Occupation AtlasPreschool Teachers, Except Special Education
O*NET · 25-2011.00
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.
Also called After School Teacher · Child Care Assistant Teacher · Child Development Teacher · Childcare Teacher · Childhood Development Teacher · Day Care Teacher · Daycare Teacher · Early Childhood Educator
18 more
Early Childhood Teacher · Group Teacher · Home-Based Preschool Teacher · Infant Teacher · Montessori Paraprofessional · Montessori Preschool Teacher · Montessori Teacher · Nursery School Teacher · Nursery Teacher · Pre-K Teacher · Pre-Kindergarten Teacher (Pre-K Teacher) · Pre-School Teacher · Prekindergarten Teacher · Preschool Teacher · Start Teacher · Substitute Preschool Teacher · Teacher · Toddler Teacher
Compare with another occupationCompare with Psychiatric Technicians
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed
Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
SACSocial · Artistic · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order
- S Social7.00
- A Artistic3.98
- C Conventional3.61
- R Realistic2.94
- I Investigative2.76
- E Enterprising2.49
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (33%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- None (39%)
- On-the-job training
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (35%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- InstructingImportance 4.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
- SpeakingbasicImportance 4.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- CoordinationImportance 3.8Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.8Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- Service OrientationImportance 3.6Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
Show the other 23
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
- PersuasionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- Time ManagementImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- WritingbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- NegotiationImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.8Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
- Operations MonitoringImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.8Level 0.8
- SciencebasicImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.5Level 0.6
- Technology DesignImportance 1.5Level 0.6
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- ProgrammingImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
32 core · 2 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Provide a variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate, and use, both in learning activities and in imaginative play.Importance 4.6
- Teach basic skills, such as color, shape, number and letter recognition, personal hygiene, and social skills.Importance 4.6
- Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order.Importance 4.6
- Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.Importance 4.6
- Attend to children's basic needs by feeding them, dressing them, and changing their diapers.Importance 4.5
- Organize and lead activities designed to promote physical, mental, and social development, such as games, arts and crafts, music, storytelling, and field trips.Importance 4.5
- Meet with parents and guardians to discuss their children's progress and needs, determine their priorities for their children, and suggest ways that they can promote learning and development.Importance 4.5
- Serve meals and snacks in accordance with nutritional guidelines.Importance 4.5
- Read books to entire classes or to small groups.Importance 4.4
- Observe and evaluate children's performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.Importance 4.4
- Identify children showing signs of emotional, developmental, or health-related problems and discuss them with supervisors, parents or guardians, and child development specialists.Importance 4.4
- Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.Importance 4.4
Show the other 22
- Assimilate arriving children to the school environment by greeting them, helping them remove outerwear, and selecting activities of interest to them.Importance 4.4
- Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.Importance 4.4
- Teach proper eating habits and personal hygiene.Importance 4.3
- Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those objectives to children.Importance 4.3
- Demonstrate activities to children.Importance 4.3
- Arrange indoor and outdoor space to facilitate creative play, motor-skill activities, and safety.Importance 4.3
- Enforce all administration policies and rules governing students.Importance 4.2
- Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.Importance 4.2
- Prepare and implement remedial programs for students requiring extra help.Importance 4.1
- Organize and label materials and display students' work in a manner appropriate for their ages and perceptual skills.Importance 4.0
- Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops to maintain and improve professional competence.Importance 4.0
- Confer with other staff members to plan and schedule lessons promoting learning, following approved curricula.Importance 4.0
- Prepare reports on students and activities as required by administration.Importance 3.9
- Collaborate with other teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of preschool programs.Importance 3.9
- Plan and supervise class projects, field trips, visits by guests, or other experiential activities and guide students in learning from those activities.Importance 3.9
- Supervise, evaluate, and plan assignments for teacher assistants and volunteers.Importance 3.8
- Meet with other professionals to discuss individual students' needs and progress.Importance 3.8
- Select, store, order, issue, and inventory classroom equipment, materials, and supplies.Importance 3.8
- Administer tests to help determine children's developmental levels, needs, and potential.Importance 3.7
- Attend staff meetings and serve on committees as required.Importance 3.6
- Provide students with disabilities with assistive devices, supportive technology, and assistance accessing facilities, such as restrooms.Importance 4.0
- Perform administrative duties, such as hall and cafeteria monitoring and bus loading and unloading.Importance 3.9
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Education and TrainingImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- English LanguageImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 3.3Level 2.8
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.2Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- PsychologyImportance 3.1Level 2.9
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.7Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
- AdministrativeImportance 2.6Level 2.7
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
Show all 33
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- MathematicsImportance 2.3Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
- Fine ArtsImportance 2.2Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
- Foreign LanguageImportance 2.2Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- Law and GovernmentImportance 2.2Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 2.2Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- Sales and MarketingImportance 2.1Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
- GeographyImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.9Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
- TelecommunicationsImportance 1.9Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.8Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
- Food ProductionImportance 1.7Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Grow herbs in the kitchen
- TransportationImportance 1.7Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- BiologyImportance 1.5Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
- DesignImportance 1.5Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
- MechanicalImportance 1.4Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.4Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.3Level —
- ChemistryImportance 1.3Level —
- Economics and AccountingImportance 1.3Level —
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.3Level —
- PhysicsImportance 1.2Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Speech ClarityImportance 4.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.9Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- OriginalityImportance 3.8Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.6Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.6Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Written ComprehensionImportance 3.6Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
Show all 52
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.5Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
- Information OrderingImportance 3.3Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Near VisionImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Far VisionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
- Category FlexibilityImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Selective AttentionImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Time SharingImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
- MemorizationImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.8Level 2.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Trunk StrengthImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.6Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- VisualizationImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- StaminaImportance 2.4Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
- Finger DexterityImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
- Manual DexterityImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
- Static StrengthImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
- Depth PerceptionImportance 2.0Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
- Number FacilityImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.4Level 0.6
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.3Level —
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.3Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.1Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.1Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 4.2Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.0Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Getting InformationImportance 4.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.8Level 2.9
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.7Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.6Level 2.9
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 3.5Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.4Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
Show all 41
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.4Level 2.7
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.4Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.3Level 2.6
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.3Level 2.7
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.3Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 3.2Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.1Level 2.6
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.1Level 2.6
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.0Level 2.9
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 2.9Level 2.8
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 2.8Level 2.7
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.8Level 2.7
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 2.8Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Determine whether to remove a tree that has been damaged
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 2.8Level 2.7
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.7Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.7Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 2.6Level 2.9
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.6Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.6Level 2.7
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 2.5Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
- Processing InformationImportance 2.5Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Calculate the costs for shipping packages
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.3Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
- Working with ComputersImportance 2.3Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 2.0Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 1.9Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.9Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.4Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.4Level 0.4Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.0Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
20 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
Hot (3)
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Word
Other tools (17)
- Appletree
- Bloomz
- Children's educational software
- ClassDojo
- Common Curriculum
- EasyCBM
- Edmodo
- Email software
- Flipgrid
- Google Classroom
- Google Meet
- Intrado SchoolMessenger
- Nearpod
- Padlet
- Schoology
- Seesaw
- Tadpoles
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Psychiatric Technicians
Average difference 0.2 points · Learning Strategies −0.9, Instructing −0.7
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Special Education Teachers, Preschool
Average difference 0.2 points · Active Learning +0.8, Writing +0.8
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Adapted Physical Education Specialists
Average difference 0.2 points · Writing +0.9, Active Learning +0.8
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education
Average difference 0.2 points · Time Management +0.8, Critical Thinking −0.5
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Choreographers
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis +1.0, Troubleshooting −0.8
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Recreation Workers
Average difference 0.2 points · Learning Strategies −0.8, Reading Comprehension −0.7
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Music Therapists
Average difference 0.2 points · Instructing −0.7, Judgment and Decision Making +0.7
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics +0.8, Troubleshooting −0.7
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.