How Much Does a Preschool Teacher Make in South Carolina?

Preschool teachers work with young students experiencing rapid cognitive, social, and physical development. These educational professionals are tasked to prepare children for future learning and help them improve many skills, such as verbal and fine motor. Preschool teachers are beloved by their students, and South Carolina is looking for more. 

The average preschool teacher salary in South Carolina as of May 2023 was $37,500. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.

In this guide, Teachers of Tomorrow will review the preschool teachers’ salaries in South Carolina. We’ll also go through the various pathways to becoming certified in the state, including alternative teacher certification options.  

What Is a Preschool Teacher? 

Preschool teachers in South Carolina work with 3- to 4-year-olds and help them get ready for kindergarten and beyond. These classrooms are often located in early childhood care centers, instead of elementary schools, dedicated to meeting the unique needs of very young children.

Preschool educators must adhere to the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) rules and regulations. Curriculums vary, depending on whether a school works in partnership with the state’s free preschool initiative or an independent school. However, all base their teaching philosophy on learning through play. 

In addition, preschool teachers are responsible for supporting parents and childcare givers in teaching children social and life skills. These include sharing, taking turns, washing hands, and cleaning up. Fine motor skills are also developed, such as learning on how to work a zipper or button and how to tie shoes. 

Excellence in preschool teaching wears many faces, coming from various backgrounds. However, successful preschool educators share some skills, including the following:

• Patient: Preschoolers are easily frustrated, are quick to become excited, and their listening and speaking skills are still developing. Dealing with impulsive and sensitive young people requires deep empathy, emotional maturity, active listening, and warmth. 
• Stamina: Teaching preschool is an active, hands-on role. There are a lot of changing positions, going from standing to kneeling, back to standing to sitting, to jumping up, and even spinning around. Preschoolers love to move, and their teachers often lead the fun. 
• Engaging: Preschoolers have short attention spans and are easily distracted. Teachers must have an engaging personality that keeps the focus on them and the planned activities. 
• Discreet: Preschoolers don’t understand the concept of “too much information.” They share everything, no matter how personal or private. Educators of this age group must not gossip about sensitive information their students have shared with them. Should a preschooler share alarming stories, there are procedures to alert relevant authorities and departments. 
  

Preschool school teachers have many responsibilities, including the following:

• Organize activities, crafts, stories, and songs to promote discovery, raise children’s confidence, and improve developmental skills. 
• Monitor children’s cognitive, social, and physical development. 
• Communicate with parents, caregivers, coworkers, and relevant role players to ensure students are given full support. 

How Much Do Preschool Teachers Make in South Carolina?

The average annual salaries for preschool school teachers in South Carolina as of May 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• Highest salary – $61,420
• Average salary – $37,500
• Lowest salary – $24,140

South Carolina preschool school teaching salaries depend on a teacher’s years of experience, education level, special skills, and the type of preschool and location. 

How To Become a Preschool Teacher in South Carolina

The process of becoming a preschool teacher varies across the United States. South Carolina only requires a high school or GED to be a childcare worker. However, candidates need an associate’s or bachelor’s degree to teach in early childhood education and preschool. 

South Carolina’s traditional pathway to becoming a preschool teacher contains the following steps:

1. Obtain an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. South Carolina requires preschool teachers to have a background in early childhood education, preferably from an approved college or university. A bachelor’s degree will provide the greatest advantage in career prospects and pay packages.   
2. Complete a teacher preparation program: South Carolina doesn’t require all preschool candidates to attend a teacher preparation program. However, those who didn’t major in early childhood education or are trying to obtain the best jobs may choose to attend. It is also necessary for preschool candidates who may wish to teach kindergarten later on in their careers. 
3. Gain teaching experience: Not all preschool candidates must obtain teaching experience for certification. However, it can be challenging to land the best positions without it. Some start off as a childcare worker or teacher’s aid to gain the necessary experience. Internships are also an excellent way to help candidates acquire classroom hours.  
4. Pass the SCBE required exams: Preschool school teachers seeking certification should consider taking the Praxis early childhood exams. 
5. Complete a background check: Background checks are required for anyone working in early childhood education, even if they are not seeking full certification. 
6. Apply for certification: Use the SCDE’s Educator Licensure system to apply for certification. 

Alternative Route to Certification for Preschool Teachers

South Carolina has an alternative route to certification for preschool teachers for those with only an associate’s or bachelor’s degree who did not take enough courses in early childhood education. Candidates attend a teacher preparation program such as Teachers of Tomorrow’s.

Using an alternative route to certification allows candidates to become qualified without the expense of obtaining a second degrees. The program is flexible, so candidates can work in early childhood education while completing the course requirements. 

Note that the Praxis exams and background checks still apply when using South Carolina’s alternative route.

What is the Highest and Lowest Paying Preschool School Teaching Job?

As a certified preschool school teacher in South Carolina, you can work in various settings:

• Special education: Early childhood special education teachers are in short supply nationwide. The scarcity and requirements for extra training increase the pay. 
• Private schools: South Carolina private schools offer the best pay for this age group. These institutions often offer working parents additional services, such as daycare.  
• Public school: PreK pays significantly less in public schools than teaching kindergarten. SC’s public preschools are aimed at low-income families. Space and funding are limited, which lowers salaries.  
• Charter schools: Some charter schools offer PreK, but lack of funding reduces teacher salaries. 
• Online/remote: The need for remote and online teachers is primarily for students from first grade onwards. The lack of demand for preschool teachers in this sector negatively impacts salaries. 

At Teachers of Tomorrow, we look forward to helping you reach your goal of becoming a valued preschool teacher in South Carolina. Don’t wait. Contact us today and learn how you can make a difference in children’s lives.  

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