Special Education Teachers, Preschool
What is a Special Education Teacher, Preschool?
A Special Education Teacher for preschool-aged children is an educator who specializes in working with young children who have a variety of developmental, emotional, and learning disabilities. These teachers are dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment that accommodates the unique needs of their students. They assess individual learning styles and challenges, develop personalized education plans, and implement specialized teaching strategies designed to foster academic and social growth. In addition to lesson planning, Special Education Teachers at the preschool level often collaborate with parents, therapists, and other educators to facilitate the integration of children with disabilities into mainstream classrooms or specialized settings. Their ultimate goal is to help each child reach their full potential and prepare them for future educational experiences.
Tasks
- Employ special educational strategies or techniques during instruction to improve the development of sensory- and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, or memory.
- Teach socially acceptable behavior, employing techniques such as behavior modification or positive reinforcement.
- Communicate nonverbally with children to provide them with comfort, encouragement, or positive reinforcement.
- Teach basic skills, such as color, shape, number and letter recognition, personal hygiene, or social skills, to preschool students with special needs.
- Develop individual educational plans (IEPs) designed to promote students' educational, physical, or social development.
Technology Skills
- Spreadsheet software
- Presentation software
- Device drivers or system software
- Electronic mail software
- Graphics or photo imaging software
Tools Used
- Letter or symbol boards for the physically challenged
- Adaptive communication switches for the physically challenged
- Touch screen monitors
- Game pads or joy sticks
- Sand or water tables or activity centers
Knowledge
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
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Psychology
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
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Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
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Therapy and Counseling
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Skills
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Abilities
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Speech Clarity
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
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Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Bachelor's degree
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Post-baccalaureate certificate
Awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree, but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master
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Master's degree
Work Activities
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Assisting and Caring for Others
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Detailed Work Activities
- Develop strategies or programs for students with special needs.
- Teach life skills.
- Collaborate with other teaching professionals to develop educational programs.
- Encourage students.
- Monitor student performance.
Work Interests
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Social
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
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Artistic
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$41250.0 - $135170.0
New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.