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Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

SOC 25-2011.00Job Zone 3 · Medium Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers competencies for Preschool Teachers working in licensed early childhood education centers, childcare programs, and pre-K classrooms from entry-level practice through program leadership.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Basic color, shape, and number recognition activities — introduce and deliver under direct teacher supervision in a preschool classroom setting.
  2. Classroom behavior rules and daily procedures — follow and reinforce according to established guidelines when supervising small groups of young children.
  3. Instructional materials and manipulatives — select and distribute from a prepared inventory under guidance to support structured learning activities.
  4. Meals and snacks — serve to children in compliance with posted nutritional guidelines and licensing requirements during scheduled mealtimes.
  5. Children's basic physical needs — assist with feeding, dressing, and diapering under the direction of a lead teacher in a licensed childcare environment.
  6. Circle-time activities such as storytelling and simple songs — facilitate with scripted plans in a preschool classroom under supervisor observation.
  7. Personal hygiene routines — model and prompt children to practice handwashing, toothbrushing, and restroom procedures as part of the daily schedule.
  8. Classroom communication software and email — use to receive announcements, access lesson resources, and share updates with the lead teacher.
  9. Child behavior observations — record accurately using provided forms to support the lead teacher's monitoring of individual student progress.
  10. Parent or guardian interactions — respond to routine questions politely and refer concerns to the supervising teacher during drop-off and pick-up.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Letter and number recognition lessons — plan and deliver independently using varied instructional formats tailored to the developmental levels in a mixed-age preschool group.
  2. Classroom behavior management systems — apply and adjust established rules and positive reinforcement strategies routinely to maintain order during transitions and free play.
  3. Instructional methods and learning materials — adapt independently to address different learning styles and interests observed across a cohort of preschool children.
  4. Structured play and exploration centers — organize and stock with diverse resources that balance imaginative play with curriculum-aligned learning objectives.
  5. Nutritional meal service protocols — implement consistently, accommodating documented food allergies and dietary restrictions in accordance with program policy.
  6. Physical, social, and creative development activities — lead games, arts-and-crafts sessions, and music activities following a weekly plan with minimal supervisory input.
  7. Parent-teacher conferences — conduct routinely to communicate individual children's progress, highlight strengths, and suggest home-learning strategies.
  8. Video creation and desktop communication tools — use to document classroom activities, share progress updates with families, and support remote learning when needed.
  9. Social-emotional cues in young children — recognize and respond with appropriate support strategies, applying basic knowledge of child psychology in daily interactions.
  10. Daily schedule and activity sequencing — manage time effectively to ensure smooth transitions between instruction, meals, rest, and outdoor activities.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Differentiated early childhood instruction — design and deliver autonomously across all core developmental domains for children with varying needs in a preschool setting.
  2. Comprehensive behavior support plans — develop and implement individualized strategies that address challenging behaviors while fostering a positive classroom community.
  3. Complex non-routine learning barriers — analyze and resolve by selecting evidence-based instructional adaptations that align with each child's developmental trajectory.
  4. Multi-modal learning environments — curate rich resource ecosystems that integrate manipulatives, digital tools, and open-ended play to maximize engagement and learning outcomes.
  5. Family partnership programs — facilitate in-depth meetings with parents and guardians to co-create learning goals, address sensitive concerns, and strengthen home-school connections.
  6. Field trips and community-based learning events — plan, coordinate logistics, and lead safely while integrating experiences into ongoing curriculum objectives.
  7. Child progress monitoring systems — design and maintain using spreadsheet and office-suite software to track developmental milestones and inform instructional decisions.
  8. Public safety and emergency procedures — execute with confidence during drills and real incidents, ensuring child welfare in accordance with licensing and regulatory standards.
  9. Cross-functional coordination with specialists — collaborate with speech, occupational therapy, or social services staff to support children with identified developmental concerns.
  10. Critical reflection on instructional practice — apply active learning strategies to continuously improve lesson quality and adapt curriculum in response to outcome data.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Early childhood curriculum frameworks — design and champion program-wide instructional models that align with developmental research, state standards, and licensing requirements.
