Things To Look For Preschool Teacher Job Vacancy
Managing preschool children is a demanding job. You must have a strong work ethic, compassion for kids, and the patience to handle their emotions when they're not behaving properly.
In order to be successful in this role, you should have a
strong background in child development principles and education methods. You
must also be familiar with classroom safety and sanitation guidelines.
Education and Training Requirements
Preschool teachers provide education and care for children
younger than 5 years of age who have not yet entered kindergarten. These
professionals work at private and public schools, childcare centers, and for
religious organizations. They also teach in Head Start and similar programs
centered on children from low-income families.
While many preschool teachers have bachelor’s degrees,
others may only need an associate degree. Nevertheless, the majority of states
require that preschool teachers earn at least an associate degree. In addition,
most public and private school programs prefer that their preschool teachers
hold a bachelor’s degree, but some may have lower requirements or exemptions
depending on the program.
Most states also require that preschool teachers complete a
teacher preparation program, pass state or national exams, and obtain teaching
licensure or certification. If you want to become a preschool teacher but are
not in a position to take time off from your job, consider pursuing an online
teaching degree at an accredited university.
Regardless of the degree you choose, your education will
include courses in early childhood development and child psychology. These
subjects will help you understand the social, emotional, and physical needs of
young children. You’ll learn about the best ways to teach them, how to build
their self-esteem, and how to keep them safe.
As a preschool teacher, you’ll be responsible for creating
lesson plans, teaching children about basic concepts such as colors, letters,
and numbers, and communicating with parents and supervisors about student
progress. In addition, you’ll be responsible for planning activities that will
help your students develop important social skills.
You’ll need to have patience, compassion, and energy to work
with children. These are all essential qualities to a successful career in this
field, as you’ll be dealing with different children with different abilities
and aptitudes every day. You’ll also need excellent administrative and
organizational skills, in order to plan curriculums and create reports on your
students’ progress.
Working Conditions
A preschool teacher is responsible for educating and caring
for children under age 5. Many of these teachers work in public schools,
private schools, or childcare centers. Others teach in Head Start or other
programs geared toward under-served children.
These teachers often work during school hours, but many also
work evenings and weekends. Some take vacations, and some spend time on
training to improve their skills.
Employment of preschool teachers is projected to grow 15
percent over the next decade, much faster than the average for all occupations.
This is partly due to the influx of the millennial generation, which has an
increased awareness of the importance of early childhood education.
To become a preschool teacher, you usually need to earn a
bachelor's degree in education. You also need to complete the necessary student
teacher training and pass the state's teacher certification examination. Some
states require a master's degree.
Preschool teachers typically work full-time, though some are
part-time. They may work long hours, especially during the first year of
teaching. They also must manage classrooms with unruly children and be able to
meet late-day parent-teacher conferences and other obligations.
Some preschool teachers specialize in a particular area of
education or take on additional duties, such as working with children with
special needs. These teachers are often paid more than general-education
preschool teachers.
The salary for preschool teachers varies according to the
education and experience of the teachers, as well as the location of the job.
For example, a preschool teacher in New York City is likely to earn more than
the national average.
Although most preschool teachers are employed by a public or
private school, they can also work in day care facilities or chain stores. Some
are self-employed and own their own child care center.
If you're interested in becoming a preschool teacher, you
can complete a bachelor's degree in education and a teaching credential through
online learning. Alternatively, you can complete your education at a community
college, then transfer to a four-year university with a well-known teacher
preparation program and state-approved courses.
Salary
The salary for a preschool teacher job vacancy can vary widely
depending on your state, employment setting and educational qualifications.
Generally, a bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for this career.
However, you may qualify for a higher-paying position if you have a master’s or
doctoral degree in early childhood education.
Preschool teachers are responsible for educating and caring
for children in a variety of settings, including public and private schools,
daycare centers and U.S. armed services bases and government agencies that
provide on-site childcare facilities. They also have the opportunity to work
for a wide variety of organizations, from religious, grantmaking and
professional groups to local, state and federal governments.
As a preschool teacher, your daily responsibilities include
instructing classes of children in the areas of social development, language
skills and health, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). You must
also help children develop basic skills such as math and science, as well as
problem-solving, leadership, communication and other life skills.
Most preschool teachers work in public school systems, but
they can also find jobs at childcare centers or parochial or faith-based
schools. They usually work the traditional 10-month school year, but some are
able to teach year-round.
A high-quality preschool program gives children a head start
in school, preparing them for kindergarten and improving their odds of success
later in life. It also gives disadvantaged students a better chance of
graduating from college and entering the workforce.
To become a preschool teacher, you need to meet your state’s
requirements for certification and licensing. These include completing an
education degree, passing a test and obtaining a teaching license. You will
also need to complete continuing education credits, known as CEUs, in order to
maintain your credentials.
Moreover, you can advance to a director position at a
childcare center or a lead teacher, who is responsible for a group of children
and their learning. These positions typically pay more than a classroom
teacher, though they can be physically demanding.
The best-paying states for preschool teachers are New
Jersey, California and the District of Columbia, followed by Massachusetts.
These states are home to a large number of quality preschools and offer many of
the same benefits as other higher-paying states. In addition, their costs of
living are much lower than those in other top-paying states, which can make it
easier to get a foothold in the profession and increase your earning potential.
Benefits
If you are a person who loves working with children, then
becoming a preschool teacher may be right for you. The benefits of this career
are numerous, and include the opportunity to work with young children, learn
new things every day and enjoy the company of your fellow teachers.
A job vacancy in this field provides an excellent
opportunity to become a teacher and develop a career in a profession that is
fulfilling, rewarding and enjoyable. A low stress level, good work-life balance
and prospects to improve and earn a higher salary are all factors that can contribute
to overall job satisfaction.
As a preschool teacher, you teach young children the basics
of language and social skills. This includes using storytelling, rhyming games,
building blocks and music to promote cognitive development and learning.
You also introduce creative activities and outdoor play to
encourage fine motor and gross motor skill development. These skills are vital
for children who will attend school later in life, so fostering them early is
important.
One of the most exciting aspects about being a preschool
teacher is the opportunity to tap into your inner child. This is particularly
true if you love art and theater as some of your students will often draw from
these hobbies when engaging in imaginative play.
The job of a preschool teacher also requires a great deal of
patience. This is especially true of teaching children who have been through
many changes in their lives.
Preschool teacher positions are available in a wide range of
settings, including schools, daycare centers and childcare centers. Most
require at least an associate degree or certificate. However, a bachelor's
degree is often preferred and may be required by some states.
A teacher who has a bachelor's degree is likely to have more
job opportunities and earn a higher salary than a teacher who doesn't. This is
especially true of teachers who have experience in a child care setting, since
some states require instructors to have previous experience working with kids.
Another important benefit of being a preschool teacher is
that it can help you build self-confidence and improve your interpersonal
skills. Being able to relate well to children is a skill that will be useful
throughout your entire career and beyond. It is also a great way to learn about
different methods of teaching and how to effectively communicate with people of
all ages.