Education & Childcare career

Preschool Special Education Teacher

Also called: Early Childhood Special Education Teacher · ECSE Teacher · Early Intervention Teacher · Developmental Preschool Teacher

What preschool special education teachers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
What does a preschool special education teacher do?

Special education teachers, preschool, teach academic, social and life skills to preschool-aged children with disabilities. The median pay is $64,830 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 4 years plus licensure, and employment is projected to grow +2.4% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

  • Median pay
    $64,830
    Annual salary · May 2025
  • Job growth
    +2.4%
    2025–35, slower than average
  • Openings per year
    2,000
    Average, 2025–35
  • Typical entry education
    Bachelor's degree
    BLS classification
  • Time to train
    4 years plus licensure
    Typical program length
  • U.S. jobs
    30,500
    Employment, 2025

What preschool special education teachers do

Preschool special education teachers help young children with delays and disabilities get ready for school. They teach play-based lessons, build communication, motor and social skills, write and carry out IEPs, work with therapists and coach families.

Most have a bachelor’s degree in early childhood special education and a state license. BLS projects about average growth.

Typical duties

  • Teach play-based lessons
  • Write and carry out IEPs
  • Build communication and social skills
  • Work with speech and occupational therapists
  • Track progress on goals
  • Coach families
  • Supervise aides

Work environment and schedule

Teachers work in public school preschools, inclusive classrooms and sometimes in homes.

Schedule: School-year schedule.

A day in the life

  1. Prepare picture schedules.
  2. Greet children and families.
  3. Lead circle time with visuals.
  4. Run small skill groups.

See a full day in the life of a preschool special education teacher →

Preschool Special Education Teacher salary

Half of preschool special education teachers earned more than $64,830 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $45,620 for the lowest 10% to $130,040 for the top 10%.

Full preschool special education teacher pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a preschool special education teacher

  1. Earn a bachelor’s
  2. Student teach
  3. Pass licensing exams
  4. Get licensed
  5. Teach

A bachelor’s degree in early childhood special education and a state teaching license are typical.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a preschool special education teacher →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

  • Early childhood development
  • IEP writing
  • Behavior supports
  • Visual supports
  • Data collection

People skills

  • Patience
  • Warmth
  • Flexibility
  • Teamwork

All preschool special education teacher skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Make an early difference
  • Play-based teaching
  • Close family relationships
  • Average growth

Cons

  • Paperwork
  • Physical and emotional demands
  • Challenging behaviors
  • Modest pay

Certifications and licenses

  • State special education license: Early childhood endorsement.
  • CPR and first aid: Required.
  • Crisis prevention training: Common.
  • Autism training: Valued.

Career path

  1. Paraprofessional: Support classrooms.
  2. Preschool Special Education Teacher: Lead classrooms.
  3. Early Childhood Coordinator: Lead programs.
  4. Special Education Director: Lead districts.

Learn the job before day one

Our Preschool Special Education Teacher training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as use a visual schedule with preschoolers and coach a family on a home routine, safety and how to land your first job.

View Preschool Special Education Teacher trainingIs this career right for me?

Special Education Teacher

Teach and support students with disabilities so they can learn and thrive.

  • $65,120
  • 4 years plus licensing

Preschool Teacher

Teach young children through play, routines and early learning.

  • $38,140
  • 6 months (CDA) to 2 years (associate)

Occupational Therapist

Help people do everyday activities after injury, illness or disability.

  • $100,330
  • 6–7 years

Compare: Preschool Special Education Teacher vs. Special Ed Teacher · Preschool Special Education Teacher vs. Preschool Teacher · Preschool Special Education Teacher vs. Speech Therapist · Preschool Special Education Teacher vs. OT

Preschool Special Education Teacher FAQ

What age do preschool special education teachers work with?

Usually ages 3 to 5.

What is early intervention?

Services for children from birth to age 3, often provided at home.

Do they need a license?

Yes, in public schools.

How much does a preschool special education teacher make?

The median annual wage for preschool special education teachers was $64,830 in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $45,620 and the highest 10% earned more than $130,040.

How long does it take to become a preschool special education teacher?

Most people need about 4 years plus licensure of training. A bachelor’s degree in early childhood special education and a state teaching license are typical.

Do you need a degree to be a preschool special education teacher?

Usually, yes. BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education, although skills, certifications and experience can sometimes substitute.

More preschool special education teacher questions →

Sources

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

Enroll in trainingTake fit quiz