Preschool Teachers Are in Demand—Here’s Where You’ll Be Needed Most
Posted On August 28,2025
If you’re looking for a career that combines job stability, meaningful work, and room for growth, preschool teaching checks all the boxes. Currently, the demand for early childhood educators is higher than ever and is expected to continue increasing in the years ahead.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore your options or considering a career change, early childhood education (ECE) is one of the most overlooked yet in-demand fields. And the best part? You don’t need a four-year degree to get started.
So, where are preschool teachers needed most? Let’s take a closer look at the current labor market, what’s driving demand, and how you can step into one of the most important roles in education today.
The Need for Preschool Teachers Is Growing Nationwide
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of preschool teachers is projected to grow by 15% between 2021 and 2031, faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. That translates into more than 66,000 new preschool teaching jobs opening across the country.
Several factors are contributing to this demand:
- More parents are entering the workforce, increasing the need for childcare
- Greater recognition of the importance of early learning
- Government support for universal pre-K and Head Start programs
- Teacher retirements and turnover create ongoing vacancies
It’s not just that more positions are opening—it’s also about the importance of qualified teachers in these early years. Preschool is where children build foundational skills in language, literacy, motor development, and social-emotional health. And the quality of their experience depends heavily on the adults guiding them.
Where You’ll Be Needed Most
So, where exactly is this demand strongest? While preschool teachers are needed in all communities, the need is especially urgent in the following areas:
Urban Areas with Growing Populations
Large cities and metropolitan regions often face teacher shortages due to rapidly growing populations and an increasing number of children in need of care. Cities like Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Atlanta, and New York are just a few examples where the need for early educators far exceeds the current supply.
Public preschool programs, community-based childcare centers, and private daycare facilities in these areas are continually hiring and seeking well-trained, passionate professionals to fill these roles.
Why urban areas? These cities often have:
- More working families are relying on childcare
- Greater participation in government-subsidized preschool programs
- Diverse student populations that benefit from culturally responsive teachers
Head Start and Early Head Start Programs
Funded by the federal government, Head Start programs are designed to support low-income families by providing high-quality early learning opportunities. These programs are available in nearly every county in the U.S. and are constantly in need of qualified teachers who meet specific educational requirements.
As of 2023, more than 1 million children were enrolled in Head Start or Early Head Start, and the program continues to expand in both urban and rural areas.
Preschool teachers with a degree in ECE are eligible to lead classrooms or support teaching teams within Head Start settings, especially when they have training in child development and experience working with diverse populations.
These roles are especially rewarding for individuals who want to serve their communities and help close achievement gaps at the earliest stages of education.
Private Daycare Centers and Preschools
Privately owned childcare centers comprise a significant portion of the early education landscape, and they typically hire teachers year-round. These centers often offer full-day programs for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, making them an excellent option for those seeking steady hours and the opportunity to build long-term relationships with children and their families.
As more parents seek high-quality care, private centers are focusing more on hiring credentialed, professional educators rather than untrained aides. That’s where having an associate degree in ECE from a school like Athena Career Academy gives you a strong edge.
Many private preschools also offer:
- Small class sizes
- Structured curriculum models
- Opportunities for advancement into lead teaching or director roles
Faith-Based and Community-Based Programs
Church-affiliated schools, nonprofit childcare centers, and community-based education programs are growing in both rural and suburban areas. These centers serve children from all backgrounds and often emphasize social-emotional learning, play-based education, and family engagement.
Unlike larger school systems, these programs tend to offer more flexibility and a more personalized teaching environment. They also frequently hire ECE graduates with associate degrees, especially when combined with strong communication skills and hands-on experience.
Rural Communities with Limited Access to Early Education
While large cities are often top of mind, rural areas face some of the biggest challenges in staffing early childhood programs. According to a report from the Center for American Progress, many rural communities are considered “childcare deserts,” where there are three or more children for every licensed care spot.
This creates an enormous opportunity for early childhood professionals willing to work in smaller towns or under-resourced areas. Often, these communities offer:
- More autonomy in the classroom
- Close-knit school teams
- Strong community support for educators
If you’re looking for a way to make a significant impact in a place that truly needs you, rural preschool teaching could be your calling.
What Employers Are Looking For
Across all these settings, employers are actively seeking preschool teachers who are:
- Educated in child development and early learning best practices
- Skilled at classroom management and lesson planning
- Passionate, dependable, and flexible
- Trained to support social-emotional growth and early literacy
- Able to communicate effectively with families and peers
The good news is, you don’t need a four-year degree to get started in most preschool roles. An associate degree from a respected program like Athena Career Academy equips you with everything you need to be job-ready and start making a difference from day one.
Picture Yourself in the Classroom
Imagine greeting a group of bright-eyed three-year-olds as they come into your classroom. You’re the one they run to with stories from home, the one they turn to when they need comfort or guidance. You’re helping them recognize letters, learn to share, express big feelings, and make friends.
This is what preschool teaching looks like—connection, growth, and purpose.
And whether you’re leading circle time in an urban Head Start center or planning crafts in a small-town daycare, you’re doing some of the most essential work in education today.
Make the Move Into a High-Demand Career
The numbers speak for themselves: preschool teachers are in demand, and that demand keeps growing. If you’ve ever considered a career in early childhood education, now is the time to take the next step.
With flexible class schedules, real-world training, and affordable tuition, Athena Career Academy makes it possible to earn your Early Childhood Education degree and start working in the field in just two years or less.
Start Building the Career You’ve Been Waiting For
Athena Career Academy’s Early Childhood Education program is designed for working adults who want to make a meaningful impact. With flexible scheduling, hands-on training, and dedicated support, you’ll graduate ready to meet the growing demand for preschool teachers across a wide range of settings. Contact us to learn more and take the first step toward a stable, rewarding career in education today.