  2. Professional learning communities — lead and facilitate for teaching staff across the program, embedding a culture of reflective practice and continuous improvement.
  3. Mentorship and coaching systems — establish for emerging and developing teachers, providing structured observation, feedback cycles, and growth-planning conversations.
  4. Family and community engagement strategy — develop and steward organization-wide initiatives that deepen caregiver partnerships and extend learning beyond the classroom.
  5. Program-wide behavior and social-emotional learning policy — author and institutionalize, ensuring consistent implementation of trauma-informed practices across all classrooms.
  6. Technology integration roadmap — lead the adoption of classroom management software, video conferencing tools, and digital documentation systems across the entire early childhood center.
  7. Child assessment and data governance — oversee the design of program-level monitoring frameworks and use aggregate outcome data to drive curriculum investment decisions.
  8. Regulatory compliance and public safety leadership — direct staff training and policy development to ensure full adherence to licensing, health, and safety mandates at organizational scale.
  9. Stakeholder communication and advocacy — represent the program's educational philosophy persuasively to boards, funders, district partners, and community organizations.
  10. Organizational culture and staff well-being — model cooperation, empathy, and optimism as executive-level values, shaping a supportive and high-performing teaching workforce.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Authoritative source data identified for 998 occupations

How a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline; click a citation chip to verify the source.

Emerging
  1. Lesson-plan drafting — uses an AI writing tool to generate initial ideas for color, shape, and letter recognition activities, then reviews and adjusts each suggestion to fit the classroom's developmental level Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Developing
  1. Instructional-material adaptation — directs an AI assistant to reformat or simplify activity sheets and story prompts so they meet the varying needs and interests of individual children, applying personal judgment on age-appropriateness before use Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Parent-communication drafting — hands off routine newsletter and progress-note drafts to an AI tool, then edits the output to reflect accurate, firsthand observations of each child's social and academic growth Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Proficient
  1. Behavior-guidance resource generation — commissions an AI assistant to compile evidence-based strategies for establishing classroom rules and maintaining order, then selects and sequences those strategies based on direct knowledge of the children's temperaments Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Learning-strategy differentiation — uses an AI tool to brainstorm a range of play-based and structured learning approaches for a specific concept, retaining authorship of the final instructional sequence and pacing decisions Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  3. Nutritional-menu cross-checking — queries an AI assistant against published nutritional guidelines to flag whether planned snacks and meals meet regulatory standards, verifying outputs against the program's actual food-service policy.
Advanced
  1. Curriculum scaffolding orchestration — directs an AI assistant through multi-week unit planning across domains (literacy, numeracy, social skills, hygiene), integrating AI-generated drafts with continuous real-time child observation data and maintaining full pedagogical authority over scope and sequence Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Adaptive-assessment feedback loops — designs structured AI-assisted observation logs that convert anecdotal notes into developmental trend summaries, then uses those summaries to reprogram instructional groupings and resource allocation for the following week Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Evidence pack
AEI usage
Task observations: 205
Augment share: 20.5%
Time saved: 87.3%
AI autonomy: 3.53
SAFI positioning
Top skill: Instructing
Score: 57.3 / 100
precision: category_estimate
WEF cluster
Human-Technology Interaction
human_technology_interaction
Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency/role levels for each occupation. Each statement is aligned to the Pathsmith taxonomy, derived from trusted grounding data and mapped to occupation-specific O*NET tasks and skills.

