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Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a preschool teacher. Feel free to use our preschool teacher job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a preschool teacher.

 

Who is a Preschool Teacher?

A preschool teacher is someone who uses play, interactive activities, and games to assist young children to prepare for kindergarten. Small-group sessions, or even one-on-one instruction, are used to build language abilities, vocabulary skills, social skills, and basic mathematics and scientific concepts. A preschool teacher, also known as an Early Childhood Teacher, is a childcare professional who looks after and educates children aged three to four. Their primary responsibilities include teaching children basic concepts such as numbers, colors, and shapes, as well as assisting children in developing social skills and keeping the classroom clean and safe for both students and teachers. The preschool teacher will encourage the children to engage in a lot of discussion and problem-solving. A less structured method of teaching at this level includes rhyming, storytelling, music, painting, dance, and acting games. Preschool teachers work with children who are between the ages of three and five who have not yet entered kindergarten. They focus on the child’s language, motor, fundamental intellectual, and social abilities in order to prepare them for kindergarten or other school academics in the future. A preschool teacher is in charge of teaching toddlers basic learning skills, maintaining classroom order, and ensuring the children’s safety. The teacher’s ultimate goal is to prepare these toddlers for kindergarten. He or she will teach the classes in an enthusiastic, pleasant, and encouraging manner, following a prescribed curriculum. Because children are at various levels of development, effective communication skills are crucial. A great preschool teacher is attuned to each kid’s individual requirements as well as recognizing even the smallest amount of development made by each child.

 

A preschool instructor harnesses a child’s innate curiosity to aid in their growth and development. They play an active role in assisting a child in making developmental progress with their skills and abilities. This is accomplished by providing an environment in which children can make discoveries and learn to express themselves vocally, mentally, and physically. A preschool instructor would observe a kid and assess their growth or performance in terms of their physical health, conduct, and social development. The teacher would teach the students fundamental abilities like as shapes, colors, and numbers, as well as social skills, personal cleanliness, and letter recognition. They read books to small groups or entire classes, as well as tend to the children’s other basic needs, such as changing diapers, feeding, and clothing them. They foster learning discovery by providing a variety of resources and materials for imaginative play and learning activities. A preschool instructor assists the children in developing appropriate personal cleanliness and eating habits, as well as serving meals and snacks that meet the nutritional requirements. Education and training are essential, as well as mastery of the English language, including word spelling and meaning, grammar, and composition norms. They must understand psychology, which includes, among other things, human behavior, personality and individual differences, motivation, and learning. They necessitate a wide range of communication skills, including speaking, educating, listening, and learning techniques.

 

A preschool teacher should be able to engage positively with coworkers, subordinates, and/or supervisors, as well as organize, manage, and train others. Preschool teachers work in daycare centers, private and public schools, and philanthropic organizations, among other places. The majority of preschool teachers work 10 months out of the year, while others work full-time. Preschool teachers plan activities and routines throughout the day to balance playing, rest, and physical activity. They cover the fundamentals of language, math, geometry, and color, as well as social skills. They also keep track of the progress of the children so that they can share it with their parents and highlight any issues for early intervention. Preschool instructors serve in a variety of settings, including daycare centers, non-profit organizations, and public and private schools. Preschool teachers in public schools often work during school hours and may take summers off or teach summer programs. Hours may be extended in daycare environments, and schedules are typically year-round.

Preschool teachers train and prepare children for kindergarten in educational institutions such as private or public schools. They’ll teach youngsters essential social skills and learning concepts through a variety of teaching methods and approaches, including storytelling, games, music, and art. Teachers in preschools are also in charge of showing youngsters how to follow rules and treat others with respect. They plan the children’s schedules to ensure that they get a good mix of instruction, play, and relaxation. Students are also taught how to follow daily routines and maintain proper hygiene by preschool teachers. To execute the needed duties, a successful Preschool Teacher applicant must possess a variety of skills and credentials, including the ability to effectively train young children, patience and communication skills with young children, and the ability to adjust teaching techniques to catch up with different learning styles.

 

Preschool Teacher Job Description

Below are the preschool teacher job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a preschool teacher job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.

