Preschool Teacher Job Description: 2025 Guide

Snapshot: What a Preschool Teacher Does

Write or refine your preschool teacher job description by grounding it in what the role delivers daily for children, families, and program compliance.

According to BLS/OEWS data, demand remains steady while staffing and ratios make coverage tight. Clarity about scope and standards helps you attract the right candidates.

Start with a concise definition, then anchor responsibilities to learning outcomes and safety. This foundation improves candidate fit and reduces back-and-forth later.

One-sentence definition + 5 core responsibilities

A preschool teacher plans and leads developmentally appropriate learning for children ages 3–5, fostering early literacy, numeracy, social-emotional skills, and safety.

They design play-based lessons, observe and assess growth, manage classrooms, partner with families, and maintain compliance with health, safety, and licensing standards through intentional routines and active supervision.

For example, they align centers to your curriculum, conduct periodic assessments, and coordinate with specialists when needed. They also maintain ratios, implement sanitation procedures, and communicate progress to families. The takeaway: define the role’s core so responsibilities map cleanly to outcomes and compliance.

Plan and facilitate play-based, standards-aligned lessons
Observe, assess, and document child development
Build children’s social-emotional skills and guide behavior
Ensure health, safety, and active supervision at all times
Communicate with families and collaborate with specialists

Copy-and-Paste Preschool Teacher Job Description Template

Use this section to write a complete preschool teacher job description you can paste into your ATS or job board today.

Frame the summary, list responsibilities and qualifications, and add pay, schedule, benefits, and compliance statements in one pass. This structure also supports salary transparency laws and accelerates candidate screening.

Role Summary

Write your preschool teacher job description summary to state who you serve, the approach you use, and your outcomes.

As a Preschool Teacher at [School/Center Name], you will create a joyful, inclusive classroom for children ages [3–5] using a [play-based/Montessori/Reggio/Head Start] approach that builds early literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional skills while meeting all health and safety standards.

Include your program’s unique elements (e.g., outdoor classroom, dual-language model) to differentiate your posting. A sharp summary helps candidates quickly determine fit and readiness to apply.

Key Responsibilities

Plan and deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons and centers aligned to [state ELDS/Creative Curriculum/Montessori albums/Reggio projects]
Differentiate instruction and provide targeted support based on observation and assessment data
Promote social-emotional learning using positive guidance and conflict-resolution strategies
Maintain active supervision, enforce safety procedures, and adhere to ratios and licensing rules
Conduct daily health checks, support hygiene routines, and manage sanitation protocols
Observe and document child progress; complete assessments and portfolios by deadlines
Communicate with families via daily notes, conferences, and timely responses to questions
Collaborate with colleagues, therapists, and administrators; support IEP/504 accommodations
Prepare the classroom and materials; keep spaces organized, accessible, and inviting
Lead indoor/outdoor play; adapt activities for diverse abilities and interests
Participate in professional development and required trainings (CPR/First Aid, mandated reporter)
Model cultural humility and inclusive practices that honor each child and family

Required Qualifications

Education: [CDA/Associate’s degree/BA in Early Childhood Education or related field as required by your state or program]
Certifications: Current CPR/First Aid; [Food Handler’s card if required]; willingness to complete mandated reporter training
Clear background checks: FBI fingerprinting, state criminal check, and child abuse/neglect registry, per state law
Experience: [1–2]+ years teaching or assisting in an early childhood classroom (practicum counts)
Ability to meet physical demands: lift up to 40 lbs, kneel/sit on floor, stand/walk for extended periods, supervise indoors/outdoors

Preferred Skills & Competencies

Knowledge of NAEYC standards and developmentally appropriate practice
Experience with inclusive classrooms and IEP collaboration
Family engagement skills; clear, empathetic communication
Assessment literacy (e.g., GOLD, COR, TS GOLD) and data-informed planning
Culturally responsive teaching, bilingual abilities, or Montessori/Reggio experience
Tech comfort with documentation apps and basic productivity tools

Work Schedule & Compensation Statement

Add transparent pay and schedule to your preschool teacher job description to comply with salary transparency laws and reduce drop-off.

