Preschool teacher

JOB

The job of a preschool teacher is to monitor the welfare of preschool children and nurture them mentally and physically according to their individual needs so that the children can prosper as individuals. Efforts are made to take care of the children and stimulate their development through conversations, varied games, reading and creative projects. Preschool teacher is a legally protected job title.

Preschool teachers work closely with parents and guardians of children and also often consult with other professionals, such as special teachers, speech therapists or psychologists concerning behavioural or learning difficulties of individual children. In addition to preschools, preschool teachers work in day care centers, in special wards, in children’s wards of hospitals or in the first grade of primary school.

Main tasks

• participating in the organization of professional work under the direction of the department head
• ensurnig that the children eat, dress and rest as needed
• guidance in human relations, manners and hygiene
• staff meetings and other meetings concerning the preschool’s activities
• interacting with guardians and attending parent meetings
• participation in the preparation of school curricula, job evaluations and school development projects

Competence requirements

Preschool teachers receive a work permit from the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture and must have completed a master’s degree at university level. A preschool teacher needs to be able to form good relationships with children and offer them affection and support, in addition to which creativity, patience and organizational skills are very desirable qualities.

Study

Undergraduate studies in pre-school teacher education are a three-year university study program, but a two-year master’s program after that provides a certified professional qualification as a preschool teacher. The study program is offered at the Faculty of Education at the University of Iceland and the Faculty of Education at the University of Akureyri.

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