How To Become An Assistant Teacher Pre-K: What It Is and Career Path

What is an assistant teacher pre-k and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

Dr. Diana Jones

There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being an assistant teacher pre-k. For example, did you know that they make an average of $12.73 an hour? That's $26,469 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 4% and produce 55,400 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to an assistant teacher pre-k?

Dr. Diana Jones

Chair, Department of Kinesiology, Anderson University

General advice: I would encourage graduates to find a mentor who can guide them in their careers, stay on top of the latest technology, not be too hard on themselves, be flexible, be team players, be present, and care about their students.

ScoreAssistant Teacher Pre-KUS Average

Salary

2.1

Avg. Salary $26,469

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

4.5

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

10.0

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.22%

Asian 8.36%

Black or African American 13.94%

Hispanic or Latino 16.98%

Unknown 4.45%

White 55.05%

Gender

female 91.72%

male 8.28%

Age - 45

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 45

Stress level

4.5

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

5.4

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance

10.0

Work life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an assistant teacher pre-k

Explore assistant teacher pre-k education requirements

Most common assistant teacher pre-k degrees

Bachelor's

54.3 %

Associate

23.3 %

High School Diploma

10.7 %

Start to develop specific assistant teacher pre-k skills

Skills	Percentages
Classroom Management	20.79%
Child Care	16.96%
Pre K	13.93%
CPR	12.78%
Child Development	7.42%

Gain additional assistant teacher pre-k certifications

Assistant teacher pre-k certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific assistant teacher pre-k certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for assistant teacher pre-ks include Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) and Medical Assistant.

More About Certifications

Research assistant teacher pre-k duties and responsibilities

Assist center in maintaining NAEYC accreditation.
Lead teacher for reverse mainstream Pre-Kindergarten class.
Assist lead teacher in supervising a group of up to 24 children, ages 4-5, in a Pre-Kindergarten classroom.
Adhere to NAEYC guidelines and developmentally appropriate practices.

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