How to become a Nursery Teacher in India: Step by Step Guide

Early childhood education lays the foundation for a child’s lifelong learning journey — and at the heart of this process are nursery teachers. They are the nurturing guides who help young learners develop cognitive, emotional, and social skills during their formative years.

If you’re passionate about teaching, creativity, and working with young children, pursuing a career as a nursery teacher can be incredibly fulfilling. In this 2026 step-by-step guide, we’ll explore how to become a nursery teacher in India, covering qualifications, training courses, skills required, job scope, and career growth.

Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Nursery Teacher in India

Understand the Role of a Nursery Teacher

Before enrolling in a training program, it’s essential to understand what a nursery teacher does. Nursery teachers are responsible for:

• Planning and organizing engaging learning activities.
• Teaching foundational subjects like language, numbers, and art.
• Encouraging social interaction and positive behaviour.
• Observing and assessing each child’s progress.
• Maintaining communication with parents and guardians.

In short, nursery teachers shape a child’s first classroom experience — making it enjoyable, educational, and inspiring.

Meet the Basic Eligibility Criteria

To start your journey, you must meet the minimum educational qualifications:

• Educational Requirement: 10+2 (any stream) with at least 50% marks from a recognized board.
• Age Requirement: Minimum age is 18 years (may vary by institution).
• Language Proficiency: Good command of English and regional language is preferred.

Having patience, creativity, empathy, and a genuine love for children is equally important.

Enroll in a Nursery Teacher Training (NTT) Course

The most crucial step is enrolling in a Nursery Teacher Training (NTT) program, which equips you with the knowledge and skills needed for early childhood education.

You can explore the NTT Course offered by the AP Teacher Training Institute, one of the leading institutes providing professional teacher training programs across India.

Course Highlights:

• Duration: 1 year (Diploma level) or 2 years (Advanced Diploma)
• Mode: Online / Offline / Distance Learning
• Curriculum includes:
  • Child Psychology
  • Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE)
  • Teaching Aids & Classroom Management
  • Montessori & Play-Way Methods
  • Health and Nutrition for Young Learners

Completing a recognized NTT or ECCE course not only provides professional certification but also opens doors to employment in reputed preschools and kindergartens.

Gain Practical Experience

Hands-on experience is key to becoming a successful nursery teacher. During or after your training, participate in:

• Internships at preschools or daycare centers
• Observation sessions with senior teachers
• Workshops and child development seminars

This exposure helps you understand real classroom situations, manage children effectively, and build confidence as an educator.

Develop Essential Teaching Skills

Apart from academic qualifications, nursery teachers should focus on developing soft skills like:

• Communication and storytelling
• Patience and emotional intelligence
• Creativity in lesson planning
• Observation and assessment skills
• Adaptability to diverse learning needs

Employers often value these skills as much as formal certifications.

 Apply for Jobs in Reputed Schools

Once certified, you can apply to:

• Preschools and kindergartens (private and public)
• International schools with early childhood programs
• Montessori institutions
• Childcare centers and NGOs working in education

Platforms like AP Teacher Training Institute’s career assistance can guide you toward top teaching opportunities in India and abroad.

 Continue Learning and Growing

The field of early childhood education is evolving rapidly with new teaching methods, psychological insights, and digital learning tools. Consider pursuing advanced programs such as:

• Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)
• Advanced Diploma in Montessori Education
• Bachelor’s Degree in Education (B.Ed.)

Continuous learning keeps you updated and improves your career growth prospects.

Career Scope and Salary of a Nursery Teacher in India

With the rise of early learning centres and child-focused education systems, nursery teachers are in high demand.

• Average Salary: ₹15,000 – ₹35,000 per month (depending on school and experience)
• Career Growth: Senior Teacher → Head of Nursery Section → Curriculum Coordinator → Principal
• Work Settings: Play schools, Montessori centres, kindergartens, NGOs, and online preschool platforms

The profession offers emotional satisfaction, work-life balance, and long-term stability — making it one of the most rewarding careers for aspiring educators.

Why Choose AP Teacher Training Institute?

If you’re planning to pursue a Nursery Teacher Training Course, the AP Teacher Training Institute provides:

• Government-recognized and internationally accredited courses
• Flexible online and offline learning options
• Experienced faculty and industry-aligned curriculum
• Internship and placement assistance

Their courses are designed to make you a certified, confident, and skilled nursery teacher — ready to shape the next generation of learners.

FAQs on How to Become a Nursery Teacher in India

Q1. What is the difference between Montessori and traditional preschool teaching?
Montessori teaching emphasizes self-directed learning and hands-on activities, while traditional preschool education often follows a teacher-directed curriculum with a focus on rote learning.

Q2. How long does it take to become a certified Montessori teacher?
Most programs take 6 months to 1 year, depending on course format and practical training requirements. Intensive programs may be shorter, while part-time courses offer more flexibility.

Q3. Can I pursue Montessori training online?
Yes! Many reputable institutes offer online Montessori teacher training courses combining theory, practical demonstrations, and certification.

Q4. What is the salary of a Montessori teacher?
Salaries vary by location, experience, and institution type. On average, Montessori teachers earn $25,000 to $50,000 annually, with higher pay for experienced or specialized educators.

Q5. Do I need a degree to become a Montessori teacher?
Some institutions accept candidates with a high school diploma, but many prefer a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or related fields. Practical training and certification are equally important.