This is a [full-time/part-time], [school-year/year-round] position, typically [M–F, 8-hour shifts between 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.]. Pay range: [$XX.XX–$YY.YY/hour] or [$AA,AAA–$BB,BBB/year], commensurate with experience, credentials, and location.

This role is [non-exempt/exempt—verify FLSA teacher exemption applicability for your setting]. Clear ranges and schedule blocks set expectations and support equity.

Benefits & Perks

Medical, dental, vision; paid time off and holidays
401(k) with employer match
Tuition assistance for ECE coursework and CDA/degree completion
Paid professional development hours and conference stipends
Classroom supply stipend and curriculum materials
Childcare/tuition discount for dependents
Sign-on or retention bonus eligibility [if offered]

EEO & Safe-Hiring Statements

EEO: [School/Center Name] is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.
Safe Hiring & Compliance: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background checks (including FBI fingerprinting and child abuse/neglect registry), verification of work authorization, and completion of required trainings (CPR/First Aid, mandated reporter). We are a drug-free, smoke-free workplace.

Duties and Responsibilities (Expanded with Examples)

Use this section to write a preschool teacher job description that connects daily tasks to child outcomes and compliance.

Frame each duty as a routine that supports learning, safety, and family partnership. Then mirror your model’s language so candidates recognize your expectations. This clarity reduces mismatches and supports consistent practice.

Instruction & Curriculum (Play-based, Montessori, Reggio)

Clarify how your preschool teacher job description reflects your instructional model.

In play-based settings, teachers plan centers that integrate literacy, math, science, and art through intentional play and teacher-guided small groups. Montessori teachers prepare environments, present sequenced materials, and protect long work periods. Reggio educators co-construct projects from children’s interests and document learning with photos and transcripts.

State which model you use and mirror its vocabulary in your responsibilities. Candidates look for these cues to assess alignment.

Example phrasing:

Play-based: “Design weekly center plans aligned to ELDS; rotate provocations that scaffold inquiry.”
Montessori: “Present lessons from Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, and Math albums; observe and extend individual work.”
Reggio: “Facilitate emergent, project-based inquiries; maintain pedagogical documentation panels.”

Social-Emotional Learning & Behavior Guidance

Explain that your preschool teacher job description prioritizes SEL to build self-regulation, empathy, and persistence.

Teachers model calm routines, teach feeling words, and use positive guidance over exclusionary discipline. Example: co-create class agreements, use visual schedules, and practice problem-solving with puppets.

These routines reduce behavior escalations and improve readiness to learn. Make SEL expectations explicit so strategies are consistent across the team.

Health, Safety, and Supervision

Signal non-negotiables that protect children and your license in any preschool teacher job description.

Teachers maintain active supervision (positioning, scanning, name-to-face counts), follow ratios, complete incident reports, and manage sanitation (diapering/toileting, food safety, illness exclusion). Example: maintain 1:10 for 4-year-olds where permitted and practice headcounts at transitions.

Clear procedures build trust with families and auditors. Reinforce them in onboarding and coaching.

Family Communication & Documentation

Set expectations for transparent, timely communication and clean records.

Teachers share daily notes, photos, menus, and learning goals, and lead conferences with strengths-based narratives plus next steps. Example: submit weekly lesson plans, keep attendance and medication logs, and update portfolios each cycle.

Strong documentation supports family engagement and compliance audits. Establish deadlines and formats so records are consistent.

Inclusion & IEP Collaboration

Make inclusion explicit in the preschool teacher job description to support mixed-ability classrooms.

Teachers implement accommodations, collect data on goals, and collaborate with SLP/OT/PT, psychologists, and special education teams. Example: adapt visuals and schedules, use sensory supports, and attend IEP meetings to share observations.

