How to become a preschool teacher, except special education

Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree..Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

What preschool teachers, except special education do

• Provide a variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate, and use, both in learning activities and in imaginative play.
• Assimilate arriving children to the school environment by greeting them, helping them remove outerwear, and selecting activities of interest to them.
• Observe and evaluate children's performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
• Arrange indoor and outdoor space to facilitate creative play, motor-skill activities, and safety.
• Organize and label materials and display students' work in a manner appropriate for their ages and perceptual skills.
• Meet with other professionals to discuss individual students' needs and progress.

Skills that matter most

• Speaking
• Active Listening
• Learning Strategies
• Reading Comprehension
• Critical Thinking
• Monitoring
• Active Learning
• Writing

Is preschool teacher, except special education a good career?

On the numbers, this job is close to the average across occupations. Median pay is 25% below the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• District of Columbia $62,150
• Vermont $49,730
• Hawaii $48,780
• New Jersey $48,220
• Kansas $47,750

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.