1Communication12 statements
Emerging
  1. Parent update delivery — shares brief daily observations about a child's behavior and mood with caregivers using accessible, non-technical language Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Circle time narration — reads aloud picture books to small groups using simple vocabulary and expressive voice to support letter and language recognition O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Basic instruction delivery — gives single-step verbal directions to preschoolers during transitions between activities using clear, calm tone Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Progress communication — summarizes a child's developmental milestones and emerging skills in parent-teacher conferences using concrete examples and supportive framing O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Storytime facilitation — leads interactive read-alouds by posing open-ended questions that prompt children to make predictions and share observations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Conflict narration — describes observed peer conflicts to children in neutral language to help them understand cause and effect in social situations O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Multi-audience messaging — adjusts communication register fluidly when speaking with toddlers, parents, and school administrators within the same day Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Written developmental reporting — composes detailed, objective written assessments of individual children's cognitive and social progress for inclusion in program portfolios O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Instructional explanation — translates complex early childhood development concepts into actionable home-practice strategies during family engagement meetings Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Family partnership communication — designs and leads structured parent workshops that present developmental research in plain language and invite collaborative goal-setting Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Staff communication modeling — coaches classroom aides and student teachers on child-directed language techniques that reinforce learning without directive over-scaffolding Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Program narrative leadership — authors curriculum documentation and family newsletters that articulate the pedagogical rationale behind classroom activities to diverse stakeholder audiences Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
2Leadership11 statements
Emerging
  1. Classroom role assumption — takes initiative to maintain snack and meal routines in accordance with nutritional guidelines when lead teacher is briefly occupied O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Peer modeling — demonstrates expected classroom behaviors such as hand-washing and toy clean-up to children, establishing self as a visible behavioral reference Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Routine leadership — independently plans and executes daily schedule segments including morning meeting, outdoor play, and rest time without supervisory prompting Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Behavior standard enforcement — establishes clear, consistently applied classroom rules and follows through on stated consequences, providing a stable authority presence O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Aide direction — assigns specific support tasks to classroom paraprofessionals during structured learning activities to maximize instructional coverage Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Activity design leadership — conceptualizes and leads multi-day thematic units integrating music, art, movement, and literacy that align with developmental goals O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Classroom culture ownership — models and enforces shared community agreements that shape the emotional and behavioral climate of the entire classroom Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Family engagement stewardship — takes responsibility for organizing and facilitating parent-teacher conferences and family involvement events O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Program development leadership — spearheads curriculum revision initiatives by synthesizing assessment data, staff input, and current early childhood research into updated instructional frameworks Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Mentorship of new educators — guides student teachers and first-year colleagues through structured observation, feedback cycles, and co-teaching experiences Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Community advocacy — represents the preschool program at community events and stakeholder meetings, articulating the program's mission and outcomes to external audiences Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
3Metacognition11 statements
Emerging
  1. Lesson reflection initiation — identifies one specific aspect of a completed activity that did not engage children as intended and notes it for future adjustment Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Learning strategy awareness — recognizes that different children respond to visual versus verbal instruction and begins experimenting with varied delivery methods Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Instructional self-monitoring — tracks personal patterns in classroom management responses and identifies triggers that lead to less effective child interactions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Planning strategy evaluation — reviews weekly lesson plans after implementation to assess whether stated developmental objectives were realistically achievable given group readiness Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Professional knowledge gap identification — pinpoints specific areas of child development knowledge that require further study after encountering unfamiliar developmental behaviors Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Teaching practice analysis — systematically reflects on instructional choices across a term to identify consistent strengths and recurring gaps in meeting diverse learner needs Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Self-regulated curriculum pacing — monitors personal tendency to over-structure free play time and deliberately recalibrates to preserve child-directed exploration Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Feedback integration — translates director or peer observation feedback into specific, time-bound changes to classroom routines and instructional language Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Metacognitive modeling for children — explicitly narrates own problem-solving process during classroom activities to demonstrate thinking-aloud strategies that children can internalize Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Reflective practice leadership — facilitates team reflection protocols that help colleagues examine their own instructional assumptions and biases in early childhood settings Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Long-cycle learning audit — conducts annual self-assessments comparing current practice to professional standards and generates a written development plan with measurable targets Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
