Special Education Teachers, Preschool
Special education teachers for preschoolers teach academic, social, and life skills to young children with disabilities including learning differences, emotional challenges, physical disabilities, visual or hearing impairments, and intellectual disabilities. They work in preschools, schools, and specialized centers, adapting instruction to meet each child's individual needs.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against special education teachers, preschool and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week includes planning individualized lessons, delivering small-group and one-on-one instruction, monitoring student progress, and collaborating with other educators and families. Teachers might spend time on adaptive learning activities, social-emotional skill building, and communication development. Documentation of student progress and participation in staff meetings are regular responsibilities.
Who this work suits
Holland code SAI. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You're suited for this work if you enjoy creative problem-solving and connecting with young learners in meaningful ways. You're drawn to supporting individuals with diverse needs and find fulfillment in helping children develop skills and build confidence.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Teacher (Special Education) · Bureau of Indian Education · Eagle Butte, South Dakota · $36.23–$72.13
- Teacher (Special Education) · Bureau of Indian Education · Kaibito, Arizona · $36.23–$72.13
- Teacher (Special Education) (Special Education Teacher) · Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System · Aliceville, Alabama · $57765–$83131
- Teacher (Special Education) · Bureau of Indian Education · Aneth, Utah · $36.23–$72.13
- Transitional Teacher (Special Education) · Bureau of Indian Education · Aneth, Utah · $36.23–$64.52
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $78,540 | $99,070 | $109,510 | 710 |
| New Jersey | $69,390 | $92,060 | $134,710 | 1,720 |
| Connecticut | $63,180 | $87,960 | $97,720 | 380 |
| Washington | $76,760 | $86,580 | $104,970 | 820 |
| Maryland | $74,150 | $85,010 | $103,130 | 70 |
| Pennsylvania | $60,070 | $83,510 | $106,370 | 490 |
| Alaska | $65,760 | $80,390 | $96,030 | 110 |
| Vermont | $67,640 | $79,000 | $82,330 | 70 |
| Colorado | $61,980 | $78,040 | $85,770 | 810 |
| Virginia | $61,690 | $77,570 | $99,430 | 650 |
| Oregon | $62,180 | $77,490 | $95,040 | 400 |
| Minnesota | $57,900 | $75,880 | $83,880 | 1,250 |
All 45 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- DoDEA Certification — Department of Defense Education Activity
- National Interpreter Certification (NIC) — Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
- Certified Adapted Physical Educator (CAPE) — The National Consortium for Physical Education for Individuals with Disabilities
- Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) — Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
- National Board Certification - Early Childhood through Young Adulthood - Exceptional Needs Specialist — National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against special education teachers, preschool and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 25-2051.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.