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Special educator vs infant and toddler teacher

The differences between special educators and infant and toddler teachers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a special educator has an average salary of $53,565, which is higher than the $29,606 average annual salary of an infant and toddler teacher.

The top three skills for a special educator include autism, student learning and math. The most important skills for an infant and toddler teacher are CPR, child care, and child development.

Special educator vs infant and toddler teacher overview

Special EducatorInfant And Toddler Teacher
Yearly salary$53,565$29,606
Hourly rate$25.75$14.23
Growth rate4%15%
Number of jobs62,54563,094
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 39%
Average age4340
Years of experience-2

What does a special educator do?

A special education teacher's role is to facilitate learning for students with disabilities. The responsibilities of a special education teacher typically revolve around identifying the needs of students, devising lesson plans and strategies to meet their needs, developing test structure to assess their learning, and assisting them in areas of difficulties. It is also essential to coordinate with families and guardians, reporting to them should there be any problems. Furthermore, as a special education teacher, it is necessary to monitor the students' progress and behavior, maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment for them.

What does an infant and toddler teacher do?

An infant and toddler teacher is an individual who aids in the cognitive and social development of preschool children by teaching them the most basic skills that focus on play-centered learning and creativity. Infant and toddler teachers must help children develop positive self-images and encourage them to explore their interests and develop social skills. They must plan and carry out a curriculum that teaches children basic skills such as color, shape, and letter recognition. Infant and toddler teachers must also meet the children's parents to discuss concerns.

Special educator vs infant and toddler teacher salary

Special educators and infant and toddler teachers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Special EducatorInfant And Toddler Teacher
Average salary$53,565$29,606
Salary rangeBetween $38,000 And $75,000Between $23,000 And $37,000
Highest paying CityOceanside, NYSeattle, WA
Highest paying stateNew YorkVermont
Best paying companyCapistrano UnifiedUniversity of California, Berkeley
Best paying industryGovernmentFinance

Differences between special educator and infant and toddler teacher education

There are a few differences between a special educator and an infant and toddler teacher in terms of educational background:

Special EducatorInfant And Toddler Teacher
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 39%
Most common majorSpecial EducationEarly Childhood Education
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversitySan Diego State University

Special educator vs infant and toddler teacher demographics

Here are the differences between special educators' and infant and toddler teachers' demographics:

Special EducatorInfant And Toddler Teacher
Average age4340
Gender ratioMale, 21.3% Female, 78.7%Male, 4.7% Female, 95.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.4% Asian, 3.6% White, 71.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 8.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 18.0% Asian, 5.9% White, 62.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage8%5%

Differences between special educator and infant and toddler teacher duties and responsibilities

Special educator example responsibilities.

  • Lead the data team with interpreting results, including NWEA and other benchmark assessments.
  • Develop individual lesson plans at Pre-K level.
  • Work collaboratively with teachers in mathematics and writing.
  • Counsele and provide special education to senior kindergarten students.
  • Implement an individualize curriculum for a kindergarten student with a moderate cognitive impairment.
  • Develop interactive computer lessons to enhance science and math curriculum and student engagement utilizing technology.
  • Show more

Infant and toddler teacher example responsibilities.

  • Lead team meetings with therapists and clinicians pertaining to quarterlies, annual reports, IEP goals, and parent teacher conferences.
  • Plan and develop curriculum, manage mathematics department.
  • Receive current CPR training as well.
  • Develop and implement individual student's IEP in conjunction with a mental health worker, classroom aide, and clinical team.
  • Complete ongoing documentation for NAEYC accreditation.
  • Develop and publish developmentally appropriate curriculum for infants/toddlers, in accordance with NAEYC guidelines.
  • Show more

Special educator vs infant and toddler teacher skills

Common special educator skills
  • Autism, 9%
  • Student Learning, 8%
  • Math, 7%
  • Public Schools, 7%
  • Learning Environment, 6%
  • Mathematics, 6%
Common infant and toddler teacher skills
  • CPR, 23%
  • Child Care, 20%
  • Child Development, 14%
  • Professional Development, 7%
  • Classroom Environment, 6%
  • Classroom Management, 4%

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