Teach academic, social, and life skills to preschool-aged students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.
SOC: 25-2051.00
Common Job Titles
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher (ECSE Teacher)
Resource Teacher
Special Education Teacher
Teacher
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
KnowledgeDesign multisensory learning activities and environmental modifications that accommodate visual, hearing, intellectual, and physical disabilities in early childhood settings.
Advanced
MindsetModel inclusive practices and empathy-based interactions when mentoring teaching assistants and demonstrating appropriate behavioral expectations for preschool students.
Advanced
KnowledgeDevelop individualized education plans (IEPs) and instructional strategies for preschool students with diverse disabilities, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and families.
Proficient
KnowledgeEvaluate student progress and developmental milestones using formal and informal assessment tools to determine compliance with IEP goals.
Proficient
MindsetIntegrate therapeutic techniques with evidence-based teaching methods to support students with emotional, physical, or learning disabilities in inclusive preschool environments.
Proficient
KnowledgeApply learning strategies and differentiated instruction techniques to teach academic, social, and life skills adapted to individual student needs and disabilities.
Proficient
MindsetAdvocate for student needs and accommodations in multidisciplinary team meetings, balancing family preferences with educational best practices.
Proficient
Hands-onOperate adaptive technology and assistive devices including communication boards, alternative keyboards, and specialized educational equipment to facilitate student learning.
Proficient
KnowledgeInterpret psychological assessments, medical reports, and developmental evaluations to inform instructional planning and communicate student needs to educational teams.
Proficient
Hands-onDemonstrate mastery of specialized communication techniques such as sign language, picture exchange systems, and augmentative communication methods for students with hearing or speech impairments.
Proficient
KnowledgeAnalyze behavioral patterns and sensory needs to identify triggers and develop proactive classroom management strategies for students with emotional or behavioral challenges.
Developing
MindsetEngage families and caregivers as partners in the educational process through regular communication, training, and collaborative goal-setting for students with disabilities.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Special Education Teachers, Preschool (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
28,200
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $38,740. 25th percentile: U.S. $49,370. 50th percentile: U.S. $62,190. 75th percentile: U.S. $81,330. 90th percentile: U.S. $132,530. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$38,740
10% of workers earn the following or more
$132,530
Workers on average earn
$72,610
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
English Language4.5/5
Education and Training4.2/5
Psychology3.8/5
Public Safety and Security3.4/5
Therapy and Counseling3.3/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
