for a high-quality preschool program for preschool children identified as at risk of school failure. In 1992 the Board of Education appointed a committee that evolvedEarly childhood quality standards for preschool through second gradeand in 2002 the Board of Education adopted a task force to ensure early childhood literacy.
Step 1. Complete an Approved Teacher Preparation Program
To teach preschool in a Michigan public school, you must first have astate-recognized teaching degree. Currently, 26 schools offer teacher training courses in early childhood education. A teacher preparation program includes at least a bachelor's degree, along with courses in pedagogy and a student teaching experience.
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Some of the courses you will find in your educator preparation program include:
- family systems
- Basics of early intervention and education
- Positive learning environment for children with and without disabilities
- Science and math for every little kid
- Early childhood language and literacy development
- Teaching strategies for every young child
- Designing a meaningful curriculum for early childhood
Child Care Provider Requirements in Michigan
The Michigan Office of Great Start is responsible for ensuring that all Michigan children ages birth through age 8, especially those with the greatest needs, have access to quality learning and development programs.
A quality program recognized by the Office of Great Start requires that supervisors in a center-based program have:
main maintainer
- A bachelor's degree or higher in early childhood education, child development, nursing, or another child-related field; Preferred caregivers have certification (Level 2 or higher) from the Children's Mental Health Association of Michigan
Other caregivers
- An associate degree or higher in early childhood education, child development, nursing, or another child-related field; OR
- A Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate; Preferred caregivers have certification (Level 1 or higher) from the Children's Mental Health Association of Michigan
Step 2. Take and pass the Michigan Teacher Certification Test (MTTC).
Upon completion of an approved Michigan teacher preparation program (or an out-of-state Board of Education-approved program), you must complete and pass Early Childhood Education (General and Special Education).Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC).
This exam, which consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, requires a passing score of at least 220.
Test locations, dates, and locations vary so candidates are best servedVerification of requirementsto take this exam.
The examination for early childhood education consists of the following examination areas:
- Learning in child development: 25 percent
- Communication, language and reading skills development: 19 percent
- Learning in content areas: 37%
- Professional development: 19%
Step 3. Apply for and renew a provisional (first) teaching permit
An initial training permit valid for 6 years can only be obtained after completing a state-recognized teacher training course and passing the MTTC exam.
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If you meet the above requirements but have not yet taken and passed the MTTC exam, you can apply for the TEA2 Temporary Teaching Employment Authorization, which is valid for up to one year while you prepare for the MTTC exam. The T2EA is issued after the assessment of your initial certification application. It's non-renewable.
First Renewal -You must renew your provisional certificate every 3 years. Your first renewal requires the completion of at least ONE of the following:
- 6 semester hours in a proposed course of study in an approved PSA; OR
- 6 hours per week of course work in early childhood education at a regionally recognized college or university; OR
- 150 State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs) in Early Childhood Education
- A combination of semester credit hours and SCECHs; OR
- Completion of a recognized master's degree or higher
Second Extension –Your second renewal requires the completion of at least ONE of the following:
- 6 semester hours in a proposed course of study in an approved PSA; OR
- 6 semester hours of early childhood education at a state-recognized college or university from the first provisional certificate renewal; OR
- 150 State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs) in Early Childhood Education since first provisional certificate renewal; OR
- A combination of semester credit hours and SCECHs since interim certificate renewal; OR
- A Masters or higher
Third Renewal -A third extension requires the following:
- Sponsored by a local school district or private school
- Fulfillment of all academic requirements for the Certificate of Professional Education
- Approved by the Michigan Department of Education
Ready to start? look at oursComprehensive list of ECE degrees by stateat multiple levels to determine which program is right for you.
Step 4. Apply for Vocational Training Certificate
A Michigan Professional Education Certificate, valid for a 5-year period, is reserved for Michigan educators who hold a valid Michigan Interim Certificate. To qualify for a vocational school diploma, you must:
- Have at least 3 years of satisfactory teaching experience in early childhood education; AND
- Have at least 3 semester credit hours of Reading Methods for certified high school teachers and at least 6 semester credit hours of Reading Methods for certified elementary school teachers and; AND
- Have at least 3 semester hours of reading disability and differentiated instruction, which also includes field experience; AND
- Have at least 3 hours per week in diagnostic and remedial reading (you can find more information about these requirements hereHere.)
