Im going to school for early childhood education...not sure if i should be a preschool or kindergarten teacher

Question

ANY SUGGESTIONS???

Answer 1

Do you mean that you'll be qualified to teach either? Are you doing a 2 yr or 4 yr program? Depending on where you are, you might not be qualified to do both as a kindergarten teacher needs a teaching certificate and at least a bachelor's degree while a preschool teacher just needs a 2 yr degree and child care certification.

Are you able to do practicum experiences in both? Spend some time in each - see which you enjoy more.

Depending on where you are, the settings in which you'll work are quite different. Here, if you teach preschool you're often the only teacher in the program and it can be quite lonely without other adults to work with. However, some find that a plus. As a kindergarten teacher, you're on staff with a school district and work as part of a school.  Which appeals more?

The salary for a kindergarten teacher is higher and benefits are usually better.

Answer 2

preschool can be very fun..

Answer 3

quote

"The salary for a kindergarten teacher is higher and benefits are usually better."

This person is right!

Answer 4

Well, definately the salary and benefits are better with a Kindergarten teacher job.   However as a Kindergarten teacher...which is often hard to find...you may be asked to teach another grade some year.  With cost cuts in most school districts around here...they are moving teachers left and right.

As of right now, a Kindergarten teacher requires more education and does have a higher level of respect.

It really depends on what you like.  Someone said that it's "lonely" as a preschool teacher?  Not really.  In every preschool I worked with there were multiple adults.  :-)  

You need to decide what age group you like best.  Someone mentioned that you could get an aide job...at the very least volunteer in both settings.

Good luck in your decision making.

Answer 5

I had the same question when going to college so what i decided to do is get a teachers aid job for my local school district to give me hands on experience. I love both but after taking classes and studying what it takes and how long it takes to become a kindergarten teacher i decided to become a preschool teacher first then continue to be an elementary teacher. Its really easy to get your credential with early childhood development its only 24 units and you can teach preschool while you continue to go to school for higher education. That way you experience both and see what you truly like. I'm currently going to school to become a elementary teacher and teaching for head start/state preschool.

Hope this Helps

Answer 6

I teach preschool students for Head Start.  You must have a BS in Early Childhood in Pa.  I recommend getting the degree and possibly a dual major or concentration in a specialty area.  (Special Education/Early Childhood is in great demand).  Most preschools and day cares are now requiring a degree to be a head teacher.   I will never be financially rich, (so marry someone with a good job), but I wake up every morning happy to go to work.  

  The difference between preschools and kindergarten are very slight.  Pay is the biggest difference and the hours of classroom instruction.  Preschools are usually 4 hours where kindergartens are switching to full day programs which are 6 or more hours a day.  Its hard to squeeze a lot of education into a 4 hour day.  Kindergarten classrooms also offer support for behavior, emotional and educational challenges.  Alot of preschool's let you deal with those, so be prepared.  One more difference, Kindergarten does not require a lot of parent interaction where at Preschool's you see the parents at drop off and pick up and they always have questions, concerns and stories.

  There is a big swing in the USA for 4 year old schooling.  Pennsylvannia has inniatied the Pre- k counts program for 4 year olds.  It is a free program offered to any age eligible child.  I see this eventually being mandatory and occuring in all the states.  These are the jobs to get and hold onto.  They are paying these ECH teachers the same as Elementary teachers.  They have their own curriculmns to follow and in most cases are a 6 hour a day 5 day a week program.

  My advise to you is make a list of personal goals you would like to achieve within the next 10 years and find a classroom job that will allow you to achieve them.  Remember that the average person changes jobs 5 to 10 times in their lifetime.  I wish you luck in your choice and hope you love your job!

Answer 7

Volunteer in your local schools if possible. If you have a teacher's certification with a bachelor degree you will be paid more and better benefits for the kindergarten position. This can be a fun and satisfying job too!

Answer 8

I know in Ontario you can't be a kindergarten teacher without a degree.  In some areas of Ontario...I think the Ottawa area you may be able to be a supply teacher for kindergarten and primary grades with only an ECE diploma but not a full-time  teacher.