The duties and responsibilities of a preschool teacher include the following:

• Teach children basic concepts like colors, the alphabet, numbers, and shapes.
• Engage in creative learning approaches such as arts and crafts, supervised play, and so forth.
• Plan comprehensive curricula to meet the developmental needs of young children.
• Instill in the classroom a feeling of order and discipline.
• Keep an eye on the children’s free time on the playground.
• Gather supplies and set up workstations in advance of the class.
• Prepare progress reports for parents on each child’s development.
• Create a thoughtful and imaginative program for preschoolers.
• Use a variety of educational strategies (storytelling, educational play, media, etc.) to teach youngsters.
• Observe each youngster to aid in the development of social skills and self-esteem.
• Encourage your children to interact with one another and to resolve minor conflicts.
• Assist youngsters in developing their artistic and practical abilities (identify shapes, numbers, or colors, do crafts, etc.) through a carefully planned curriculum.
• Organize sleep and snack times, and keep an eye on the kids to make sure they’re safe at all times.
• Inform parents about their children’s progress.
• Communicate with parents on a frequent basis to gain a better understanding of their children’s backgrounds and personalities.
• Collaborate with colleagues in the field of education.
• Maintain a tidy and clean classroom in accordance with health and safety regulations.

 

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in education with an emphasis on early childhood development is required.
• Experience working with young children in a classroom context.
• Ability to communicate on a child’s level with young youngsters.
• Possess a pleasant, enthusiastic demeanor and a sensitive attitude.
• Excellent meditative and nurturing skills.
• Possess a creative mentality to be able to come up with memorable, out-of-the-box lessons.
• Desire to mold and inspire young minds.
• Microsoft Word and Excel are two programs that you should be familiar with.
• Possess the ability to act as a positive role model.

 

Essential Skills

• Patience: As the phrase goes, skilled early childhood educators generally have the “patience of a saint.” Patience is required not only to maintain classroom discipline but also to sustain student trust. Disciplinary issues might arise from situations outside of the classroom, therefore it’s crucial to learn to be patient with students who misbehave. The daily classroom routine is directed by a preschool instructor, however, children who are struggling may find it difficult to follow. To give a continuous sense of structure and safety for their kids, preschool instructors must be detail-oriented while still being patient.
• Communication Skills: The early childhood educator should be able to convey new concepts to pupils through a range of channels while accommodating various learning styles. Early childhood educators must also be able to communicate with parents about their children’s progress in the same fluid manner that they interact with pupils. Communication is essential when dealing with people who have different personalities and learning styles. Communication is so much more than words to a preschool instructor. It’s the ability to detect people’s emotions before they say anything. It’s a form of active listening. It’s a simple gesture that shows someone you care for them. You get to know other people’s eccentricities before passing judgment. Because you know that communication is not a one-size-fits-all situation, you take the time to learn how they communicate. Adults frequently become frustrated with children because they do not communicate in the same way that we do. And that’s perfectly fine. Kids at this age don’t have the vocabulary to express all they’re feeling. What could be said simply as “Look over here” is sometimes expressed in a scream. As a preschool teacher, you must figure out what’s going on behind the surface in order to assist children in developing better communication skills.
• Creativity: Preschool teachers employ creativity to ensure that a diverse range of activities is not only pleasant but also digestible for all pupils. Preschool is a great time to learn about the world through play and a range of engaging activities. To keep their students engaged, a competent instructor will use a variety of educational projects. Research, critical thinking, and a lot of creativity are all required for lesson preparation. It is not necessary to be an artist to work as a preschool instructor, although it certainly helps. The term “creativity” can be defined in a variety of ways. You enjoy resolving issues. You enjoy coming up with fresh approaches to accomplish the same goal. You make a connection between two seemingly unconnected subjects. You enjoy creating and inspiring people, whether it’s through art or ideas. When it comes to being creative in the classroom, you’ll discover that there are numerous ways to do it. Using the resources you have to create an interesting learning experience is what creative teaching is all about. Teaching creativity, on the other hand, entails assisting your students in thinking beyond the box and expressing themselves via art.
• Energetic: You are a morning person, whether your family likes it or not. However, it isn’t simply about having enough energy. You’re enthralled and engrossed. Others may yawn when they see a rainbow on their daily commute, but you’d never miss an opportunity to wonder. In the time it takes others to return from the grocery store, you’ve been known to clean your entire house. You’re upbeat and believe that the only way to go is forward. It’s no surprise that children have a lot of energy, yet many adults underestimate how perceptive they can be. They’ll know if you’ve checked out. Even if you’ve made a million construction paper flowers before, it’s crucial to be involved in what they’re doing. Kids are always learning new things and want you to be as enthusiastic as they are. This will require a lot of energy, but if you’re the type that can turn even traffic into a game, you’ll be OK.
• Organization: It is critical to keep detailed lesson plans and records in order to properly document a child’s education. The educator is responsible for creating an educational program that meets state and national requirements, as well as extracting lesson plans in order to follow their suggested educational program.
• Collaboration: You’re not afraid to get down on someone’s level. It’s not necessary for you to be the center of attention. But if donning a tutu and dancing like a monkey is the only way to cheer up a child, you’ll do it. Rather than clinging to your adult perspective, you’ll channel your inner kid. You’re not in it solely for your own benefit. You understand that children have just as much to offer you as you do to them. Your students are the most important persons with whom you collaborate as a teacher. They aren’t merely passive beneficiaries of education, after all. Participation is an important aspect of learning. If you’ve ever had a teacher assign lessons as if they were final judgments, you know how difficult it is to pay attention when you feel excluded. It is your role as a preschool teacher to not only demonstrate to toddlers how things function but also to assist them in discovering it for themselves.