You must also have ONE (or a combination of) of the following:
- 6 semester hours in a proposed course of study in an approved PSA; OR
- 6 semester hours of early childhood education at a state-recognized college or university from the first provisional certificate renewal; OR
- 150 State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs) in Early Childhood Education since first provisional certificate renewal; OR
- 150 hours of district-provided professional development (PDDP); OR
- A Masters or higher
Provisional teaching certificate (alternative way)
A temporary teaching certificate in Michigan, valid for up to 5 years, is designed as an alternative to a teaching certificate because it allows individuals to be employed in a public school. To qualify for a provisional teaching certificate, you must:
- You must be currently enrolled in a state-approved alternative education program
- Hold a bachelor's, master's, doctorate, or professional degree from a regionally recognized college or university with a GPA of at least 3.0
- Pass theMTTC professional matriculation examinationAnd the exam for early childhood education (general and special education) (see step 2)
If you are working on a provisional teaching certificate, you must complete the following before being recommended for a Michigan provisional certificate:
- Pass a criminal background check, including FBI fingerprints, before being hired by a Michigan school district. AND
- Receive intensive training and observation; AND
- Complete at least three years of satisfactory teaching experience
Preschool Teacher Salaries in Michigan
According to the state's Departments of Technology, Management and Budget, the median salary for preschool teachers in Michigan in 2013 was $31,950 per year. Those earning in the 10th percentile earn an average of $18,510, while experienced preschool teachers in the 90th percentile earn an average of $48,100 per year.
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Pre-K teacher salaries varied widely in Michigan, with the average salary being the highest in the Monroe area. The Muskegon area's 90th percentile wages were 41% higher than national wages, while Monroe's 10th percentile wages were more than 50% higher than the national average for that category.
The Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget provided the salary data shown here:
Michigan city
10th percentile
average salary
90th percentile
Ann Arbor
$ 19910
$ 33030
46490 $
battle stream
$ 21010
$ 30660
51440 $
bay city
17830 $
$ 26630
39570 $
Stein
17860 $
29380 $
47.060 $
big rapids
$ 20370
31.000 $
$44950
Netherlands
17120 $
$24150
38400 $
Jackson
16290 $
26920 $
$42350
Kalamazoo
18220 $
$ 29950
47490 $
Lansing
16800 $
$ 26830
44480 $
Monroe
28160 $
36810 $
47520 $
Muskegon
18330 $
$ 36040
67820 $
Rake
$ 19420
34.000 $
$ 39480
Saginaw
16550 $
$24250
38470 $
For comparison, the Bureau of Labor Statistics provides a 2013 breakdown of Michigan preschool teacher salaries by city:
realm name
Work
Average salary per hour
average annual salary
Average salary per hour
75th percentile of hourly wage
90th percentile of hourly wage
average annual salary
75th percentile of annual salary
90th percentile of annual salary
Ann Arbor MI
390
15.88
33030
15.10
18.08
22h35
31420
37610
46490
Battle Creek MI
90
14.74
30660
12.86
15.02
24.73
26750
31240
51440
Bay City MI
40
12.80
26630
12.11
14.36
19.02
25190
29880
39570
Detroit-Livonia-Dearborn MI Metropolitan Division
890
15.71
32680
14.08
19.08
23.09
29280
39680
48020
Detroit-Warren-Livonia MI
3340
15.41
32050
13.82
19h60
23.22
28730
40770
48300
Flint MI
180
14.12
29380
12.16
15.76
22.63
25300
32780
47060
Grand Rapids-Wyoming MI
610
14.91
31000
13h35
16.58
21.61
27780
34490
44950
Holland-Grand Haven MI
unpublished estimate
11.61
24150
10.15
11h40
18.46
21110
23710
38400
Jackson MI
80
12.94
26920
12.06
15.33
20.36
25090
31880
42350
Kalamazoo-Portage MI
390
14h40
29950
12.05
18.96
22.83
25070
39440
47490
Lansing-Ost Lansing MI
440
12.90
26830
10.84
15.77
21h39
22560
32790
44480
Monroe M.I.
80
17h70
36810
17.05
18.95
22.85
35460
39410
47520
Muskegon-Norton Shores MI
120
17.33
36040
13.15
24.67
32.61
27360
51310
67820
Niles-Benton Harbor MI
70
16.34
34000
16h35
17.87
18,98
34010
37170
39480
Saginaw-Saginaw Township North MI
80
11.66
24250
10.17
13h37
18h50
21150
27810
38470
South Bend-Mishawaka IN-MI
230
13.23
27520
11.68
16.15
18h40
24300
33600
38270
Warren-Troy-Farmington Hills MI Metropolitan Division
2440
3:30 p.m.
