Salary and Career Info for Early Childhood Special Education Teachers

Early childhood special education teachers work with toddlers and young learners who require help with disabilities ranging from mild to severe. They work in child-care centers, and public and private preschools. Some educators spend the majority of their time in the classroom while others work in the gym and on the playing field.

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Preschool Teachers in Special Education

The youngest special needs students are learning beginning skills while coping with a physical or mental disability. Preschool teachers who work with these children may address a spectrum of needs by working in smaller groups or one-on-one.

Wage Information

Teachers educating children with disabilities at the preschool, kindergarten and elementary school level earn an average of $53,770 per year as of May 2009, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov). Workers at child-care centers average $37,730 a year.

Teachers can often earn additional income by coaching a sport, supervising an extracurricular activity or teaching in the summer. Between 2008 and 2018, the number of special education teacher jobs in preschool, kindergarten and elementary school is expected to grow by 20%.

Career Information

To become a special education preschool teacher, most undergraduates enroll in teaching programs in early childhood that offer a concentration in special education. The programs can be completed in four years and includes practical classroom training.

Special education teachers in all states must be licensed to work. Licensure requirements vary from state to state, but most ask for at least a bachelor's degree and some amount of approved professional training in special education. States are increasingly requiring teachers to possess more education and many expect educators to hold a master's degree. Those seeking their license should verify the requirements with their respective state's education board or agency.

Educators who specialize in certain disabilities, like autism spectrum disorders, or who work with students with multiple disabilities may see more job opportunities. Teachers in special education can also pursue jobs as administrators and supervisors. Advancement can be improved with additional higher education and on-the-job experience.

Adapted Physical Education Teachers

Educators who specialize in physical fitness can opt to focus on students with special needs. Often called adapted physical education teachers, they help the youngest learners improve their motor skills and learn to play with others through exercise and games.

Wage Information

The job outlook for adapted physical education teachers is 'steady,' according to the National Center to Improve the Recruitment and Retention of Qualified Personnel for Children with Disabilities (www.personnelcenter.org). Average annual pay for special education teachers at the preschool, kindergarten and elementary level is $54,390, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Adapted physical education teachers may improve their earnings by becoming certified. A certified adapted physical education teacher must either pass the standardized test, possess ten or more years in the field or provide details about specific academic experience, according to Adapted Physical Education National Standards ( www.apens.org).

Career Information

Physical education teachers who work with students with disabilities create programs and activities best suited to their needs. They may modify equipment or adjust the parameters of a game to allow all students to participate to their fullest abilities. Adapted physical education teachers must be familiar with a wide range of disabilities, including physical and mental, and the appropriate manner to engage those students.

A bachelor's degree plus some practical training in an adapted setting are generally required to work as an adaptive physical education teacher. As with all teachers, licensure is required to work in their respective subject or grade level. Some states require additional education and experience prior to issuing a license. Prospective teachers should verify the licensing requirements of their respective state.

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