What course do you need to become a pre-school teacher?

By APTTI Educational Content · Updated 2026-10-10 · 2 min read

To become a pre-school teacher you usually take an early-childhood or pre-primary teacher training course. In India the common options are pre-primary teacher training (PPTTC), Nursery Teacher Training (NTT), Montessori training, ECCE courses and the NCTE-listed Diploma in Pre-School Education. They typically cover child development, early-years curriculum, classroom management, health and safety, and supporting children with additional needs.

What this means in practice

Which course is right depends on your qualification, the setting you want to work in and whether you need a government-recognised qualification.

Common pre-school teacher courses

Pre-primary teacher training: teaching nursery, LKG and UKG
NTT: care and education from birth to 5
Montessori training: the Montessori method and materials
ECCE: care, health and learning from birth to 8
DPSE (India): a two-year NCTE-listed diploma after 12th
Degrees in early childhood education

Typical subjects

Child development
Early-childhood curriculum and lesson planning
Classroom management
Health, hygiene, nutrition and safety
Inclusion and special educational needs
Working with parents

APTTI's options

APTTI's pre-primary teacher training has four online levels: Certificate (10th pass, 120 hours), Diploma (12th pass, 200 hours), PG Diploma (graduates, 240 hours) and Integrated PG Diploma (graduates, 480 hours), with fees from ₹10,000 + GST or US$170.

Practical next steps

List the settings where you want to work.
Check what they require.
Compare course hours, content and fees.
Choose and enrol.

ExampleFatima in Hyderabad compared NTT, Montessori and pre-primary courses, chose pre-primary training because local CBSE schools asked for it, and added Montessori later.

What to keep in mind: Licensing rules abroad may require specific courses; check before enrolling if you plan to move.

Common follow-up questions

Is NTT a pre-school teacher course?

Yes, NTT is one of the most common pre-school teacher courses in India.

Can I do a pre-school teacher course online?

Yes; APTTI's courses are online and self-paced.

Sources

Course facts from APTTI's published course pages, checked 10 October 2026. Editorial policy.