Preschool Teacher

Your Fit

Income

$37K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

3.4%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Preschool Teacher?

A Preschool Teacher is an educator who works with children typically aged three to five years, preparing them for kindergarten by teaching basic skills, social development, and early academic concepts. They create a nurturing, interactive, and learning-focused environment for young children.

Sample job titles:

Montessori Preschool Teacher, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher (Pre-K Teacher), Teacher, Toddler Teacher

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Preschool Teacher.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Preschool Teacher earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$28K per year	$31K per year	$37K per year	$47K per year	$60K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $12K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Preschool Teacher do?

Work environment

Preschool Teachers typically work in public and private schools, childcare centers, and sometimes in religious institutions. The environment is active and requires the ability to engage with young children at their level, which often involves physical activity and child-friendly facilities. Hours may vary, with some positions requiring work outside of the standard school day.

Quick task list

Plans and implements educational activities and lessons.
Monitors and documents children's progress and development.
Communicates with parents about their child's experiences, development, and needs.
Creates a safe and nurturing classroom environment.
Manages classroom behavior and uses appropriate disciplinary techniques.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Early Childhood Special Education: Working with children who have special needs and require adapted teaching strategies.
Language Development: Focusing on the development of verbal and communication skills.
Arts and Creativity: Specializing in using artistic activities to foster learning and expression.
Physical Development: Concentrating on activities that promote physical growth and motor skills.
Early Literacy: Specializing in the foundational skills necessary for reading and writing.

Description

Being a Preschool Teacher involves more than just teaching basic skills; it's about nurturing a child's overall development and laying the foundation for their lifelong learning journey. Preschool Teachers play a critical role in identifying and fostering children's interests, strengths, and areas needing improvement. They create lesson plans that are not only educational but also engaging and appropriate for young learners.

In addition to educational responsibilities, Preschool Teachers also attend to the basic care needs of children, such as hygiene and meals. They must create an environment that is safe, welcoming, and conducive to learning and exploration. Collaboration with parents, colleagues, and sometimes other education professionals is also a key part of their role.

The occupation requires a blend of patience, creativity, and excellent communication skills. Preschool Teachers need to be adaptable, able to handle the unpredictability of working with young children. They must be skilled in creating activities that are both fun and educational, catering to a range of developmental levels and learning styles.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to the developmental milestones of young children.
Witnessing the growth and progress of students.
Creating a positive and impactful early learning experience.
Building relationships with children and their families.

You might make a good Preschool Teacher if you are...

Passionate about working with young children and contributing to their early development.
Creative in designing engaging and educational activities.
Patient, compassionate, and able to handle the challenges of working with preschool-aged children.
Effective in communication, both with children and their parents.
Organized and able to plan and implement educational programs.

Pros:

Highly rewarding and impactful work.
Opportunities for creativity and variety in daily activities.
Growing demand for qualified early childhood educators.

Cons:

Emotional and physical demands of working with young children.
Relatively lower salaries compared to other teaching positions.
Often requires working early or late hours to accommodate parents' schedules.

How to become a Preschool Teacher

Typical education

The educational requirements for Preschool Teachers vary by state and employer. Generally, a minimum of an associate's degree in early childhood education or a related field is required, which takes about 2 years. Some positions, especially in public schools, may require a bachelor's degree.

High school preparation

Courses:

Child Development or Psychology to understand the basics of early childhood growth.
Education or Teaching courses, if available.
Art, Music, or Drama to develop skills for creative teaching methods.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering at local childcare centers or summer camps.
Participating in mentorship programs for younger students.
Joining clubs focused on education or child development.

Preparation after high school

Pursue an associate's or bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a related field.
Gain experience through internships or part-time jobs in childcare settings.
Obtain certifications in CPR, first aid, and child care.
Attend workshops and seminars on early childhood development and teaching strategies.

More resources

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) - Offers resources and accreditation information for early childhood educators.
Council for Professional Recognition - Provides information on the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
Zero to Three - A resource for early development and learning.
Head Start Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center - Offers resources for early childhood professionals in Head Start programs.

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