National
| Median wages (2008) |
$11.48 hourly, $23,870 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
437,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Much faster than average (21% or higher)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
187,000 additional employees |
25-2011.00 - Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
Instruct children (normally up to 5 years of age) in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth needed for primary school in preschool, day care center, or other child development facility. May be required to hold State certification.
Sample of reported job titles:
Teacher, Preschool Teacher, Lead Teacher, Pre-K Teacher (Pre-Kindergarten Teacher), Group Teacher, Early Childhood Teacher, Headstart Teacher, Toddler Teacher, Head Teacher, Associate Teacher
Tasks
- Provide a variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate and use, both in learning activities and in imaginative play.
- Attend to children's basic needs by feeding them, dressing them, and changing their diapers.
- Teach basic skills such as color, shape, number and letter recognition, personal hygiene, and social skills.
- Establish and enforce rules for behavior, and procedures for maintaining order.
- Read books to entire classes or to small groups.
- Organize and lead activities designed to promote physical, mental and social development, such as games, arts and crafts, music, storytelling, and field trips.
- Observe and evaluate children's performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
- Identify children showing signs of emotional, developmental, or health-related problems, and discuss them with supervisors, parents or guardians, and child development specialists.
- Meet with parents and guardians to discuss their children's progress and needs, determine their priorities for their children, and suggest ways that they can promote learning and development.
- Enforce all administration policies and rules governing students.
back to top
Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
| Desktop computers |
| Digital cameras — Compact digital cameras |
| Emergency medical services first aid kits — Emergency first aid kits |
| Photocopiers — Photocopying equipment |
| Sand or water tables or activity centers — Sand tables; Water tables |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Computer based training software — Children's educational software |
| Data base user interface and query software — Data entry software |
| Electronic mail software — Email software |
| Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel |
| Word processing software — Microsoft Word |