Clear roles ensure access, progress, and ADA/IDEA alignment. Name co-planning and confidentiality expectations to set the tone.

Qualifications, Education, and Licensing Requirements

Verify qualifications for your preschool teacher job description against your setting and state before you post.

Requirements differ across private programs, public/charter pre-K, and Head Start, and they can change annually. Confirm your minimums, then state preferred credentials to broaden the pool without lowering standards. This saves revision later and supports compliance.

Minimums by Setting (Private, Public/Charter, Head Start)

State expectations vary, but patterns are consistent:

Private centers: Often accept a CDA or AA in ECE; some states require lead teachers to hold specific coursework or a higher ed credential.
Public/charter pre-K: Commonly require a BA and a state teaching license with ECE endorsement.
Head Start/Early Head Start: Lead teachers typically need at least an AA in ECE; many programs require a BA. Must meet Head Start Program Performance Standards.

Tip: List your true minimum and your preferred credential to widen the pool without sacrificing quality.

Certifications: CDA, CPR/First Aid, Background Checks, Mandated Reporter

Clarify cadence and screenings in your preschool teacher job description.

CDA certification requirements: 120 hours of ECE training, 480 hours of experience, a professional portfolio, and a verification visit; renewal typically every 3 years.
CPR/First Aid requirement: Pediatric CPR/First Aid current; renewal every 2 years (verify your state).
Background checks: FBI fingerprinting, state criminal history, and child abuse/neglect registry; many states also check sex offender registries. TB tests or immunizations may be required.
Mandated reporter training: Required in many states on hire and on a renewal cycle; state portals provide free modules.

State Variations: What Changes and Where to Verify

Licensing rules and student–teacher ratio preschool standards vary by state. To verify quickly, search: “[Your State] child care licensing teacher qualifications,” “[Your State] preschool ratios group size,” and consult your state’s Department of Early Learning/Child Care or licensing portal.

Cross-check with NAEYC accreditation criteria and your QRIS system for higher bar expectations. Verifying now prevents costly reposts and onboarding delays.

Work Environment, Schedules, and Physical Demands

Set a realistic preview in your preschool teacher job description so candidates self-select accurately and you stay compliant.

Lead with ratios and coverage expectations if staffing is tight, and describe planning time norms. A clear preview reduces turnover and supports a safer classroom. It also aligns internal expectations across administrators and teachers.

Typical Schedules (School-year, Year-round, Part-time)

Outline when the classroom runs and planning time norms.

Year-round centers commonly schedule staggered 8-hour shifts between 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. School-year programs align to district calendars with breaks.

Part-time roles may cover morning sessions plus prep. Include on-call ratios coverage, staff meetings, and PD days to prevent surprises. This helps candidates plan transportation and caregiving needs.

Classroom Ratios & Group Size

Share your typical ranges and why they matter.

Many states allow roughly 1:8–1:10 for 4-year-olds (group size 16–20) and 1:6–1:8 for 3-year-olds (group size 12–16), while NAEYC’s recommendations are often tighter.

Ratios drive staffing: a class of 18 four-year-olds usually requires a lead plus an assistant to maintain 1:9 or better. Always confirm your state’s exact rules. Posting these numbers builds trust and accountability.

Physical Demands & Essential Functions

Include ADA-aligned, essential functions in every preschool teacher job description.

Frequently stand, walk, sit on the floor, kneel, and reach; lift/carry up to 40 lbs
Maintain visual and auditory supervision indoors and outdoors
Move quickly between activities and respond to emergencies
Tolerate noise, outdoor weather, and routine sanitation tasks
Perform documentation and communication tasks with or without reasonable accommodation

State that reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Salary, Pay Ranges, and Total Rewards

Calibrate pay and benefits in your preschool teacher job description to meet transparency laws and market realities.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), wage levels vary by setting and metro, with public school roles and unionized districts typically paying more. List your true range and what influences it. This supports equity and reduces negotiation friction.

