Early Childhood Education

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Employment Information

Wages

New childcare workers generally start around $16,340. Normal pay for Childcare Workers is $26,841 per year, while highly experienced workers can earn as much as $46,435.

New preschool teachers start around $28,638. Normal pay is $36,993 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $50,223.

New directors/administrators start around $36,197. Normal pay is $53,407 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $80,080.

Daily Tasks- Childcare worker

  • Maintain a safe play environment.
  • Observe and monitor children's play activities.
  • Communicate with children's parents or guardians about daily activities, behaviors, and related issues.
  • Support children's emotional and social development, encouraging understanding of others and positive self-concepts.
  • Care for children in institutional setting, such as group homes, nursery schools, private businesses, or schools for the handicapped.

Daily Tasks- Preschool teacher

  • Teach basic skills, such as color, shape, number and letter recognition, personal hygiene, and social skills.
  • Provide a variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate, and use, both in learning activities and in imaginative play.
  • Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order.
  • Serve meals and snacks in accordance with nutritional guidelines.
  • Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.

Employment Outlook

Between 2012 and 2022, the number of jobs for preschool and kindergarten teachers is projected to grow 19 percent in Washington state. During this same period, the number of jobs for childcare workers is projected to increase 12 percent.