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Career Profile: Preschool Teacher

Job Description

Preschool teachers instruct children from infancy to age 5. The term “preschool” refers to instruction in non-public arenas such as licensed preschools, childcare centers, family day care centers, home day care centers, federal programs like Head Start, and full or part-day private child centers/day care centers sponsored by religious bodies. These teachers nurture and care for children who have not yet entered formal schooling.

Average Hourly Wage

$8.00/$25,900 per year

Job Requirements

Each state has its own licensing requirements that regulate training for preschool teachers; these range from a high school diploma to community college courses to a college degree in child development or early childhood education. Some employers prefer to hire child care workers who have earned a nationally recognized Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or the Certified Childcare Professional (CCP) designation, have taken secondary or post-secondary courses in child development and early childhood education, or have work experience.

Job Outlook

Employment of schoolteachers is expected to grow by 26 percent before 2016.

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