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Toddler teacher vs pre-k teacher

The differences between toddler teachers and pre-k 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 $30,703 average annual salary of a toddler teacher.

The top three skills for a toddler teacher include child care, CPR and customer service. The most important skills for a pre-k teacher are kids, math, and language arts.

Toddler teacher vs pre-k teacher overview

Toddler TeacherPre-K Teacher
Yearly salary$30,703$40,301
Hourly rate$14.76$19.38
Growth rate15%4%
Number of jobs67,81060,464
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 43%Bachelor's Degree, 57%
Average age4042
Years of experience2-

What does a toddler teacher do?

A toddler teacher is responsible for teaching young learners by administering physical care and monitoring their social and mental development. Toddler teachers prepare fun and engaging activities for the children and evaluate their behaviors and assess how they interact with the environment. They create lesson plans that adhere to the learners' appropriate curriculum, such as teaching them how to speak and count. A toddler teacher must comply with the safety guidelines to keep and promote a safe and healthy environment for everyone.

What does a pre-k teacher do?

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.

Toddler teacher vs pre-k teacher salary

Toddler teachers and pre-k teachers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Toddler TeacherPre-K Teacher
Average salary$30,703$40,301
Salary rangeBetween $23,000 And $39,000Between $28,000 And $57,000
Highest paying CitySanta Clara, CANew York, NY
Highest paying stateMassachusettsNew York
Best paying companyColumbia University in the City of New YorkFaulkner University
Best paying industryFinance-

Differences between toddler teacher and pre-k teacher education

There are a few differences between a toddler teacher and a pre-k teacher in terms of educational background:

Toddler TeacherPre-K Teacher
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 43%Bachelor's Degree, 57%
Most common majorEarly Childhood EducationEarly Childhood Education
Most common collegeFairfield UniversityUniversity of Pennsylvania

Toddler teacher vs pre-k teacher demographics

Here are the differences between toddler teachers' and pre-k teachers' demographics:

Toddler TeacherPre-K Teacher
Average age4042
Gender ratioMale, 8.6% Female, 91.4%Male, 8.5% Female, 91.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 16.7% Asian, 6.1% White, 63.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%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%
LGBT Percentage5%9%

Differences between toddler teacher and pre-k teacher duties and responsibilities

Toddler teacher example responsibilities.

  • Attend required training (CPR, OSHA, etc).
  • Perform first aid and CPR if need.
  • Take care of kids change diapers give out snacks take kids outside take trash out get kids ready before getting pick up
  • Prepare formulas, feeding, bathing, playing games, monitoring and maintaining safe and very careful watch over the kids.
  • Maintain a neat, well organize, and attractive prepare environment consistent with Montessori pedagogy.
  • Develop and deliver lessons following the Montessori method to encourage the development in reading and sensory skills.
  • Show more

Pre-k teacher example responsibilities.

  • Lead debates with advance students on topics including globalization, economics, and political history.
  • Maintain records on each child s progress and development for the purpose of planning and compliance for NAEYC standards.
  • Educate children with autism during the regular school year in a self-contain setting according to their IEP goals and objectives.
  • Assist in: developing a curriculum, maintaining lesson plans, making sure kids have an understanding, and teaching students.
  • Assist in NAEYC accreditation with individualize portfolios.
  • Develop and implement IEP's; individualize education plans.
  • Show more

Toddler teacher vs pre-k teacher skills

Common toddler teacher skills
  • Child Care, 29%
  • CPR, 20%
  • Customer Service, 18%
  • Child Development, 13%
  • Open Communication, 5%
  • Classroom Environment, 4%
Common pre-k teacher skills
  • Kids, 27%
  • Math, 21%
  • Language Arts, 17%
  • Social Studies, 17%
  • Bilingual Education, 9%
  • Pre-Kindergarten, 2%

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