4Critical Thinking11 statements
Emerging
  1. Behavioral pattern observation — notices recurring behavior in a specific child across multiple days and begins questioning whether environmental or developmental factors are contributing Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Material selection evaluation — examines whether a chosen activity material is developmentally appropriate for the age group before introducing it to the classroom O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Individual needs analysis — reviews observational notes and developmental checklists to distinguish between typical developmental variation and potential areas requiring specialist referral Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Curriculum alignment assessment — evaluates whether planned activities genuinely address identified learning standards or merely fill time, revising plans accordingly Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Safety protocol reasoning — applies public safety and classroom security guidelines to non-routine situations by reasoning from principle rather than relying solely on memorized procedures O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Differentiated instruction reasoning — analyzes assessment data across the class to construct a rationale for grouping children by readiness level for specific literacy or numeracy tasks Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Evidence-based behavior response — evaluates competing explanations for a child's disruptive behavior, ruling out hunger, fatigue, and sensory triggers before attributing cause to willfulness Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Parent concern arbitration — weighs a parent's report of home behavior against classroom observations to form a balanced, evidence-grounded response in conference settings O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Program effectiveness evaluation — applies systematic inquiry methods to assess whether current curriculum structures produce measurable growth in school-readiness indicators across cohorts Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Policy critique and adaptation — critically evaluates new district or center mandates against developmental research and advocates for evidence-based modifications when policies conflict with best practice Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Root cause problem-solving — leads team analysis of persistent classroom-wide behavioral or engagement patterns to identify systemic instructional or environmental causes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
5Collaboration11 statements
Emerging
  1. Co-teacher coordination — shares daily observation notes with classroom aides at the end of each session to maintain consistent understanding of individual children's status Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Staff meeting participation — contributes specific classroom observations to team discussions about individual children's developmental progress O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Specialist collaboration — partners with speech, occupational, or behavioral specialists to implement recommended strategies within the daily classroom routine Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Family-school partnership building — co-constructs developmental goals with parents during conferences by actively incorporating family priorities alongside teacher assessments O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Shared planning contribution — prepares and shares thematic unit materials with teaching team members, coordinating roles for activity facilitation across classrooms Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Interdisciplinary team membership — participates constructively in child study teams alongside administrators, specialists, and families to develop individualized support plans Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Peer co-teaching execution — designs and co-facilitates collaborative lessons with a co-teacher, negotiating instructional roles and debriefing outcomes together Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Community resource integration — collaborates with local library, health, and family service agencies to bring supplementary resources into the preschool program O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Collaborative curriculum architecture — leads cross-classroom teacher teams in designing scope-and-sequence frameworks that ensure developmental continuity across the preschool program Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Family advisory facilitation — organizes and chairs family advisory council meetings that integrate parent voice into program-level instructional decisions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Professional learning community leadership — initiates and sustains peer learning communities where teachers share observational data and refine collaborative instructional strategies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
6Character11 statements
Emerging
  1. Confidentiality practice — refrains from discussing individual children's behavioral or developmental information in non-professional contexts, respecting family privacy Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Mandated reporter awareness — demonstrates understanding of legal obligation to report suspected abuse or neglect and follows center reporting protocols without delay O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Equitable treatment demonstration — provides consistent behavioral expectations and emotional warmth to all children regardless of background, ability, or temperament Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Professional boundary maintenance — sustains appropriate relational boundaries with families, distinguishing between supportive partnership and overreach into personal domains Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Accountability in error — acknowledges mistakes in lesson planning or child guidance to supervisors and self-corrects transparently rather than minimizing or deflecting Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Ethical dilemma navigation — addresses situations where a parent's request conflicts with a child's developmental needs by communicating honestly and centering the child's welfare Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cultural humility practice — examines personal cultural assumptions that may influence interpretations of children's behavior and actively seeks culturally responsive approaches Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Professional reliability — fulfills all scheduled duties including safety supervision, meal service, and documentation without requiring external reminders or oversight O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Ethical standard modeling — articulates and exemplifies professional ethical standards in practice, serving as a visible integrity benchmark for new staff and student teachers Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Advocacy for child welfare — raises concerns about systemic program practices that may compromise child safety, dignity, or equitable access through appropriate professional channels Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Inclusive culture stewardship — shapes a classroom and program culture where every child, family, and staff member experiences consistent respect and belonging Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
