Preschool teachers, except special education
SOC Code: 25-2011Also known as:
After School Teacher, Child Care Assistant Teacher, Child Development Teacher, Childcare Teacher, Childhood Development Teacher
Median Annual Salary
$37,120
+4.1% growth (2024-2034)
66K
Openings/Year
555K
Current Jobs
What Preschool teachers, except special education Do
Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.
💰 Salary
$37,120
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+4.1%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
Associate's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
66K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
555,100
Projected Employment (2034)
578,100
Related Careers
Kindergarten teachers, except special education
$61,430 •
-1.6% growth
Elementary school teachers, except special education
$62,340 •
-2.0% growth
Special education teachers, preschool
$62,190 •
+1.4% growth
Special education teachers, secondary school
$69,590 •
-1.6% growth
Top Skills Required
Speaking
Instructing
Active Listening
Learning Strategies
Reading Comprehension
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Provide a variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate, and use, both in learning activities and in imaginative play.
- Serve meals and snacks in accordance with nutritional guidelines.
- Attend to children's basic needs by feeding them, dressing them, and changing their diapers.
- 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.
- Organize and lead activities designed to promote physical, mental, and social development, such as games, arts and crafts, music, storytelling, and field trips.
- Identify children showing signs of emotional, developmental, or health-related problems and discuss them with supervisors, parents or guardians, and child development specialists.
- Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Associate's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Preschool teachers, except special education
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a preschool teachers, except special education:
Early Childhood Education and Teaching
32,570 degrees awarded •
921 colleges offer this program
Teacher Education, Multiple Levels
8,732 degrees awarded •
273 colleges offer this program
Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor
5,071 degrees awarded •
342 colleges offer this program
Child Development
4,599 degrees awarded •
221 colleges offer this program
Child Care and Support Services Management
3,901 degrees awarded •
228 colleges offer this program
Kindergarten/Preschool Education and Teaching
2,616 degrees awarded •
126 colleges offer this program
Bilingual and Multilingual Education
932 degrees awarded •
83 colleges offer this program
Montessori Teacher Education
264 degrees awarded •
14 colleges offer this program
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language, Other
21 degrees awarded •
8 colleges offer this program
International Teaching and Learning
11 degrees awarded •
1 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Preschool teachers, except special education
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become preschool teachers, except special education.
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do preschool teachers, except special education make?
The median annual salary for preschool teachers, except special education is $37,120.
What education do preschool teachers, except special education need?
Most preschool teachers, except special education positions require a associate's degree.
Common degree programs include Early Childhood Education and Teaching, Teacher Education, Multiple Levels, Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor.
Is becoming a preschool teachers, except special education a good career choice?
Preschool teachers, except special education is projected to see +4.1% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 65,500 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for preschool teachers, except special education?
Top colleges for aspiring preschool teachers, except special education include
University of California-Irvine, University of Georgia, New York University, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus, Florida International University.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to preschool teachers, except special education?
Preschool teachers, except special education may also be known as: After School Teacher, Child Care Assistant Teacher, Child Development Teacher, Childcare Teacher, Childhood Development Teacher, Day Care Teacher, Daycare Teacher, Early Childhood Educator, Early Childhood Teacher, Group Teacher, Home-Based Preschool Teacher, Infant Teacher, Montessori Paraprofessional, Montessori Preschool Teacher, Montessori Teacher, Nursery School Teacher, Nursery Teacher, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher (Pre-K Teacher), Pre-School Teacher, Prekindergarten Teacher.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.