Preschool Teachers

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Duties

The following is a typical list of activities carried out by preschool teachers:

• Children should be taught to recognize and distinguish colors, shapes, and numbers as well as letters.
• Focus on a certain group of kids or one at a time, depending on their needs and the subject matter at hand
• Children's growth should be the center of the curriculum.
• Assist youngsters in discovering their interests and developing their abilities via a wide range of educational and recreational activities.
• Make sure your children get adequate physical exercise and relaxation by establishing routines and timetables.
• Observe and notify the child's parents if you see any indicators of emotional or developmental difficulties.
• Record the children's daily activities, and tell parents of their child's growth and interests.

Playing, exploring, and solving problems are all ways that young toddlers learn. Children are taught in preschool via the use of play and other methods of learning. Teaching language and vocabulary may be accomplished, for example, via the use of storytelling and rhyming games. For example, letting youngsters construct a sandbox community with each other or count the number of bricks they use to build may strengthen their social skills and teach arithmetic.

Children from a variety of ethnic, religious, and racial backgrounds attend preschool. Educators include teachings that educate students to accept individuals from many cultural origins and lifestyles into their curriculum.

Education

Most preschool teachers have a bachelor's degree.

Preschool teachers in center-based Head Start programs must have an associate's degree. A bachelor's degree is required for at least half of all Head Start preschool instructors nationwide. Experience teaching preschoolers is required for psychology graduates.

Preschool teachers in public schools frequently need a bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a related field. Students learn about child development, early childhood education, and how to track and record young children's growth.

Licenses and certifications

A Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate from the Council for Professional Recognition is required in several states. As a CDA, you must pass a written test and have your work with children observed. The CDA must be renewed every three years.

Preschool through third grade teachers in public schools must be licensed. In most states, a bachelor's degree and a test are required. Most states require teacher license renewal every two years.

Learning by Doing

Some states require preschool instructors to have prior childcare experience. Most preschool teachers in these states started as daycare workers or classroom assistants. It varies by state.

Important traits

Effective communication skills Preschool teachers must be able to communicate with parents and coworkers about their students' progress. They must also be able to communicate with children under five.

Creativity. Preschool teachers must create engaging lessons to keep students' attention. They must also adapt their classes to meet the needs of students with varying learning styles.

Interaction with others. Preschool teachers must be able to connect with parents, children, and peers emotionally.

Self-management ability. Teachers must be organized to plan lessons and monitor student progress.

Patience. Working with children can be difficult. Early childhood educators must be able to handle stressful situations calmly.

Body stamina. Children are physically demanding, so pre-school teachers should be rested.

Pay

The median annual wage for preschool teachers was $37,120 in May 2024. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $28,300, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $60,070.

Job Projections

Employment of preschool teachers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations.