Special offer 

Jumpstart your hiring with a $100 CAD credit to sponsor your first job.*

Sponsored jobs are 4.5X more likely to result in a hire.**
  • Invite matched candidates to apply
  • Increase your visibility in job search results
  • Appear to more candidates longer

Preschool Teacher Job Description: Top Duties and Requirements

A Preschool Teacher, or Nursery School Teacher, stimulates the intellectual, physical, and emotional growth and development for children ages three to five. Preschool Teachers do this by teaching them basic language skills, providing interactive learning activities, and ensuring their overall well-being.

Build a Job Description

Preschool Teacher duties and responsibilities

When writing a job description for a Preschool Teacher, it’s important to specify the main functions of the role. Some of the most important duties and responsibilities required to excel as a Preschool Teacher include:

  • Assisting children in learning the process of appropriate eating, dressing and toilet habits
  • Engaging students with intellectually stimulating activities
  • Preparing healthy snacks or meals for students while ensuring dietary restrictions are met
  • Reporting any accidents or unusual behaviour to supervising staff and parents
  • Observing children for any signs of developmental delays or behavioural issues
  • Constantly supervising children and ensuring safety protocols are met
  • Maintaining regular communication with parents by providing or receiving feedback
  • Attending staff meetings to discuss the progress of children
Build a Job Description

Preschool Teacher Job Description Examples:

What does a Preschool Teacher do?

A Preschool Teacher often creates programs that help support the growth and development of young children. Working with parents and other staff members, a Preschool Teacher makes sure children are well-cared for. A good Preschool Teacher is able to assess the individual needs of each student to make sure they are being taught in a way that matches their particular learning style and skill level. It is important that a Preschool Teacher maintains a good relationship with students and their parents. Overall, a Preschool Teacher must provide a safe, welcoming and positive environment for students.

Preschool Teacher skills and qualifications

A successful Preschool Teacher candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications required for the duties of this job, including:

  • Completion of a two- to four-year college program focused on Early Childhood Education
  • Well-developed interpersonal and relationship building skills
  • Ability to create an environment focused on supporting safety and the well-being of children
  • Ability to effectively communicate with both parents and their children
  • Ability to lead, motivate and supervise young children
  • Ability to create daily programs that support intellectual, emotional, and physical development
  • Knowledge of licensing regulations and all applicable legislation
  • Ability to assess and help with behavioural problems

Preschool Teacher experience requirements

Job applicants with at least two to three years of experience in some form of child and youth care is generally preferred. However, recent graduates without professional experience may also be considered. It is important to note that Preschool Teachers must be able to provide clean background checks.

Preschool Teacher education and training requirements

It is mandatory that any applicant applying to a Preschool Teacher position is licensed by the provincial or territorial association for Early Childhood Educators (ECE). Many positions will require either a bachelor’s degree in child development or psychology, or two- or four-year college programs in early childhood education. It is generally mandatory that applicants are certified in First Aid and CPR. Montessori schools may also require a Montessori Diploma.

Preschool Teacher salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Preschool Teacher is $18.76 per hour. Pay can vary depending on experience, location, or the employer.

Job description samples for similar positions

If a Preschool Teacher isn’t quite what you are looking for, other related job descriptions include:

Ready to Hire?Build a Job Description

Preschool Teacher job description FAQs

What should you look for in a Preschool Teacher resume?

When reviewing resumes for Preschool Teachers, be sure to look for the necessary education requirements. A good resume will list unique programs used to help children develop intellectually. Look for a resume that lists experience working with children in various capacities such as coaching sports teams. Additional health and safety certification is considered a bonus.

What makes a good Preschool Teacher job description?

A good Preschool Teacher job description will explain the motto and mission of the school near the top. Listing important qualifications will help to narrow down the right candidate. Also, provide a list of the required day-to-day activities and include the required hours and location of work.

How can you make your Preschool Teacher job description stand out?

To make a job description stand out, highlight why a job applicant would want to work with you. Providing the salary range is generally recommended, while including additional benefits like a pension plan is also encouraged. Do not forget to include the location of the school in the job description.

Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

No search results found