Special education teachers, preschool
SOC Code: 25-2051Also known as:
Autistic Teacher, Behavior Interventionist, Behavioral Interventionist, Blind Teacher, Braille Teacher
Median Annual Salary
$62,190
+1.4% growth (2024-2034)
2K
Openings/Year
29K
Current Jobs
What Special education teachers, preschool Do
Teach academic, social, and life skills to preschool-aged students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.
💰 Salary
$62,190
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+1.4%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
2K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
29,300
Projected Employment (2034)
29,700
Related Careers
Kindergarten teachers, except special education
$61,430 •
-1.6% growth
Special education teachers, middle school
$64,880 •
-1.9% growth
Special education teachers, secondary school
$69,590 •
-1.6% growth
Top Skills Required
Speaking
Active Listening
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Social Perceptiveness
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Employ special educational strategies or techniques during instruction to improve the development of sensory- and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, or memory.
- Teach socially acceptable behavior, employing techniques such as behavior modification or positive reinforcement.
- Communicate nonverbally with children to provide them with comfort, encouragement, or positive reinforcement.
- Teach basic skills, such as color, shape, number and letter recognition, personal hygiene, or social skills, to preschool students with special needs.
- Develop individual educational plans (IEPs) designed to promote students' educational, physical, or social development.
- Confer with parents, administrators, testing specialists, social workers, or other professionals to develop individual education plans (IEPs).
- Teach students personal development skills, such as goal setting, independence, or self-advocacy.
- Develop or implement strategies to meet the needs of students with a variety of disabilities.
- Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
- Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment or materials to prevent injuries and damage.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Special education teachers, preschool
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a special education teachers, preschool:
Special Education and Teaching, General
22,116 degrees awarded •
682 colleges offer this program
Education/Teaching of Individuals in Early Childhood Special Education Programs
3,548 degrees awarded •
154 colleges offer this program
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Multiple Disabilities
1,213 degrees awarded •
27 colleges offer this program
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Autism
1,002 degrees awarded •
73 colleges offer this program
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Specific Learning Disabilities
398 degrees awarded •
48 colleges offer this program
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Hearing Impairments Including Deafness
304 degrees awarded •
30 colleges offer this program
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Speech or Language Impairments
273 degrees awarded •
11 colleges offer this program
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Vision Impairments Including Blindness
161 degrees awarded •
16 colleges offer this program
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Emotional Disturbances
134 degrees awarded •
18 colleges offer this program
Education/Teaching of Individuals Who are Developmentally Delayed
125 degrees awarded •
8 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Special education teachers, preschool
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become special education teachers, preschool.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do special education teachers, preschool make?
The median annual salary for special education teachers, preschool is $62,190.
What education do special education teachers, preschool need?
Most special education teachers, preschool positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Special Education and Teaching, General, Education/Teaching of Individuals in Early Childhood Special Education Programs, Education/Teaching of Individuals with Multiple Disabilities.
Is becoming a special education teachers, preschool a good career choice?
Special education teachers, preschool is projected to see +1.4% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 2,100 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for special education teachers, preschool?
Top colleges for aspiring special education teachers, preschool include
University of Florida, Vanderbilt University, The College of New Jersey, University of Central Florida, Ball State 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 special education teachers, preschool?
Special education teachers, preschool may also be known as: Autistic Teacher, Behavior Interventionist, Behavioral Interventionist, Blind Teacher, Braille Teacher, Deaf Education Teacher, Deaf Teacher, Early Childhood Special Education Teacher (ECSE Teacher), Early Childhood Special Educator (EC Special Educator), Early Intervention Specialist, Early Intervention Teacher, ED Teacher (Emotional Disabilities Teacher), Educational Intervention Teacher, Emotionally Impaired Teacher, Exceptional Needs Teacher, Exceptional Student Education Teacher (ESE Teacher), Handicapped Teacher, Hearing Impaired Itinerant Teacher (HI Itinerant Teacher), Hearing Impaired Teacher, Home Therapy Teacher.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.