Preschool teachers are responsible for a myriad of classroom tasks, including designing and leading activities, arts and crafts, music, reading and field trips. Instructors teach colors, shapes, letters and numbers. As part of these academic duties, teachers are responsible for tailoring curriculum to student's varying needs. They are required to evaluate students' social and physical development, create reports from those evaluations and relay performance to the student's parents (especially if the child is exhibiting problematic behavior or poor academic achievement). Teachers also ensure children's health and hygiene needs are met (managing mealtimes, bathroom breaks and hand washing). Teachers are responsible for helping create a safe, positive and productive classroom environment.
According to Victoria R. Fu in her article "Learning and Teaching in Preschool," preschool curriculum should include a curriculum that helps students make sense of the world around them, learning new concepts built upon existing knowledge and contexts. Class objectives should also address "early literacy, the concept of quantity mathematics and causation in the physical world" as well as problem solving abilities.
Preschool teachers first and foremost enjoy being around and interacting with young children. They must have excellent grace under pressure and plenty of patience, since there will inevitably be children who show behavioral problems or need specialized attention. A preschool teacher should be fit enough to spend part of the day outside and demonstrate and participate in physical activities with students. A creative background is a plus for teaching preschool, as is being able to decipher a child's emotional and mental needs.
Preschool teachers typically begin as teaching assistants at this level. Some states require a minimum number of credit hours in early childhood education to work in many preschools. Some states also require a bachelors degree and some require an associates degree. Some states require a certificate from a nationally recognized credentialing organization. Private preschools tend to be exempt from this requirement.
Major places of employment for preschool teachers are schools, daycare centers and religious organizations. The largest employers are daycare centers. As of 2006, the average income for this position was $22,680. As of 2010, job outlook for this position was high, due to a rising trend in preschool enrollment and states improving their education standards at the preschool level. Part-time schedules are commonly available.