7Creativity11 statements
Emerging
  1. Activity variation attempt — substitutes a familiar art technique with a novel material such as natural objects or recyclables to generate new sensory exploration opportunities Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Imaginative play prompt creation — introduces an unexpected prop into the dramatic play area to spark new narrative threads and extend children's imaginative engagement O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Thematic unit invention — designs a multi-week thematic unit connecting literacy, math, science, and art around a child-generated topic of interest such as insects or weather Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Adaptive material creation — constructs low-cost, handmade manipulatives and visual aids that address identified gaps in commercially available instructional resources Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Environmental design creativity — reconfigures the physical classroom layout to create novel learning zones that invite curiosity and independent exploration O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Individualized engagement design — creates personalized creative challenges for specific children whose interests diverge from the group, sustaining their motivation through tailored provocations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-domain integration — designs activities that simultaneously address social-emotional, cognitive, and physical development goals through a single creative experience such as collaborative mural-making Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Problem-based creative facilitation — presents open-ended real-world problems such as building a bridge from blocks to challenge children's divergent thinking and collaborative creativity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Curriculum innovation authorship — develops original early childhood curriculum frameworks that integrate emerging pedagogical approaches such as place-based or inquiry-based learning into the preschool context Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Creative environment thought leadership — influences program-wide learning environment design by advocating for aesthetically rich, materially diverse spaces grounded in Reggio or similar creative philosophies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Teacher-researcher creativity — generates and tests novel instructional hypotheses in the classroom, documenting outcomes and sharing creative innovations through professional networks Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
8Growth Mindset11 statements
Emerging
  1. Feedback receptivity — accepts constructive feedback from the lead teacher or director on classroom management technique without becoming defensive and attempts suggested change the following day Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Challenge identification — names one area of classroom practice that feels difficult, such as managing transitions, and expresses willingness to seek strategies for improvement Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Setback reframing — when a planned activity fails to engage the group, analyzes what went wrong, adjusts in the moment, and treats the experience as instructional data rather than personal failure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Professional development pursuit — voluntarily enrolls in early childhood education workshops or coursework to build competence in an identified skill gap Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Effort language modeling — consistently uses effort-attributing praise with children such as 'you worked hard on that' rather than ability-attributing praise to build intrinsic motivation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Persistent skill development — sustains focused practice on a challenging instructional technique such as inquiry-based questioning across a full semester, tracking incremental progress Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Peer learning openness — observes a more experienced colleague's classroom and solicits specific feedback on identified areas of growth, integrating observations into own practice Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Child growth mindset cultivation — designs classroom rituals such as a 'mistake of the day' reflection that normalize productive struggle and perseverance for preschool-age children Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Growth culture leadership — establishes a team norm where all staff openly share professional learning goals and celebrate incremental progress, reducing fear of vulnerability Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Long-arc mastery pursuit — engages in multi-year professional learning sequences such as a Child Development Associate or bachelor's degree pathway, demonstrating sustained commitment to expertise development Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Growth mindset curriculum embedding — integrates developmentally appropriate growth mindset concepts into daily storytelling, problem-solving, and play activities as a coherent strand throughout the year Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
9Mindfulness11 statements
Emerging
