Pre-school Educator
Teaches language, social and motor skills to children who have yet to enter kindergarten.
Overview
A Pre-school Educator teaches critical language, social, and motor skills to children who have yet to enter kindergarten. Early childhood education focuses less on specific knowledge levels, and more on overall skills that children need. A Pre-school Educator uses basic teaching methods such as showing pictures, storytelling, rhymes, games, music, artwork, and play. They also teach the children good habits and manners.
Where they work
- Government and Private Schools
- Coaching Centres
- Self-employed
Work environment
You have to be alert and responsive, taking care of the children. Part-time work and contractual jobs may be available. Organizations usually work for 5 to 6 days a week and 8 to 9 hours a day. This may vary from organization to organization. Shift system may be available. Overtime may be required.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You like to teach
- You pay attention to details
- You have strong communication skills
- You are a creative person
- You like to spent time with kids
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
- 1Complete 10 + 2 in any stream
- 2Complete Bachelor's degree in a subject of your choice
- 3Complete Certification course in Basic Training Certificate (BTC)/Diploma in Education (D.Ed.)/Teacher Training Certificate (TTC)
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
This course is offered by the Department of Arts/Science.
Government institutes
- Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
- The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat
- Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Women's University (SNDT Women's University), Pune, Maharashtra
- All India Early Childhood Care & Education, New Delhi
- Centre for Early Childhood Education and Development (CECED), Ambedkar University, New Delhi
- St. Teresa's College, Kochi, Kerala
- Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Lady Irwin College, New Delhi
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- SIES Institute of Comprehensive Education, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- National Institute of Early Child Care Education, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Azim Premji University, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- ACMT College of Education, New Delhi
- Bombay Teachers' Training College, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Manav Bharti Nursery Teacher Training Institute, New Delhi
Distance learning
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Pre-school Educator/Teacher Infant School/Teacher Pre-Primary
- 2Primary School Teacher
- 3Middle School Teacher
- 4Senior Secondary School Teacher
Expected income
₹15,000 – ₹20,000 per month, and more for candidates with experience
These figures are taken from NCS and are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Assistant Teacher
Works with lead teachers to support students in and out of the classroom, often in small groups.
School Teacher
Guides and nurtures children in schools, teaching academic and practical knowledge.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Any Stream.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to helping people.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Dr. Swati Popat Vats — President of Podar Education Network, is a global educator with over 32 years of experience and holds many important positions in the field of Early Childhood Education. She is the President of the Early Childhood Association of India, the national representative, and a member of the planning committee of the World Forum Foundation and a member of the global Think Tank of Kidzania. She helped set up the Euro Kids chain and was the expert behind TATA Sky's Actve Wizkids channel.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 289 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://bit.ly/3JmYPrd
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.