Preschool Teacher: Shape Young Minds & Confidence

What Is a Preschool Teacher?

A preschool teacher is an early childhood educator who works with children younger than age five who haven’t yet started kindergarten classes. Early childhood educators focus on teaching children the foundational skills they need to be successful in kindergarten and beyond
. These skills include socioemotional skills and pre-literacy, pre-math, motor and life skills
.

Preschool teachers help their young students become comfortable with the classroom setting and adjust to being away from their primary caregivers. They help shape character development
, and they may alert parents and other caregivers to the potential indicators of developmental delays
.

Preschool teachers help students learn through playing and other hands‑on activities. (See disclaimer 1 ) They also support young children to develop an academic, social and behavioral foundation for elementary school. Preschool teachers use storytelling, rhyming games and other play techniques to engage and instruct their young learners. They also help young children learn important social skills, such as sharing, cooperation and cultural respect.

What does a preschool teacher do on a daily basis? Their top tasks include:

Preschool teachers must create a safe, welcoming classroom environment in which children feel confident and secure. They guide children’s social and emotional development, teaching skills such as empathy and cooperation.

Preschool teachers help young learners get ready for kindergarten by teaching lessons in pre‑literacy and pre‑math skills, such as number, shape and letter identification.

Preschool teachers connect with parents and guardians to keep them informed of their child’s progress and of the routines and activities in the classroom.

Early childhood education is essential to a young learner’s academic, social and emotional development. Preschool teachers play an important role in helping children build foundational skills that support lifelong learning.

Career opportunities may be available in a variety of educational settings, though requirements for employment, licensure and certification vary by state and employer. As a result, job outlook and salary expectations can vary significantly from state to state. For individuals who are passionate about working with young children, however, preschool teaching offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact during some of the most important years of a child’s development.

Preschool teachers work in educational services. They may work for public or private schools, including faith‑based preschools. These teachers can expect a traditional school year schedule, with 10 working months during the school year and two months off for summer vacation. Some preschool teachers additionally teach in summer programs.

Preschool educators may work in publicly funded preschools, preparing children to enter kindergarten.

Some preschool teachers work in private preschool settings, which can include faith‑affiliated schools.

At daycare centers, preschool teachers take care of young children and teach important skills.

The requirements for becoming a preschool teacher vary by state and by work setting. You will need to research the requirements for the state and setting in which you plan to work. All states require public school teachers to obtain state licensure, and licensure requirements for preschool teachers will vary. Depending on your state, you may need a college degree, field experience and a passing score on a licensure exam.

You will typically need a bachelor’s degree to become a preschool teacher in a public school. Look for a degree in early childhood education that leads to initial teacher licensure.

Depending on your state, preschool teachers may need field experience in the classroom, such as a student teaching experience.

Obtaining state licensure may require fulfilling coursework requirements, as well as demonstrating field experience and passing a written exam.

Bachelor…