Occupation AtlasSpecial Education Teachers, Kindergarten

O*NET · 25-2055.00

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten

Teach academic, social, and life skills to kindergarten students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.

Also called Academic Interventionist · Adapted Physical Education Teacher · Blind Teacher · Braille Teacher · Cross-Categorical Special Education Teacher · DD Special Education Teacher · Deaf Teacher · Developmentally Delayed Special Education Teacher (DD Special Education Teacher)
35 more

Early Interventionist · Emotional Disabilities Teacher · Emotional Support Teacher · Exceptional Needs Teacher · Hearing Impaired Itinerant Teacher (HI Itinerant Teacher) · Hearing Impaired Teacher · HI Itinerant Teacher · Inclusion Special Education Teacher · Integrated Program Teacher · K-1 SPED Teacher · K-1 SPED Teacher (Kindergarten through First Grade Special Education Teacher) · Kindergarten SPED Teacher · Kindergarten SPED Teacher (Kindergarten Special Education Teacher) · Learning and Behavioral Disabilities Teacher · Learning Disabilities Teacher · Life Skills Teacher · Lip Reading Teacher · Mentally Retarded Teacher · Mildly Disabled Student Special Education Teacher · Multi-Handicapped Students Special Education Teacher · Physically Impaired Teacher · Primary Special Education Teacher · Primary Special Educator · Profound Mental Handicaps Special Education Teacher · Resource Room Special Education Teacher · Self Contained Special Education Teacher · Severe Emotional Behavioral Disorders Teacher · Severe Mental Handicaps Special Education Teacher · Sign Language Teacher · Special Education Inclusion Teacher · Special Education Kindergarten Teacher · Special Education Resource Teacher · Special Needs Teacher · SPED Teacher · SPED Teacher (Special Education Teacher)

Job Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation NeededHolland code SIC35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed

Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.

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

SICSocial · Investigative · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order

  • S Social7.00
  • I Investigative3.80
  • C Conventional3.67
  • A Artistic3.65
  • R Realistic2.55
  • E Enterprising1.73

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.

  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree12%
  • Bachelor's Degree56%
  • Post-Baccalaureate Certificate23%
  • Master's Degree9%
Related work experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (33%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (24%)
On-the-job training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (40%)

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.

  • SpeakingbasicImportance 4.0Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
  • Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.9Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • InstructingImportance 3.9Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • WritingbasicImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • MonitoringbasicImportance 3.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.6Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Active LearningbasicImportance 3.6Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.5Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Service OrientationImportance 3.5Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
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Tasks

26 core · 3 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Instruct students with disabilities in academic subjects, using a variety of techniques, such as phonetics, multisensory learning, or repetition to reinforce learning and meet students' varying needs.Importance 4.7
  2. Develop or implement strategies to meet the needs of students with a variety of disabilities.Importance 4.6
  3. Prepare objectives, outlines, or other materials for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines or school or state requirements.Importance 4.6
  4. Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.Importance 4.5
  5. Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, or administrative regulations.Importance 4.5
  6. Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.Importance 4.5
  7. Teach socially acceptable behavior, employing techniques such as behavior modification or positive reinforcement.Importance 4.5
  8. Confer with parents, administrators, testing specialists, social workers, or other professionals to develop individual educational plans (IEPs) for students' educational, physical, or social development.Importance 4.4
  9. Employ special educational strategies or techniques during instruction to improve the development of sensory- and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, or memory.Importance 4.4
  10. Meet with parents or guardians to discuss their children's progress, advise them on using community resources, or teach skills for dealing with students' impairments.Importance 4.4
  11. Modify the general kindergarten education curriculum for students with disabilities.Importance 4.4
  12. Confer with parents, guardians, teachers, counselors, or administrators to resolve students' behavioral or academic problems.Importance 4.2
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  1. Monitor teachers or teacher assistants to ensure adherence to special education program requirements.Importance 4.2
  2. Prepare classrooms with a variety of materials or resources for children to explore, manipulate, or use in learning activities or imaginative play.Importance 4.2
  3. Prepare assignments for teacher assistants or volunteers.Importance 4.1
  4. Prepare, administer, or grade assignments to evaluate students' progress.Importance 4.0
  5. Provide assistive devices, supportive technology, or assistance accessing facilities, such as restrooms.Importance 3.9
  6. Collaborate with other teachers or administrators to develop, evaluate, or revise kindergarten programs.Importance 3.8
  7. Confer with other staff members to plan, schedule, or conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.Importance 3.8
  8. Organize and display students' work in a manner appropriate for their perceptual skills.Importance 3.8
  9. Organize and supervise games or other recreational activities to promote physical, mental, or social development.Importance 3.8
  10. Administer standardized ability and achievement tests to kindergarten students with special needs.Importance 3.7
  11. Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment or materials to prevent injuries and damage.Importance 3.7
  12. Present information in audio-visual or interactive formats, using computers, televisions, audio-visual aids, or other equipment, materials, or technologies.Importance 3.5
  13. Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, or teacher training workshops to maintain or improve professional competence.Importance 3.3
  14. Perform administrative duties, such as school library assistance, hall and cafeteria monitoring, and bus loading and unloading.Importance 3.2
  15. Visit schools to tutor students with sensory impairments or to consult with teachers regarding students' special needs.Importance 3.5
  16. Control the inventory or distribution of classroom equipment, materials, or supplies.Importance 3.0
  17. Plan or supervise experiential learning activities, such as class projects, field trips, demonstrations, or visits by guest speakers.Importance 2.8

