Duties
The following is a typical list of activities carried out by preschool teachers:
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
According to the most recent data, preschool teachers may expect to make an average of $31,930 per year as of May 2020. When half of an occupation's workforce earns more than the median wage, the wage is referred to as the "median wage" Between the bottom 10% and the top 10% of earners, there was a wide range of incomes.
Job Projections
Over the course of the next decade, the number of preschool teachers is expected to rise by 18 percent, well above the average for all occupations.
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