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Special Education Teachers, Preschool

Special Education Teachers, Preschool

Overview
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Experience

Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

Education

Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Job Training

Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

Examples

These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, clergy, neurologists, and veterinarians.

Teach academic, social, and life skills to preschool-aged 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.

Salary Salary

Salary at 10th Percentile: $34K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $46K
Median Salary: $61K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $82K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $115K

Demand
Career Demand by State Career Demand by State Legend
Core Tasks

Employ special educational strategies or techniques during instruction to improve the development of sensory- and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, or memory.

Teach socially acceptable behavior, employing techniques such as behavior modification or positive reinforcement.

Communicate nonverbally with children to provide them with comfort, encouragement, or positive reinforcement.

Confer with parents, administrators, testing specialists, social workers, or other professionals to develop individual education plans (IEPs).

Develop individual educational plans (IEPs) designed to promote students' educational, physical, or social development.

Teach basic skills, such as color, shape, number and letter recognition, personal hygiene, or social skills, to preschool students with special needs.

Teach students personal development skills, such as goal setting, independence, or self-advocacy.

Develop or implement strategies to meet the needs of students with a variety of disabilities.

Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.

Administer tests to help determine children's developmental levels, needs, or potential.

Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment or materials to prevent injuries and damage.

Attend to children's basic needs by feeding them, dressing them, or changing their diapers.

Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.

Prepare classrooms with a variety of materials or resources for children to explore, manipulate, or use in learning activities or imaginative play.

Confer with parents, guardians, teachers, counselors, or administrators to resolve students' behavioral or academic problems.

Encourage students to explore learning opportunities or persevere with challenging tasks to prepare them for later grades.

Establish and communicate clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects to students, parents, or guardians.

Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, or administrative regulations.

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.

Monitor teachers or teacher assistants to ensure adherence to special education program requirements.

Modify the general preschool curriculum for special-needs students.

Coordinate placement of students with special needs into mainstream classes.

Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, or teacher training workshops to maintain or improve professional competence.

Organize and supervise games or other recreational activities to promote physical, mental, or social development.

Prepare objectives, outlines, or other materials for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines or requirements.

Provide assistive devices, supportive technology, or assistance accessing facilities, such as restrooms.

Read books to entire classes or to small groups.

Arrange indoor or outdoor space to facilitate creative play, motor-skill activities, or safety.

Prepare reports on students and activities as required by administration.

Organize and display students' work in a manner appropriate for their perceptual skills.

Present information in audio-visual or interactive formats, using computers, television, audio-visual aids, or other equipment, materials, or technologies.

Collaborate with other teachers or administrators to develop, evaluate, or revise preschool programs.

Serve meals or snacks in accordance with nutritional guidelines.

Plan and supervise experiential learning activities, such as class projects, field trips, or demonstrations.

Prepare assignments for teacher assistants or volunteers.

Control the inventory or distribution of classroom equipment, materials, or supplies.

Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Computer based training software
Children's educational software
Data base user interface and query software
American Sign Language Browser
Device drivers or system software
Screen reader software
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Graphics or photo imaging software
Drawing software
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Office suite software
Microsoft Office
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Arts and crafts equipment and accessories and supplies
Sand tables
Audio and visual presentation and composing equipment
Overhead data projectors
Computer Equipment and Accessories
Head operated joysticks
Consumer electronics
Digital audio recorders
Emergency and field medical services products
Emergency first aid kits
Independent living aids for the physically challenged
Standing aids
Medical facility products
Motorized scooters
Office machines and their supplies and accessories
Laminating equipment
Physical and occupational therapy and rehabilitation products
Pegboards
Toys and games
Educational board games
Top 10 Knowledge Required
English Language
90%
Importance

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Education and Training
85%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Psychology
77%
Importance

Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

Public Safety and Security
68%
Importance

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Therapy and Counseling
66%
Importance

Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.

Computers and Electronics
65%
Importance

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Clerical
62%
Importance

Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Customer and Personal Service
62%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Sociology and Anthropology
60%
Importance

Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.

Medicine and Dentistry
59%
Importance

Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.

Top 10 Skills
Speaking
83%
Importance

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Active Listening
80%
Importance

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Critical Thinking
78%
Importance

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension
78%
Importance

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Social Perceptiveness
78%
Importance

Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Learning Strategies
75%
Importance

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Monitoring
75%
Importance

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Writing
75%
Importance

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Active Learning
73%
Importance

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Instructing
73%
Importance

Teaching others how to do something.

Top 10 Abilities
Oral Expression
83%
Importance

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Oral Comprehension
80%
Importance

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Problem Sensitivity
80%
Importance

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

Speech Clarity
80%
Importance

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

Written Comprehension
80%
Importance

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Deductive Reasoning
78%
Importance

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Inductive Reasoning
75%
Importance

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

Written Expression
75%
Importance

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

Speech Recognition
70%
Importance

The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

Information Ordering
68%
Importance

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

Top 10 Work Activities
Getting Information
89%
Importance

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Assisting and Caring for Others
87%
Importance

Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
86%
Importance

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Documenting/Recording Information
85%
Importance

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
85%
Importance

Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Training and Teaching Others
83%
Importance

Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
82%
Importance

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Interacting With Computers
81%
Importance

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Developing Objectives and Strategies
79%
Importance

Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
76%
Importance

Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Detailed Work Activities

Develop strategies or programs for students with special needs.

Teach life skills.

Encourage students.

Collaborate with other teaching professionals to develop educational programs.

Monitor student performance.

Monitor student behavior, social development, or health.

Evaluate student work.

Teach others to use technology or equipment.

Administer tests to assess educational needs or progress.

Establish rules or policies governing student behavior.

Provide for basic needs of children.

Set up classroom materials or equipment.

Direct activities of subordinates.

Discuss student progress with parents or guardians.

Discuss problems or issues with supervisors.

Maintain student records.

Develop instructional objectives.

Modify teaching methods or materials to accommodate student needs.

Assist students with special educational needs.

Plan educational activities.

Develop instructional materials.

Attend training sessions or professional meetings to develop or maintain professional knowledge.

Read to students.

Prepare reports detailing student activities or performance.

Display student work.

Create technology-based learning materials.

Plan experiential learning activities.

Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.

Distribute instructional or library materials.

Work Context
Face-to-Face Discussions

How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?

Electronic Mail

How often do you use electronic mail in this job?

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people?

Frequency of Decision Making

How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

Work With Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?

Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

Education
Majors
Major
Special Education and Teaching
Interests
Social
100%
Importance

Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Artistic
58%
Importance

Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Conventional
48%
Importance

Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Investigative
39%
Importance

Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Enterprising
24%
Importance

Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Realistic
15%
Importance

Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Top 10 Work Styles
Adaptability/Flexibility
97%
Importance

Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

Integrity
97%
Importance

Job requires being honest and ethical.

Self Control
96%
Importance

Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

Achievement/Effort
94%
Importance

Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.

Cooperation
94%
Importance

Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Dependability
94%
Importance

Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Concern for Others
92%
Importance

Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.

Initiative
92%
Importance

Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Persistence
91%
Importance

Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

Social Orientation
90%
Importance

Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.

Work Values
Relationships
100%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

Achievement
81%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Independence
67%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Recognition
62%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

Support
58%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

Working Conditions
58%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.