Kindergarten and Preschool Education: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for future educators committed to shaping early childhood development, this program equips professionals with the knowledge and skills to effectively teach young learners in structured preschool and kindergarten environments. Emphasis is placed on fostering cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth during the foundational years of childhood education.
- Early Childhood Development Theories: Exploration of key psychological and developmental frameworks that inform teaching practices for children aged three to six, including Piaget’s stages, Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, and Erikson’s psychosocial development.
- Curriculum Design for Young Learners: Instruction in creating age-appropriate, play-based, and inquiry-driven learning experiences that align with developmental milestones and educational standards.
- Foundations of Literacy and Numeracy: Training in introducing foundational reading, writing, and mathematical concepts through interactive, developmentally appropriate methods tailored to early learners.
- Classroom Management and Behavior Support: Strategies for establishing positive learning environments, promoting social-emotional development, and addressing diverse behavioral needs in young children.
- Assessment and Progress Monitoring: Techniques for evaluating student growth through observational tools, formative assessments, and individualized learning plans that support equitable outcomes.
- Family and Community Engagement: Best practices for building collaborative relationships with families and community partners to enhance student success and holistic development.
Kindergarten and Preschool Education Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Kindergarten and Preschool Education Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Kindergarten and Preschool Education degrees, including Education Teachers, Postsecondary, Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education and Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 618,580 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1081 | $72,090 | $38,650 - $126,450 | 59,090 | N/A |
| Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education 25-2012 | $61,430 | $45,750 - $99,360 | 114,410 | N/A |
| Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education 25-2011 | $37,120 | $28,300 - $60,070 | 445,080 | $17.85 |
Salary Comparison
Kindergarten and Preschool Education Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $45,247 in Mississippi to $71,997 in California—a 59% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 618,580 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Kindergarten and Preschool Education by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 98 institutions offering Kindergarten and Preschool Education programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Kindergarten and Preschool Education is found at Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) (167 graduates), Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) (143 graduates), Georgia State University (121 graduates), Western Carolina University (WCU) (82 graduates), and University of Cincinnati (UC), Main Campus (79 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 2,581 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Kindergarten and Preschool Education programs
How much can I earn with a Kindergarten and Preschool Education degree?
Salaries for Kindergarten and Preschool Education graduates vary by role and location. Education Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $72,090 annually, while Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education earn around $61,430. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $71,997 compared to $45,247 in Mississippi. Approximately 618,580 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Kindergarten and Preschool Education programs?
Currently 126 accredited institutions offer Kindergarten and Preschool Education degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) (167 graduates), Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) (143 graduates), and Georgia State University (121 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Kindergarten and Preschool Education growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 3,200 in 2010 to 2,616 in 2023-24. This represents a 18% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Kindergarten and Preschool Education degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Education Teachers, Postsecondary, Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education, and Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education. Related occupations employ approximately 618,580 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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