Ask The Preschool Teacher: Question 92

4/30/01 Question 92

Dear Preschool Teacher,
When I get out of high school I am looking to work with preschool kids. My guidance counselor tells me its really bad money?!?! Can you give me an example of the money situation and what other careers would fit me?
Lost in choices

Dear Lost in choices,
I was told the same thing! I make $6.25/hr plus my son is free, and that is pretty good income for my area!
My career choice was not based so much on the income, but on my passion. If you can work with your own children and only need a secondary income, this for me is still the best way to go!
Good luck!
Heide
"Ask The Preschool Teacher Staff"

Dear Lost in choices,
If you're getting into early childhood for the money, you're probably not going to be happy with what's available. I think before you get into any career, you have to enjoy what you're doing then think about the money. No matter how much money you make, you won't be happy unless you enjoy your career. If I was younger and had a crystal ball when I was 18, I would have gone to college and gotten a bachelor's or master's degree in early childhood education. I would then have tried to find a position in a public school as a kindergarten teacher. Teacher's in a public school won't get rich, but I also don't think the pay is too bad. I have an associate's degree and work part-time in a tuition-based preschool as the director/teacher of the preschool with 3 and 4 year olds. The money isn't great, but it is extra income for my family.
Peg
"Ask The Preschool Teacher Staff"

Dear Lost in choices,
      The money situation varies by area and school. It is true that this career does not pay well. If you are in it for the money, you may be disappointed. Some areas have public preschools associated with elementary schools, I believe these pay better.
    I have a credential, but currently work in preschool because I love the kids and the hours work better for me. You may want to consider teaching in elementary grades. My school has no medical benefits and no retirement plan.
    Consider your needs, then plan and work accordingly. Usually the more schooling you have the better. But, if you don't have a love for the children then you should consider another career choice.
Kris
"Ask The Preschool Teacher Staff"

Dear Lost in choices,
The money situation isn't terrific but most people who work with children, do it because they love it. It is full of other rewards. I am rewarded by the many "I love you's" I receive each day. And what other job lets you play all day while you work? Daycares usually make minimum wage or slightly higher. Public school pays much better but you need a college
degree. Head Start usually pays somewhere in between. But different areas of the country pay different too. I think it is more important to do what you like than to work where you hate it just because the money is good. I really can't say what other career would fit you. Perhaps a pediatric nurse? Maybe your counselor could give you a test to determine what you might be good at?
Jackie
"Ask The Preschool Teacher Staff"

Dear Lost in choices,
I'm afraid that your school counselor is correct. There is not much money in this line of work. For example, most preschools run classes for about 3 hours a day, and that is about all of the hours that you will get paid for. You don't have children in the summer months, so there will be no income for
you. I also haven't found many preschools that have any medical or retirement benefits. I myself teach head start which is a preschool program for low income and some above income families. Our program is a little different then a normal preschool. We teach 31/2 hours a day, but work 8 hours because we not only work with the children, but we work with
the entire family. I also get unemployment benefits throughout the summer months. But, even in head start there isn't a lot of money. I would suggest that you work on a bachelors degree and go into early child development and you will be certified to teach preschool through grade 3, and can get into teaching in a public school. Good luck, and stick with education it's very rewarding!!
Steph
"Ask The Preschool Teacher Staff"