Preschool is an optional school experience designed for children who are at least two and a half years old, up to five years old when they enter kindergarten. While some preschool programs are offered through the public school system, most are offered through private or religious institutions. Such programs typically offer a play-based curriculum that prepares children for the school environment. Preschool teachers facilitate this experience for children in their classroom.
Preschool teachers are crucial to a successful preschool experience. For many children, preschool colors the way they always view school; it is this first experience that should foster a lifelong love of learning and a general sense of comfort and accomplishment within the preschool environment. Preschool teachers will often take basic concepts and incorporate them into the game. Children at this age learn through play concepts that incorporate all of their senses. While having fun and practicing essential social concepts: being respectful of each other, taking turns, etc. – they are not aware that they are even absorbing educational concepts. Effective preschool teachers can engage the preschooler and deliver lessons through these playful pathways.
Physical activities like playing ball build hand-eye coordination and gross motor skills, writing games sharpen fine motor skills, card games help encourage memory retention, and child-focused games books instill a love of reading and language. Preschool teachers, in many cases, are extremely involved in the development of the curriculum, incorporating ABC, math, social studies, and history through learning games. Today’s modern preschool teachers also have the computer at their disposal; Computer games designed for preschool-age children teach a variety of fun lessons through the use of colors, sounds, and interactive play.
Qualifications for preschool teachers vary by state, however, credentialing in some capacity is unilaterally required. State regulations dictate the level of education that preschool teachers must have. But ultimately the most important qualification for preschool teachers is the ability to instill a joy in learning that stays with their young students for a lifetime.