Teacher (Preschool)
PrintWork Tasks
PRESCHOOL TEACHERS nurture and teach preschool children who are five years old or younger. They help children explore their interests, develop their talents and independence, build self-esteem, and learn how to behave with others. They organize, lead, and participate in activities for children that stimulate their physical, emotional, intellectual, and social growth. They build a learning program around play activities. They use storytelling for language development. They use building blocks, or mix colors to paint to introduce science and math. They teach children simple crafts, such as painting and handwork. They keep records of each child's progress.
Salary, Size & Growth
- $29,500 average per year ($14.25 per hour)
- A large occupation (369,400 workers in 2010)
- Expected to grow moderately (1.3% per year)
Entry Requirements
Licensing requirements for PRESCHOOL TEACHERS vary by state. Requirements for public school teachers are generally higher than those for private teachers. Some states require a bachelor's degree in early childhood education and others require an associate degree, while others may require certification by a nationally recognized authority. The Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is the most common type of certification. It requires classroom training and experience working with children, along with an assessment of an individual's competence.