31820
13.77
19.77
23.26
28650
41120
48380
Michigan's upper peninsula outside of the metropolitan area
130
18h37
38210
15,60
22.38
32.22
32450
46540
67020
Michigan's Northeastern Lower Peninsula non-metropolitan area
160
16,98
35330
16.87
18h25
21.16
35090
37970
44010
Non-metropolitan area of the Lower Peninsula of northwest Michigan
190
15.84
32960
11.76
17.74
29.05
24470
36900
60430
Balance of non-metropolitan areas of Michigan's Lower Peninsula
310
19.05
39630
17.68
21.74
29.41
36780
45220
61180
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FAQs
Early Childhood Education Jobs and Degree Requirements in Michigan | How to become a preschool teacher in MI | job description? ›
The candidate must possess a valid Michigan teaching certificate with an endorsement in at least one area of special education and a major or minor in early childhood education or child growth and development.
What are the qualifications to be a preschool teacher in Michigan? ›- An associate's degree or higher in early childhood education, child development, nursing, or another child-related field; OR.
- A Child Development Associate (CDA) credential; preferred caregivers will possess an endorsement (Level 1 or higher) of the Michigan Association of Infant Mental Health.
The candidate must possess a valid Michigan teaching certificate with an endorsement in at least one area of special education and a major or minor in early childhood education or child growth and development.
What qualifications do you need to be a teacher in MI? ›In addition to holding at least a bachelor's degree and completion of an approved teacher preparation program, Michigan law requires that teachers: Complete required reading courses (6 semester credit hours for elementary teachers and 3 semester credit hours for secondary teachers);
What do you need to be a daycare teacher in Michigan? ›(a) Be at least 19 years of age. (b) Have earned a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. (c) Have 480 hours of experience working as a child care staff member in a program serving school-age children. (d) Have completed 15 clock hours, 1 semester hour, or 1.5 CEUs of documented school-age training.
Is it hard to be a preschool teacher? ›The hardest part of being a preschool teacher is often working with the children, even though being able to help kids learn is why you're interested in starting this career. While it is absolutely rewarding, and kids can be funny, smart, and sweet, they have their bad days just like anyone else.
How much does a lead preschool teacher make in Michigan? ›The average Lead Preschool Teacher salary in Michigan is $36,038 as of February 27, 2023, but the range typically falls between $32,533 and $41,191.
How much do early childhood special education teachers get paid in Michigan? ›How much does an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher make in Michigan? The average Early Childhood Special Education Teacher salary in Michigan is $48,660 as of March 28, 2023, but the range typically falls between $40,600 and $56,861.
What do you need to be a special education teacher in Michigan? ›Michigan law and rules require all individuals complete an approved preparation program in order to become a teacher in Michigan. Michigan approved programs for Special Education must also have a general education elementary or secondary content program (e.g., Elementary Education, English, Social Studies).
How do I get a special education endorsement in Michigan? ›Complete a state-approved endorsement program with at least 20 semester credit hours of coursework through a state-approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP). The program can be completed through a Michigan institution, an Michigan approved alternative route program, or an institution located in another state.
What disqualifies you from being a teacher in Michigan? ›
Misdemeanor or felony convictions for crimes of moral turpitude. Misdemeanor or felony convictions for crimes involving minor victims, including sexual offenses or abuse. Felony drug convictions. Misdemeanor or felony convictions for misappropriation of school property or funds.
How long does it take to get a teaching certificate in Michigan? ›Once you've successfully completed the program requirements and have taught for three full years, you will receive your Standard Certificate in the state of Michigan!
How do I become a kindergarten teacher in MI? ›- Obtain Required Education. All prospective kindergarten teachers need at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university to become certified. ...
- Pass Required Exam. ...
- Become Certified in CPR and First Aid. ...
- Submit Application. ...
- Complete Renewal Requirements.
1. As an applicant, you can expect the licensing process to take 3 to 6 months to complete after you submit a complete application packet.
Do you have to be licensed to have a daycare in Michigan? ›It is illegal in the State of Michigan to provide child care services without being licensed by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Child Care Licensing Division.
How do I become a CDA instructor in Michigan? ›- Determine your setting.
- Complete 120 clock hours of formal training.
- Complete 480 hours of work experience in the setting you are applying for.
- Purchase the Competency Standards book.
- Put together your professional portfolio.
- Distribute family questionnaires.
There are over 2,176,693 preschool teachers currently employed in the United States. 93.6% of all preschool teachers are women, while 6.4% are men. The average age of an employed preschool teacher is 39 years old.