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • English LanguageImportance 4.7Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Education and TrainingImportance 4.2Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • PsychologyImportance 4.0Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
  • MathematicsImportance 3.5Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • AdministrativeImportance 3.3Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Therapy and CounselingImportance 3.0Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Provide job counseling to the unemployed
  • Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 2.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
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  • Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.8Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Administration and ManagementImportance 2.7Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
  • Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 2.7Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Write an article about cultural differences
  • Fine ArtsImportance 2.4Level 2.6
  • Communications and MediaImportance 2.3Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • GeographyImportance 2.2Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Find a specific country on a world map
  • Law and GovernmentImportance 2.2Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • History and ArcheologyImportance 2.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Teach local history to school children
  • Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Philosophy and TheologyImportance 2.0Level 2.7
  • Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • BiologyImportance 1.7Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Foreign LanguageImportance 1.7Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • TransportationImportance 1.7Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • DesignImportance 1.6Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Production and ProcessingImportance 1.6Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • TelecommunicationsImportance 1.6Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.5Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • ChemistryImportance 1.4Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • PhysicsImportance 1.3Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Building and ConstructionImportance 1.2Level —
  • Food ProductionImportance 1.2Level —
  • Economics and AccountingImportance 1.1Level —
  • Sales and MarketingImportance 1.1Level —
  • MechanicalImportance 1.0Level —

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Written ComprehensionImportance 3.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Speech RecognitionImportance 3.8Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Written ExpressionImportance 3.8Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Speech ClarityImportance 3.6Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.5Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Near VisionImportance 3.5Level 3.4Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
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  • OriginalityImportance 3.5Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.4Level 3.3Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.4Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Information OrderingImportance 3.4Level 3.3Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Problem SensitivityImportance 3.4Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Category FlexibilityImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Selective AttentionImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Speed of ClosureImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Far VisionImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Time SharingImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • MemorizationImportance 2.6Level 2.9
  • Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Number FacilityImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • VisualizationImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Auditory AttentionImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Trunk StrengthImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Extent FlexibilityImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Gross Body CoordinationImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Manual DexterityImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Multilimb CoordinationImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Explosive StrengthImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Reaction TimeImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Response OrientationImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • StaminaImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Static StrengthImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.6Level 0.8
  • Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.3Level —
  • Control PrecisionImportance 1.3Level —
  • Finger DexterityImportance 1.3Level —
  • Rate ControlImportance 1.1Level —
  • Depth PerceptionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.7Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Training and Teaching OthersImportance 4.7Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.3Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 4.2Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 4.2Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Getting InformationImportance 4.1Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.9Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
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  • Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.9Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.9Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.8Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.8Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.7Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.7Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Processing InformationImportance 3.6Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.6Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.5Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.4Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.3Level 2.7
  • Working with ComputersImportance 3.3Level 2.6
  • Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.2Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 3.2Level 2.6
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.1Level 2.9
  • Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.0Level 2.7
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 2.9Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Determine whether to remove a tree that has been damaged
  • Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 2.8Level 2.6
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.7Level 2.6
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.6Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 2.4Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.3Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.2Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 2.2Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 1.7Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.3Level —
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.1Level —
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.1Level —
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.0Level —
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.0Level —

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Contact With Others5.0
  • E-Mail5.0
  • Physical Proximity4.9
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.9
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.7
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.4
  • Frequency of Decision Making4.3
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.2
  • Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities4.1
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.0

Technology

21 tools

Software 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 (5)

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (16)
  • American Sign Language Browser
  • Children's educational software
  • Drawing software
  • EasyCBM
  • Email software
  • goQ WordQ
  • Individualized Educational Program IEP software
  • Nuance Dragon NaturallySpeaking
  • Rethink Ed
  • Scientific Learning Fast ForWord
  • Screen magnification software
  • Screen reader software
  • Synapse outSPOKEN
  • The vOICe Learning Edition
  • Voice activated software
  • Web browser software

Related occupations

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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.

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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.