 

How to Become a Preschool Teacher

1. Obtain a degree

Employers often require at least an associate degree, but a bachelor’s degree may give you greater job progression prospects. Consider pursuing a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in early childhood education or child development. The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the National Association for the Education of Young Children are two resources you can utilize to select an education program. Both groups accredit early childhood education programs and include approved schools on their websites.

2. Get a license

To legally practice as a preschool teacher in some areas, you may need to earn a teaching license. The standards for licensure differ by state. Some states demand that you hold a nationally recognized credential. To find out what educational and other standards you’ll need to complete in order to receive a license, contact your state licensing board.

3. Obtain certification

Preschool teachers are also required to be qualified in several states. The following are some of the nationally recognized certifications for preschool teachers:

Child Development Associate credential: Depending on your state, you may be needed to obtain the Council for Professional Recognition’s Child Development Associate certification. You must complete 120 hours of formal training and 480 hours of early childhood education experience within the last five years to earn this certification. A two-hour multiple-choice exam and an oral interview are also required. After the first three years, you must renew your CDA credential, and then every five years after that.

Certified Childcare Professional credential: The CCP certificate, which is offered by the National Early Childhood Program Accreditation, is for people who don’t have a college degree or whose college degrees aren’t directly relevant to childhood education. If you want to acquire the CCP certification, you’ll need 720 hours of classroom experience, 180 hours of training, plus letters of recommendation, writing examples, and a statement of plans. After you’ve satisfied these prerequisites, you’ll be able to take the credentialing exam. The CCP certificate is valid for two years.

4. Apply for a teaching position in a preschool

As a preschool teacher, you have the option of working part-time. Unless you wish to teach summer sessions, expect to take the summers off. Preschool teachers’ employment is expected to grow by roughly 7% between 2018 and 2028, owing to an increasing emphasis on early childhood education.

5. Consider opportunities for career advancement

Preschool instructors typically begin their careers as assistant teachers and progress through the ranks to become teachers and lead teachers. Some preschool teachers go on to run their own childcare centers. You can teach at the elementary level if you have a bachelor’s or master’s degree, which normally pays significantly better.

 

Where to Work as a Preschool Teacher

In a public school, a childcare center, or a Head Start program, a preschool teacher may work. The majority of roles are for a ten-month school year, but some may be year-round. Working with tiny children may be exhausting and time-consuming, and it necessitates a lot of patience.

 

Preschool Teacher Salary Scale

In the United States, the average hourly wage for a preschool instructor is $14.31. A Preschool Teacher in Nigeria earns roughly 230,000 NGN per month on average. Salaries vary between 117,000 and 354,000 NGN. This is the monthly average pay, which includes housing, transportation, and other benefits. Salary for preschool teachers varies greatly depending on experience, skills, gender, and region.

Education and Training

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