What is the biggest problem in early childhood education? ›- Workplace burnout. ...
- Mental health concerns. ...
- Lack of resources. ...
- Low levels of compensation. ...
- Heightened safety concerns. ...
- Ever-evolving technologies. ...
- Lack of parent engagement and communication.
How much does an Entry Level Teacher make in Michigan? The average Entry Level Teacher salary in Michigan is $42,548 as of March 28, 2023, but the range typically falls between $35,530 and $51,887.
How long does it take to become a Preschool Teacher in Michigan? ›| Education/Training Required | Bachelor's degree with state-approved teacher preparation program; 6 credits reading coursework; CPR and First Aid training |
|---|---|
| Exam Requirements | MTTC Early Childhood Education content exam |
| Certificate Renewal Period | Five years |
What is the lowest salary for a Preschool Teacher? ›
| Percentile | Salary | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile Preschool Teacher Salary | $34,397 | CA |
| 25th Percentile Preschool Teacher Salary | $38,130 | CA |
| 50th Percentile Preschool Teacher Salary | $42,230 | CA |
| 75th Percentile Preschool Teacher Salary | $48,270 | CA |
The average salary for a daycare teacher in Michigan is $20,500 per year. Daycare teacher salaries in Michigan can vary between $16,500 to $31,500 and depend on various factors, including skills, experience, employer, bonuses, tips, and more.
What school district pays teachers the most in Michigan? ›- Northville Public Schools, $75,981.
- Detour Area Schools, $115,764.
- Grosse Pointe Public School System, $78,575.
- New Buffalo Area Schools, $65,146.
- Brighton Area Schools, $95,039.
- Tuscola Independent School District, $66,242.
Daycare worker salary ranges between $18,000 - $37,000, with the average total compensation falling around $27,490 per year in 2021. The Bureau of Labor Statistics cited the median daycare teacher salary in 2021 to be $30,210/year.
Do you have to student teach to become a teacher in Michigan? ›Teacher candidates, regardless of specialty area or grade range, must engage in a minimum of 600 hours of clinical experiences across the span of their Michigan preparation programs, including the culminating internship (i.e., student teaching).
How many students can a special education teacher have in Michigan? ›These rules will allow school districts to assign up to 18 different students to a resource room teacher at the elementary level and 20 students at the secondary level.
How do I get a reading endorsement in Michigan? ›This requires completion of the Graduate Specialization in Literacy and Language Instruction within the Master of Arts in Teaching and Curriculum (MATC) program and a passing score on the MTTC Reading Specialist subject test. For more information, please visit the MATC program website.
How do I get a teaching permit in Michigan? ›- College transcripts from all schools attended.
- Verification of completion of a Michigan educator certification program at an approved and accredited school.
- Submission of passing scores on the required Michigan Test for Teacher Certification examinations.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
IDEA Part B supports children, students, and young adults ages three through 21, and Part C supports children birth to three.
- Bachelor's degree. ...
- Completion of a teacher certification program. ...
- Michigan Test for Teacher Certification subject area exam. ...
- Adult and Child CPR and Standard First Aid. ...
- Background Check. ...
- Complete additional requirements. ...
- Set up your Michigan educator accounts.
Can you substitute teach in Michigan without a degree? ›
Full-Year SHORTAGE Substitute Permit
Requires the teacher to hold a Michigan Professional, Advanced Professional Teaching Certificate. If the assignment is in a core discipline area, the individual must have a corresponding major or passing scores on the state approved subject area test.
Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) is a series of requirements for Michigan teacher certification. The tests are designed to ensure that each certified teacher has the necessary basic skills and content knowledge to serve in Michigan schools.
What is the new Michigan law for substitute teachers? ›Whitmer signed a bill sponsored by Paquette in 2021 that allowed a school district to employ an individual without a certificate or permit who did not otherwise meet the requirements of a substitute teacher through June 30, 2022.
How much does a substitute teacher make in Michigan? ›The average salary for a substitute teacher in Michigan is $21,500 per year.
How many times can you take the Michigan Teacher Certification test? ›There is no limit to the number of times you may retake any MTTC test that you have not yet passed although you must wait at least 30 days between each attempt of the same test.
What states can you teach in with a Michigan teaching certificate? ›| Alabama | Indiana | New Hampshire |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | Maine | North Carolina |
| Connecticut | Maryland | North Dakota |
| Delaware | Massachusetts | Ohio |
| Florida | Mississippi | Oklahoma |
Some qualities of a good teacher include skills in communication, listening, collaboration, adaptability, empathy and patience. Other characteristics of effective teaching include an engaging classroom presence, value in real-world learning, exchange of best practices and a lifelong love of learning.
