What Does a Preschool Teacher Do? A Day in Their Shoes

More than supervising play

It is easy to assume that preschool teachers mainly supervise children while they play. In reality, play in a good preschool is carefully supported. Teachers decide what materials to offer, how to arrange the room, when to join in and when to step back. They notice what each child is interested in and what they are ready to learn next, and they plan experiences to help them get there.

At the same time, preschool teachers are responsible for children's safety, wellbeing and basic care. They comfort children who are upset, help with toileting and handwashing, support mealtimes and rest, and manage the small conflicts that arise when young children play together.

Preschool teacher responsibilities

Preschool teacher responsibilities vary between settings and countries, but most include a similar core.

• Planning activities and environments that support all areas of development.
• Teaching through play, conversation, stories, songs and small group activities.
• Observing children and keeping records of their progress and interests.
• Caring for children's physical and emotional needs.
• Keeping children safe, following health, safety and safeguarding procedures.
• Supporting social skills, such as sharing, turn-taking and resolving conflicts.
• Communicating with families through daily conversations, updates and meetings.
• Working as a team with colleagues, including assistants, cooks and specialists.

A day in the life of a preschool teacher

No two days are the same, but a day in the life of a preschool teacher often follows a familiar rhythm. Before the children arrive, the teacher prepares the room: setting out materials, checking that everything is clean and safe, and reviewing plans for the day. They may also check notes from families, such as a child who slept badly or has a medical need.

As children arrive, the teacher greets each child and family, helping children separate from their parents and settle into an activity. Morning free play is a busy time: the teacher moves between groups, joins a building project, reads a book with a child, helps two friends negotiate a turn with a toy and notes what children are learning.

A circle or group time might follow, with songs, a story, conversation about the day or a simple game. Then there may be small group activities, such as a science experiment, an art activity or counting game, followed by outdoor play, where the teacher supervises, encourages physical challenges and explores nature with the children.

Lunch is a learning time too: the teacher sits with children, encourages independence and conversation, and models healthy habits. After lunch comes a calm rest period, which gives the teacher a chance to update records, prepare materials or talk with colleagues. The afternoon brings more play, activities and outdoor time, before families arrive and the teacher shares highlights of the day.

After the children leave, work often continues: tidying, reflecting on the day, planning next steps and preparing for tomorrow.

Planning and observation

Much of a preschool teacher's work is invisible to parents but essential to children's learning. Teachers observe children closely, noticing how they play, what they say, what they find easy and what they find difficult. They use these observations to plan activities that build on children's interests and support their next steps.

Many teachers keep a record of each child's learning, with notes, photos and examples of their work. These records help teachers track progress, identify any concerns early and share meaningful information with families. Our guide to the preschool curriculum explains the areas of learning teachers usually plan for.

Following children's interests

In child-centred settings, teachers use children's interests as a starting point for learning. If a group is fascinated by insects, the teacher might add magnifying glasses to the garden, find books about bugs and encourage children to draw what they see. This approach keeps children motivated and connects learning to what matters to them. Our guides to child led learning and project based learning in preschool describe how this works in practice.

Supporting emotional and social development

Young children are still learning to understand and manage their feelings, and preschool teachers play a big role in this. They name emotions, comfort children who are upset, help them calm down and guide them through conflicts. A teacher might help two children who both want the same toy find a solution, or support a shy child to join a game.

Teachers also create a sense of belonging, helping every child feel valued and included. For children who are new to the language of the classroom, this might involve gestures, pictures and extra support. Our guide on kids learning Turkish in North Cyprus explains how teachers can support children learning a new language.

Qualities of a good preschool teacher

Many qualities make a good preschool teacher, but some stand out. Warmth and patience are essential: young children need adults who are kind, calm and responsive, even on difficult days. Good teachers are curious about children and genuinely enjoy their company. They listen carefully, take children's ideas seriously and are ready to get down on the floor to play.

Strong communication skills matter too, both with children and with adults. Good teachers explain things simply, ask open questions and extend children's language. With families, they share information clearly, listen to concerns and build trust. They are also organised, observant and reflective, always thinking about how to improve their practice.

Finally, good preschool teachers understand child development. They know what to expect at different ages, recognise when a child might need extra support and adapt their approach to each child.

Working with families

Preschool teachers work closely with parents, because children thrive when home and preschool work together. Teachers share daily updates, meet parents to discuss progress, listen to families' knowledge of their child and work together to address any concerns. Our partner site's guide to parent teacher communication in preschool has practical tips for building this partnership.

What to look for when you visit

1. 1Watch how teachers talk to children: are they warm, calm and at the children's level?
2. 2Notice whether teachers join in play and extend children's ideas.
3. 3Look at the environment: is it well organised, inviting and full of open-ended materials?
4. 4Ask how teachers plan and how they track each child's progress.
5. 5Ask how teachers communicate with families day to day.
6. 6Ask how new children are supported during settling in.
7. 7Observe the atmosphere: do children seem happy, busy and relaxed?

The team behind the teacher

A preschool teacher rarely works alone. Assistants, other teachers, cooks, cleaners and specialists all contribute to children's days. In settings where meals are cooked on site, the kitchen team plays an important role in children's health and wellbeing. Good teamwork means that information is shared, routines are consistent and children feel secure with all the adults around them.

Our team at Altın Anahtar

At Altın Anahtar in Alsancak, our team follows a play-based, child-centred approach for children aged 12 months to 6 years. Teaching is in Turkish, with English built into the daily routine, and our team can talk with parents in English. The menu is planned by our dietitian and cooked by our own cook. You can arrange a visit by appointment to meet the team and see a day in our classrooms.