Preschool teachers are an integral component of the preschool guidance process. Many preschools expect their teachers to be a jack of all trades. They must be part caregiver, nurturer, educator and doctor. Because preschoolers are typically only three to five years of age they lack independence and thus need strong support mechanisms. The preschool teacher must be able to perform many different services because preschoolers are so vulnerable.
Much of preschool guidance centers around expectations that educators impose on preschoolers. Preschool is one of the first places outside the home that children learn about simple responsibilities and expectations. Preschool guidance strives to teach children standards of propriety such as how to respect the space of others and how to know when certain behaviors are appropriate.
Preschool guidance looks to aid children in developing positive self-esteem. One of the methods preschool guidance uses to do this is positive reinforcement through praise. When a preschooler engages in a behavior such as sharing or listening before speaking, teachers and educators congratulate and reward preschoolers for the behavior. Positive reinforcement is closely linked to the expectations educators place on children. Children often perform correct behaviors in reference to their knowledge of what is expected of them.
Preschool guidance programs encourage preschoolers to express their emotions and thoughts. Coloring exercises or arts and crafts help draw responses from the children. They also teach children how to think creatively with challenging activities. One of the important parts of teaching preschoolers how to express themselves concerns physical contact. At such a young age, many preschoolers express their emotion through destructive behaviors like hitting, crying and screaming. It is this component of preschool guidance that places the expectations on students not to hit or cry because they are mad. Instead, they learn constructive ways to express their feelings.