A preschool teacher, in a general classroom setting, is expected to work with children younger than school age, usually between the ages of three and five. A preschool teacher must engage these small children in activities that are not too challenging but still have educational merit, including, but not limited to finger painting, putting on short plays, singing songs, and reading to them. The purpose of a preschool teacher is to prepare children for kindergarten and elementary school. A preschool teacher works in a school building and can be expected to interact with other teachers, the administration of the school, and any other school staff including custodians and cafeteria workers. To be a preschool teacher one must have a degree in a relevant field and teaching certification. A day of preschool is usually a half day, because most children at this age cannot attend school for an entire day. However, the teacher is usually there from morning to around 4 or 5 in the afternoon because there may be two shifts of students. A good candidate to be a preschool teacher is obviously someone who loves children, but also has plenty of patience and stamina. A preschool teacher will often have to mediate and settle disputes between children and deal with any problems they may have, be they social, emotional or mental. A preschool teacher must be gentle and careful with students because they are at a tender developmental age, and this job should only be done by someone who definitely knows what they are doing and loves it.
Preschool Teacher, (but not Special Education) Tasks
- Maintain classroom and play space for safety and cleanliness.
- Conduct student assessments and provide feedback on behavior and performance to parents.
- Lead classroom activities and teaching of curriculum, including maintaining order.
- Plan and implement curriculum of activities and lessons.