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The differences between pre-k teachers and head start 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 $33,865 average annual salary of a head start teacher.
The top three skills for a pre-k teacher include kids, math and language arts. The most important skills for a head start teacher are kids, math, and CPR.
| Pre-K Teacher | Head Start Teacher | |
| Yearly salary | $40,301 | $33,865 |
| Hourly rate | $19.38 | $16.28 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 15% |
| Number of jobs | 60,464 | 67,747 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 55% |
| Average age | 42 | 40 |
| Years of experience | - | 2 |
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 head start teacher is responsible for organizing lectures and monitoring classroom operations for students with financial difficulties. Head start teachers have the same roles as regular teachers, such as preparing lesson plans, conducting assessments to test the students' knowledge, documenting their progress, and planning group activities to observe their personal and social behaviors. They also coordinate with the students' parents to share the child's difficulties and strategize methods to enhance capabilities. A head start teacher must have excellent communication skills, especially in attending to students for their needs and encouraging them to reach their maximum potentials.
Pre-k teachers and head start teachers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Pre-K Teacher | Head Start Teacher | |
| Average salary | $40,301 | $33,865 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $57,000 | Between $23,000 And $49,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | New York | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Faulkner University | Topeka Public Schools |
| Best paying industry | - | Education |
There are a few differences between a pre-k teacher and a head start teacher in terms of educational background:
| Pre-K Teacher | Head Start Teacher | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 55% |
| Most common major | Early Childhood Education | Early Childhood Education |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between pre-k teachers' and head start teachers' demographics:
| Pre-K Teacher | Head Start Teacher | |
| Average age | 42 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 8.5% Female, 91.5% | Male, 7.9% Female, 92.1% |
| 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, 8.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 19.0% Asian, 5.9% White, 60.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 5% |