  1. Emotional state awareness — recognizes when personal stress or fatigue is affecting tone of voice with children and pauses briefly before re-engaging Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Present-moment attention — maintains focused attention on the children during floor-time play rather than allowing administrative tasks to fragment supervisory presence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Emotional co-regulation facilitation — responds to a dysregulated child by first regulating own physiological state through slow breathing before offering a calming presence and verbal support Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Transition intentionality — prepares children for activity transitions with predictable verbal and visual cues, reducing anxiety and maintaining a calm classroom rhythm Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Sensory environment monitoring — attends to the noise level, lighting, and spatial crowding of the classroom throughout the day, adjusting conditions to support focused learning states Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. De-escalation presence — enters a peer conflict or group upset with a deliberately slowed physical pace and lowered voice, using regulated presence to anchor the emotional environment Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Intentional schedule pacing — builds mindful pause points into the daily schedule such as quiet rest, sensory breaks, and outdoor time that restore children's attentional capacity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Self-care sustainability — maintains consistent personal recovery practices outside school hours that preserve emotional availability for children across the full work week Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Mindfulness practice integration — introduces age-appropriate mindfulness activities such as belly-breathing exercises, nature observation, and body-scan stories as regular classroom features Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Emotionally attuned mentorship — coaches new teachers in recognizing and managing their own emotional reactions to challenging child behavior, modeling regulated professional presence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Whole-classroom attunement leadership — shapes the sensory and emotional architecture of the program environment by advocating for calm spaces, natural materials, and predictable rhythms at the program level Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
10Fortitude11 statements
Emerging
  1. Difficult day persistence — completes full classroom duties including caregiving, instruction, and supervision on days when child behavior is particularly challenging without withdrawing emotional engagement Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Uncertainty tolerance — continues to implement unfamiliar curriculum materials or new behavioral approaches despite initial discomfort and unclear outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Sustained caregiving endurance — maintains patient, nurturing interactions with children across repeated cycles of physical caregiving tasks including diapering, feeding, and comfort throughout the full workday O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Behavioral challenge persistence — continues applying consistent, non-punitive behavior guidance strategies with a persistently challenging child over weeks without abandoning the approach Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Adversarial family interaction resilience — sustains professional composure and constructive engagement when confronted by an upset or adversarial parent during a conference Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Crisis response steadiness — maintains calm, decisive action during a classroom emergency such as a child injury or safety incident, executing emergency procedures without panic O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Long-term commitment to a struggling child — sustains individualized effort and emotional investment in a child with persistent developmental or behavioral challenges over the course of a full school year Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Institutional change navigation — continues delivering high-quality instruction through periods of program disruption such as leadership turnover, funding uncertainty, or curriculum overhaul Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Career-level resilience modeling — demonstrates sustained commitment to early childhood education across years of emotionally demanding work, modeling professional fortitude for newer colleagues Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Advocacy persistence — pursues systemic improvements to child safety, curriculum quality, or resource equity through repeated professional advocacy despite slow institutional response Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Team fortitude anchoring — serves as a stabilizing emotional presence for the teaching team during periods of high stress or organizational crisis, sustaining collective morale and professional focus Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Show O*NET source anchors55 anchors · skillscrosswalk.com

O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Early Childhood Educator · After School Teacher · Child Care Assistant Teacher · Child Development Teacher · Childcare Teacher · Childhood Development Teacher · Day Care Teacher · Daycare Teacher · Early Childhood Teacher · Group Teacher · Home-Based Preschool Teacher · Infant Teacher
RAPIDS apprenticeships
0233 · Early Childhood Educator
O*NET skills
InstructingSpeakingActive ListeningLearning StrategiesMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationReading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingService OrientationActive LearningJudgment and Decision MakingComplex Problem SolvingTime ManagementWritingPersuasion
Knowledge domains
Education and TrainingEnglish LanguagePublic Safety and SecurityCustomer and Personal ServicePsychology
Abilities
Speech ClarityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionProblem SensitivityOriginalitySpeech RecognitionWritten ComprehensionFluency of IdeasDeductive ReasoningInformation Ordering
Work styles
CooperationDependabilityEmpathyOptimismSocial OrientationSincerity
Technology
Computer based training softwareDesktop communications softwareElectronic mail softwareVideo creation and editing softwareProject management softwareVideo conferencing softwareMobile messaging service softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareWord processing software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Teach basic skills, such as color, shape, number and letter recognition, personal hygiene, and social skills.
  2. Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order.
  3. Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
  4. Provide a variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate, and use, both in learning activities and in imaginative play.
  5. Serve meals and snacks in accordance with nutritional guidelines.
  6. Attend to children's basic needs by feeding them, dressing them, and changing their diapers.
  7. Meet with parents and guardians to discuss their children's progress and needs, determine their priorities for their children, and suggest ways that they can promote learning and development.
  8. Organize and lead activities designed to promote physical, mental, and social development, such as games, arts and crafts, music, storytelling, and field trips.
CIP education codes
13.020113.120613.120713.120813.120913.121013.121213.140113.140213.149919.070619.0708

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.