What is the post baccalaureate teacher certification in Michigan? ›Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Education Program
SVSU offers a traditional and accelerated route to teacher certification in elementary and secondary education for individuals who already have a bachelor's degree or higher and want to obtain their standard teaching certificate to teach in Michigan.
| Annual Salary | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $28,101 | $14 |
| 75th Percentile | $23,710 | $11 |
| Average | $19,141 | $9 |
| 25th Percentile | $17,563 | $8 |
The average cost of a child care provider in Michigan is $13.89 per hour. With the minimum wage in Michigan being $9.87 per hour, you can expect to pay a hourly rate between $9.87 and $20. A child care provider's hourly rate can depend on their location, responsibilities, qualifications, and the type of care needed.
How much do home daycare providers make in Michigan? ›
$18,002 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $36,005 is the 90th percentile. Salaries above this are outliers.
How many kids can you watch in Michigan without a license? ›Any person who provides care for seven to 12 unrelated children in their home for more than four weeks in a calendar year must be licensed as a group child care home.
How to start a preschool in Michigan? ›- Step 1: Contact the Child Care Resource and Referral Center for your county.
- Step 2: Decide if you can start small and be an exempt provider. ...
- Step 3: Begin the setup process for your daycare. ...
- Step 4: Open your small daycare. ...
- Step 5: When you are ready, move to the licensed status.
Complete the Child Development and Care (CDC) License Exempt Provider Application, located at www.michigan.gov/childcare. If you have not previously completed the one-time Great Start to Quality Orientation training, visit www.miregistry.org or call 1-877-614-7328 to be registered for training.
What is the hourly salary of a CDA? ›| Annual Salary | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $62,500 | $30 |
| 75th Percentile | $46,000 | $22 |
| Average | $41,597 | $20 |
| 25th Percentile | $29,000 | $14 |
How much does a CDA make in Michigan? As of Mar 6, 2023, the average annual pay for the CDA jobs category in Michigan is $27,842 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $13.39 an hour. This is the equivalent of $535/week or $2,320/month.
How much does it cost to get your CDA in Michigan? ›What does it cost? The initial assessment fee due to the Council for Professional Recognition to earn a CDA through the online application process is currently $425.00. The fee to renew a CDA through the online renewal process is $125.00. T.E.A.C.H.
How to become a teacher in Michigan without a teaching degree? ›- minimum of bachelor's degree.
- a cohort grade point average of 3.0 on 4.0 scale.
- passage of the appropriate endorsement area Michigan Test(s) for Teacher Certification (MTTC)
Who is Eligible for GSRP? Children in Michigan who are 4 by either September 1st or December 1st, depending on your local school district. Available for families who meet the income requirements.
How to get a teaching certificate in Michigan with a bachelor's degree? ›How to Become a Teacher in Michigan. Teacher candidates pursuing a traditional route to Michigan teacher certification should hold a bachelor's degree, complete a state-approved teacher preparation program, and earn passing scores on the state-required tests.
What is the hourly rate for a teacher in Michigan? ›
How much does a Teacher make in Michigan? As of Apr 12, 2023, the average annual pay for a Teacher in Michigan is $29,063 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $13.97 an hour. This is the equivalent of $558/week or $2,421/month.
Are Michigan teachers paid well? ›How much does aPublic School Teacher make in Michigan? The average Public School Teacher salary in Michigan is $56,379 as of March 28, 2023, but the range typically falls between $47,080 and $68,754.
How much do substitute teachers get paid daily in Michigan? ›How much does a Substitute Teacher make at Edustaff in Michigan? Average Edustaff Substitute Teacher hourly pay in Michigan is approximately $15.81, which is 12% above the national average.
How much does preschool cost in Michigan? ›The average private preschool tuition in Michigan is $5,648 per year (2023). The private preschool with the lowest tuition is St. Paul Lutheran School, with a tuition of $1,200.
Is preschool mandatory in Michigan? ›Did you know that in Michigan, preschool and kindergarten aren't required?! Michigan law does not make school compulsory until age 6! A child who turns age 5 between January 1 and September 1 has the option to attend kindergarten, but enrollment is not mandatory in Michigan.
What year is best to start preschool? ›Most preschool programs are designed for children between ages of two and five years old. Preschools tend to fill up quickly, so it's best to start looking for options when your child is around one year old or even sooner.