In early childhood education, where passion and patience are at the heart of the work, it’s all too common to feel undervalued financially. Despite juggling developmental milestones, family communication, lesson planning, diapering, cleaning, and safety protocols, many early educators hesitate to ask for a raise.

But your work matters and your compensation should reflect that. Whether you’re an assistant teacher, lead teacher, or center director, here’s how to confidently advocate for a raise in a way that’s grounded, respectful, and professional. This guide covers everything from salary negotiation strategies for preschool teachers to professional development that can help increase your earning potential.

Before You Ask: Strengthen Your Case

The best way to prepare for a raise conversation is to first increase your earning potential. This gives you a stronger foundation and clear, concrete reasons for your request—beyond just showing up on time or being reliable. Consider how you can go above and beyond your job description. Here’s four methods to increase your earning potential.

• Specialize: Earn certifications in infant/toddler care, behavior support, or curriculum leadership. Specialized certifications are often linked to childcare teacher salary increases.
• Mentor Others: Support new staff onboarding or lead classroom transitions.
• Take Initiative: Contribute to curriculum planning, help with quality improvement goals, or assist with licensing preparation.
• Get Evaluated: Take advantage of pay incentives tied to CLASS scores, QRIS ratings, or teacher performance assessments.

These efforts highlight your professional growth and commitment, making your preschool teacher pay raise request not just reasonable—but well deserved.

Step One: Know Your Worth, and Your Work

Before you ask, take stock of the value you bring, create a list so that YOU know your value:

Core Responsibilities to Highlight:

• Creating and implementing developmentally appropriate lesson plans
• Documenting child observations and progress
• Building strong relationships with children and families
• Managing classroom environments and maintaining safety
• Collaborating with coworkers and support staff
• Meeting licensing, ratio, and curriculum standards

Go Beyond the Basics:

• Do you mentor new coworkers or help train interns?
• Are you the one families turn to for communication or event organization?
• Do you play a key role during licensing visits or emergencies?

When asking for a raise in early childhood education, showing that you do more than the basics can make your salary negotiation as a preschool teacher much stronger.

Step Two: Show Your Growth

Early Childhood Education is not “just playing with kids”, it’s a professional field that grows through continuous learning. Demonstrating your growth shows you’re committed to advancing your skills and to career advancement in early childhood education.

Examples of Growth:

• Earning or working toward a CDA, Associate’s, or Bachelor’s degree
• Attending trainings, webinars, or conferences
• Completing certifications (CPR/First Aid, Safe Sleep, Trauma-Informed Care, etc.)
• Joining professional learning communities, coaching, or mentorship
• Volunteering for committees or policy reviews

Pro Tip: Keep a folder or digital portfolio with certificates, training notes, and evidence of your contributions. Having this professional portfolio ready makes it easier when discussing early childhood education salary growth. The state of Texas uses the TECPDS system. If you’re from Texas, I highly recommend getting involved with TECPDS

Step Three: Plan the Conversation

Don’t wait for your director to notice your contributions, prepare to clearly and confidently present them. Schedule the conversation in advance, not during classroom chaos and align your request with performance reviews, budget planning, or after completing a major project.

Conversation Framework:

1. Express Commitment:
   “I really enjoy working here and am committed to the children, families, and our team.”
2. Share Your Contributions:
   “Over the past year, I’ve taken on new responsibilities, completed trainings, and supported onboarding of new staff.”
3. Make the Ask:
   “Based on my contributions and ongoing professional growth, I’d like to discuss the possibility of a pay increase.”
4. Be Open to Feedback:
   “If now isn’t the right time, I’d love to know what benchmarks I can work toward for future consideration.”

These strategies can help you negotiate a raise as a preschool teacher with confidence and professionalism.

Asking for a raise in early childhood education doesn’t make you greedy—it makes you a professional. You deserve to be compensated fairly for the skill, emotional labor, and dedication you bring to the field every single day.

Know your value. Show your growth. Speak up with confidence.
You are worth it.