Also called: Pre-K teacher, Head Start teacher
Teaches 3- to 5-year-olds early reading, math, social skills, and how to be in a classroom.
Preschool teachers lead circle time, read stories, set up art and building centers, help kids learn to share and solve problems, and talk with parents at pickup. Public pre-K teachers often earn much more than those in private centers.
BLS preschool teachers, May 2024; public-school pre-K pays near K-12 levels.
Associate's degree (2-year), about 2 years after high school. Associate degree or CDA credential minimum; public pre-K usually requires a bachelor's and teaching license.
Ways in: 2-year college, 4-year college, Certification. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Early Childhood Education, Child Development.
Growing about average (about 3% over 10 years). BLS projects ~3% growth as states expand pre-K.
Low risk for 10 years. AI may draft newsletters and progress notes; teaching 4-year-olds to share, read and regulate emotions is hands-on human work.
Classes: Child development CTE class, Psychology, Art or music.
Official data: O*NET occupation 25-2011.
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