National Averages and Sources

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS, May 2023), the median wage for “Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education” was approximately $35,000–$36,000 annually (about $17/hour), with higher wages in public schools and certain metros.

Use BLS/OEWS for benchmarks, then price to your city and credential level to stay competitive in 2025. Refresh this section annually as new data is released.

What Moves Pay: Setting, Credentials, and Location

Pay typically increases when:

Setting: Public/charter and NAEYC-accredited programs pay more than private-pay centers
Credentials: BA vs. AA/CDA, specialized endorsements, and bilingual skills
Location: High-cost metros and unionized districts
Duties: Lead teacher responsibilities, IEP case management, curriculum leadership

Include these levers to explain your posted range and attract qualified teachers.

Benefits That Attract Teachers

Competitive benefits can offset wage constraints and boost retention:

Fully or partially employer-paid health insurance and 401(k) match
Tuition assistance for CDA/AA/BA and paid PD hours
Classroom supply budgets and curriculum planning time
Predictable schedules, wellness days, and mental health supports
Childcare discounts, transportation or housing stipends, and sign-on/retention bonuses

Compliant salary transparency example: “Pay range for this role is $20.00–$25.00 per hour, depending on education, credentials, and experience. [School/Center Name] also offers medical/dental/vision, 12 paid holidays, 15 days PTO, 401(k) with 3% match, paid PD, and a 50% childcare discount.”

Assistant vs. Lead Preschool Teacher: Decision Guide

Decide which role your preschool teacher job description should target based on scope, credentials, and ratios.

Use side-by-side bullets to clarify differences for candidates and hiring managers. This helps you staff to demand while maintaining compliance. It also sets internal expectations for planning, assessments, and family conferences.

Scope, Credentials, and Pay Differences

Lead Teacher
Scope: Primary lesson planning, assessment, family conferences, and compliance owner
Credentials: Typically AA/BA in ECE or CDA plus experience
Pay: Higher range; often eligible for leadership stipends
Assistant Teacher
Scope: Supports instruction, supervision, and prep; may lead small groups
Credentials: HS diploma plus ECE units or CDA in some states
Pay: Lower range; stepping stone to lead role

When to Hire One vs. the Other

Hire a lead teacher when you need: curriculum leadership, formal assessment/reporting, accreditation alignment, or to open a new classroom.
Hire an assistant when you need: ratio coverage, extended hours, individualized support, or to stabilize an existing class.
Checklist:
Enrollment and age mix justify a second adult all day
Ratios/group size require two adults to remain compliant
Curriculum/assessment workload exceeds current capacity
Budget supports credential-based pay differentials

How to Customize This Job Description for Your Program

Move from template to a polished preschool teacher job description in one focused work session.

Work top-down: set role level, localize qualifications, and add your pay, schedule, and benefits. Then layer in compliance language and proof for clarity and inclusion. This process yields a copy-ready posting in under an hour.

Step-by-Step: From Template to Posted Ad

Set role level: choose Lead vs. Assistant and insert your model (play-based/Montessori/Reggio/Head Start).
Localize qualifications: paste your state’s minimums and any district/charter rules.
Add transparent pay and schedule.
Insert benefits and PD specifics.
Add compliance language (EEO, safe-hiring, essential functions).
Proof for clarity, tone, and inclusion; then publish.

Compliance Checklist (EEO, Transparency, Background Check Notices)

Salary range and summary of benefits included
EEO statement reflects protected classes in your jurisdiction
FLSA status declared; teacher exemption reviewed with counsel if applicable
Background checks listed (FBI, state criminal, child abuse registry) and training requirements (CPR/First Aid, mandated reporter)
Physical demands and essential functions stated; ADA accommodation language included
At-will employment and equal opportunity disclaimers added where appropriate

JD Quality Checklist (Clarity, Inclusivity, Outcomes)

Plain-language title and scannable sections
Responsibilities tied to child learning, SEL, and safety outcomes
Inclusive, bias-aware language; no unnecessary years of experience inflation
Realistic schedule, ratios, and classroom preview
Specific instructional model terms used consistently
Clear application steps and timeline

Interview-Ready: Screening Criteria and Work Samples

Align your preschool teacher job description with your selection process to signal expectations and save time.

