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The differences between pre-k teachers and child care teachers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a pre-k teacher has an average salary of $40,301, which is higher than the $26,036 average annual salary of a child care teacher.
The top three skills for a pre-k teacher include kids, math and language arts. The most important skills for a child care teacher are child care, child development, and CPR.
| Pre-K Teacher | Child Care Teacher | |
| Yearly salary | $40,301 | $26,036 |
| Hourly rate | $19.38 | $12.52 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 60,464 | 139,010 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 40% |
| Average age | 42 | 44 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
Pre-K teachers play an essential role in the lives of young children ages three to five years old by developing and nurturing their interest in subjects appropriate for their age. They promote a creative learning environment and encourage social interactions among students while providing the fundamental educational foundation that will prepare them for a successful start to kindergarten. They are responsible for overseeing children during their mealtimes, reinforcing personal hygiene, and developing children's social skills. Pre-K teachers also plan curriculum and work with other school staff members.
A child care teacher is responsible for educating young learners, observing their personal and social behaviors. They also prepare engaging and fun activities for the children, ensuring their safety and security. Child care teachers assist the children's daily activities and provide progress reports and updates to the children's parents for any concerns and support needed. They also maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of the facilities by adhering to the safety standards and protocols. A child care teacher must have excellent communication and organizational skills and implement learning methods that would fit the curriculum.
Pre-k teachers and child care teachers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Pre-K Teacher | Child Care Teacher | |
| Average salary | $40,301 | $26,036 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $57,000 | Between $14,000 And $45,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | New York | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Faulkner University | |
| Best paying industry | - | - |
There are a few differences between a pre-k teacher and a child care teacher in terms of educational background:
| Pre-K Teacher | Child Care Teacher | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 40% |
| Most common major | Early Childhood Education | Early Childhood Education |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | Duke University |
Here are the differences between pre-k teachers' and child care teachers' demographics:
| Pre-K Teacher | Child Care Teacher | |
| Average age | 42 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 8.5% Female, 91.5% | Male, 10.8% Female, 89.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 12.6% Asian, 3.7% White, 69.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 10.3% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 17.6% Asian, 9.0% White, 57.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 6% |