Preschool Worker
A preschool worker, often referred to as a paraeducator, plays a vital role in supporting early childhood education by assisting lead teachers in public and private preschool settings for children aged three to five. Their responsibilities encompass the care and instruction of young learners, focusing on areas such as socio-emotional development, language acquisition, and preliteracy skills. Typically requiring only a high school diploma or equivalent, preschool workers undergo short-term on-the-job training, although having prior experience in child care or education can be beneficial.
The work environment is dynamic and physically engaging, often necessitating the ability to interact with children at their level, which means bending, squatting, and lifting when necessary. Preschool workers contribute to creating a nurturing classroom atmosphere, addressing children's needs, and fostering their development while also communicating regularly with families. Although the field is experiencing a slight decline in job outlook, median earnings for preschool workers are around $30,370 per year. For those interested in pursuing a career in this field, gaining experience through internships or part-time work with children is recommended, along with relevant coursework in child development and education.
Preschool Worker
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Education & Training, Human Services
Interests: Education, early childhood development, teaching, psychology, language development, student care
Earnings (Yearly Median): $30,370 per year $14.60 per hour
Employment & Outlook: -2% (Decline)
Entry-Level Education High school diploma or equivalent
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job Training Short-term on-the-job training
Overview
Sphere of Work. Preschool workers, sometimes called paraeducators, support early childhood professionals in their teaching and childcare efforts. Preschool workers are employed by public and private preschools, which focus on the educational needs of three- to five-year-old children.
Preschool workers take direction from the lead or head classroom teachers and participate in the teaching of the preschool curriculum as specified by their job description or the preference of their lead teacher. Preschool workers help with the daily care of young students as well as the students’ socio-emotional development, preliteracy skills, fine and gross motor skills, practical life skills, and language acquisition.
Work Environment. Preschool workers spend their workdays in early childhood classrooms arranged primarily to meet the social and educational needs of young children. In the preschool environment, furniture tends to be low to the ground, and preschool teachers must be sufficiently physically fit to carry children when needed, squat, bend, and sit on the floor. Preschool classroom resources such as art supplies, music lessons, field trips, and support staff, differ depending on the school’s financial resources and the educational philosophy directing the curriculum. Preschools may be private or public and may be part of an elementary school or may be an independent entity with no higher grades. Preschools are also found in businesses, high schools, colleges, social-service agencies, and religious organizations.
Occupation Interest. The occupation of preschool worker draws individuals who are responsible, responsive, patient, observant, playful, and caring. Preschool workers nurture children in the years between infancy and elementary school age, so they should enjoy spending long hours with young children. Preschool workers may have experience in drama, natural sciences, child rearing, music, games, arts and crafts, reading and literacy, and educational theory.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Preschool workers support the lead teacher’s vision and curriculum. A preschool worker’s daily duties and responsibilities include classroom preparation and cleanup as well as student care. Classroom preparation and cleaning duties may include labeling materials, organizing work areas such as the art area or reading area, emptying student cubbies, preparing food for students, setting up daily projects, and cleaning and sanitizing at the end of the day. Preschool workers provide student care by greeting students in the morning, calming fears and separation anxiety, promoting a supportive and nurturing classroom environment, maintaining safety and health, providing consistent discipline, preventing conflict, and building students’ relationship and cooperation skills.
Preschool workers with experience and seniority may plan student lessons, teach, participate in family outreach efforts, and take on other school duties. Planning learning activities includes lesson preparation, research, and buying or securing donations for project supplies. Teaching responsibilities include teaching lessons and leading activities that improve student vocabulary, mathematical thinking, early literacy, nature awareness, and motor skills. Family outreach includes greeting families at school drop-off and dismissal times as well as regularly communicating with families about their student’s successes and challenges. Preschool workers must attend school functions such as staff meetings and open houses for prospective families.
Children’s Institution Attendants (359.677-010). Children’s Institution Attendants care for groups of children housed in city, county, state, or private institutions.
Playroom Attendants (359.677-026). Playroom Attendants organize games and entertainment for children of parents patronizing stores, theaters, hotels, and similar organizations.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. A preschool worker’s immediate physical environment is the preschool classroom. Preschool workers generally work forty-hour weeks or more, engaged in physically demanding activity. Many preschool workers follow an annual academic schedule with ample (usually unpaid) winter, spring, and summer vacations. Vacation teaching opportunities for preschool workers can be found in preschools, childcare centers, and camps.
Human Environment. Preschool workers are in constant contact with young children, students’ families, and lead teachers. Preschool workers may be responsible for students with physical and mental disabilities as well as students who are English language learners (ELL). Preschool workers must be comfortable working with people from a wide range of backgrounds.
Technological Environment. Preschool classrooms increasingly include computers and tablets for student use and learning. Preschool workers should be comfortable teaching children to use educational software and games. Many preschools use Internet applications to communicate with parents and document a student’s day.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students interested in becoming preschool workers should develop good study habits and seek out childcare experience. Interested high school students should take courses in psychology, education, child development, physical education, and the arts. Internships or part-time childcare work with children at camps, after-school programs, preschools, or childcare centers may also be helpful to those interested in the field of early childhood education.
Postsecondary. College students interested in the field of early childhood education should consider majoring in education and earning initial teaching certification as part of their undergraduate education program. College students interested in early childhood education should complete coursework in psychology, education, child development, physical education, and the arts. The majority of preschool worker jobs do not require a college degree and, as a result, postsecondary students may be hired as preschool workers either during college or upon graduation.
Related Occupations
− Social and Human Services Assistant
Bibliography
"Childcare Workers." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/childcare-workers.htm. Accessed 26 Aug. 2024.
"Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023 39-9011 Childcare Workers." US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes399011.htm. Accessed 26 Aug. 2024.
"Preschool Teachers." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/preschool-teachers.htm. Accessed 26 Aug. 2024.