Ask for a brief demo and evidence of planning, SEL strategies, and safety practices. This validates skills in context and improves hiring confidence. It also gives candidates a fair, job-relevant showcase.

Demo Lesson/Portfolio Expectations

Invite candidates to share a 15–20 minute small-group activity plan with objectives, materials, and adaptations, plus a portfolio sample (lesson plan, child observation, or documentation panel).

Consider a scenario task (e.g., “A child bites during transition—walk us through your response”). This validates planning skills, SEL approach, and safety mindset. Keep rubrics consistent to support equitable evaluation.

FAQs

Answer common questions your preschool teacher job description should anticipate to reduce candidate friction.

Brief, direct answers keep applicants moving through your process. Link back to your template where relevant. Clear FAQs also cut repetitive emails.

What degree do you need to be a preschool teacher?

Requirements vary: many private centers accept a CDA or AA in ECE, public/charter pre-K often requires a BA with state licensure, and Head Start typically requires at least an AA (many prefer a BA). Always verify your state and setting.

What are the top skills for a preschool teacher?

Child development and classroom management
Social-emotional learning and positive guidance
Family communication and cultural responsiveness
Observation, assessment, and documentation
Health, safety, and active supervision

What is the typical student–teacher ratio?

Common ranges are 1:6–1:8 for 3-year-olds and 1:8–1:10 for 4-year-olds, with group sizes of 12–20 depending on state rules and accreditation. Verify your state’s ratios and group sizes before posting.

Do preschool teachers write lesson plans?

Yes. Lead teachers typically own weekly plans aligned to your curriculum and standards; assistants support prep and small groups. Montessori and Reggio programs document differently but still plan intentionally.

What is the difference between preschool and pre-K teachers?

Both teach ages 3–5, but “pre-K” often refers to programs for 4-year-olds aligned to state early learning standards and school readiness goals, sometimes housed in public schools and requiring higher credentials/licensure.

Related Job Descriptions

Support multi-role staffing by linking to adjacent roles from your preschool teacher job description.

Cross-referencing roles helps candidates see pathways and helps you build a pipeline. This also clarifies expectations for coverage and ratios.

Preschool Assistant Teacher

Supports instruction, supervision, and preparation; often requires a CDA or ECE units and is a pathway to lead roles.

Toddler Teacher

Specializes in ages 1–3 with tighter ratios, emphasis on routines, and rapid developmental changes.

Kindergarten Teacher

Builds on preschool foundations with standards-based instruction in a K–12 setting and state licensure requirements.

Sources and Where to Verify Requirements

Verify every regulatory element in your preschool teacher job description using authoritative sources.

Check annually for changes to credentials, ratios, and background check procedures. Align with your accreditation or QRIS goals for a higher bar. Documentation from these sources supports audits and grant applications.

**NAEYC, Head Start, State Licensing Portals, OEWS/O*NET**

NAEYC: Standards for developmentally appropriate practice and accreditation criteria that inform teacher qualifications and ratios.
Head Start Program Performance Standards: Credential, training, and service requirements for Head Start/EHS classrooms.
State Licensing Portals: Search “[Your State] child care licensing preschool teacher qualifications” and “[Your State] preschool ratios group size” for official rules, background checks, and training mandates.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS/OOH) and O*NET: Current wage data, job outlook, and task/skills profiles to benchmark pay and refine responsibilities.

Final note: Laws and standards change. Review your preschool teacher job description at least annually, confirm state updates, and align with your accreditation or QRIS goals to stay competitive and compliant.