Kindergarten Teachers


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Kindergarten Teachers

Kindergarten Teachers - Working Conditions

In a typical work setting, preschool and kindergarten teachers:

Interpersonal Relationships

  • Have a high level of social interaction. They spend most of their time interacting with children and parents.
  • Are often placed in conflict situations.
  • Are responsible for the health and safety of young children.
  • Must sometimes deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous children or parents.
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  • Are sometimes responsible for work outcomes and results of other workers, such as a teacher aide.
  • Speak in front of large groups on a weekly basis.
  • Communicate with coworkers and parents weekly by phone and e-mail. Write letters and memos on a weekly basis.
  • Communicate with coworkers, parents, and children in person on a daily basis.

Physical Work Conditions

  • Often work indoors, but sometimes work outdoors supervising activities during free time or recreation activities.
  • Are sometimes exposed to diseases and infections.
  • Are sometimes exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting and uncomfortable, such as from a noisy classroom.
  • Work very near children. They often work within inches of other people.

Work Performance

  • Must be very exact in their observation of children's behavior. Identifying problems early allows children to have future success.
  • Make decisions on a weekly basis that strongly impact parents and children. They consult supervisors for some decisions, but make most without talking to a supervisor.
  • Are able to set most tasks and goals for the day without talking to a supervisor.
  • Must meet strict deadlines on a monthly basis.

Hours/Travel

  • Generally have a set schedule each week.
  • May work part time or full time, but most work at least 40 hours a week.
  • May work extra unpaid hours on planning, parent meetings, and other non-classroom duties.
  • Usually work a ten-month school year with a two-month summer vacation, if working for a public school system.
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  • May work a yearlong schedule, if working in a child care center. May work early morning, day, or early evening hours.
Source: Illinois Career Information System (CIS) brought to you by Illinois Department of Employment Security.