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Public Service Preschool Teacher
Hourly Rates up to Jobs Available
$54 56,300+

What Does a Preschool Teacher Do?

Preschool teachers don’t just help young children learn their ABCs. They teach kids the fundamental skills for learning that can set them on a positive educational path. 

Sounds impressive — and it is. 

Good preschool teachers, also called a pre-K teachers, make a difference by providing a supportive learning environment for kids aged 3 to 5.  

Through lesson plans and activities, preschool teachers teach shapes, colors, early reading skills, numbers and counting. Along the way, they teach sharing and cooperation. They help kids gain confidence and encourage them to learn everything and anything. 

You’ve heard the phrase “kids are like sponges” — and for good reason. They are soaking up everything teachers, parents and authority figures share with them. All the while, they are honing social skills, language skills and basic motor skills. 

Preschool teachers help their students learn through structure and play. That can include rhyming, storytelling, music, art, dance and acting games.

And preschool teachers are needed in many places. They work at child care centers, public and private schools, and for religious and civic organizations. Some preschool teachers in public schools have the summers off, while others work year-round.

If this description makes you curious, keep reading to learn more about what training is required, what it’s like to do this job and much more.

A black female preschool teacher helps three preschool students learn their shapes
Successful preschool teachers possess patience, kindness and the ability to respond properly to students’ developing emotional and physical needs. (Credit: Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock)

Responsibilities

  • Establish routines and discipline
  • Make sure children are supervised at all times
  • Build children’s self-esteem through positive guidance
  • Communicate with parents about child’s development
  • Create a curriculum and activities that promote literacy and math
  • Teach children basic skills such as colors, shapes, numbers and letters
  • Teach children to respect people who are different
  • Ensure classroom is well-maintained and safe

How To Become a Preschool Teacher: FAQs

The bottom line:

Children in this age group have unique needs, which is why this career is so vital. For someone who wants to be mentally and physically engaged with young minds every day, this is a rewarding career with potential to make an impact. If this sounds like you, check out the preschool teacher training opportunities on SkillPointe.

Meredith Lipman, preschool teacher ambassador, plays with students Amber and Robbie

Being a preschool teacher

Meredith Lipman was always toying with the idea of becoming a teacher — she just wasn't sure how. But after she got a degree in American Sign Language (ASL)-English Interpreting, her path became clear.

Now she teaches 3- to 5-year-olds who are all deaf or hard-of-hearing.

"Every activity is a moment they can learn language," says Meredith. And she loves how she can incorporate her creativity into everything she does. 

The biggest misconception about her job? That teachers only teach. They do so much more.

Despite the preconceived notions, she has "zero regret about choosing this profession." 

Local Certifications and Requirements

You may need a state license or certificate before you can work in a specific career in your state. Different states may also have different education and experience requirements, fees and application forms. The good news - we make it super easy to find what you need to begin your new career. Just enter your zip code to get started.

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