Guide To A Kindergarten Teacher Career Path

Are you fond of children? Do you love joyful and creative learning? If so, you may have what it takes to pursue a kindergarten teacher career path.

In Malaysia, children’s formal education can begin at the age of four. This is a crucial stage as it is their first time learning outside their comfort zone. Kindergarten is a whole new environment with different people. So, students at this foundational stage need a skilled and caring kindergarten teacher who will provide them with the best experience in the world of learning.

What does a kindergarten teacher do?

The pandemic has shifted education to a new normal way of teaching and learning. Utilising the internet and other digital tools, you are primarily responsible for teaching, supervising, playing, and learning with groups of children. You are also likely to assist in administrative works such as curriculum planning and organising school activities and events.

Becoming a kindergarten teacher requires you to be prepared to perform the following tasks.

• Creating lesson plans and teaching materials
• Teaching basic academic skills such as the alphabet, colours, shapes, and number recognition
• Guiding children in developing personal, social, and emotional skills
• Conducting fun and engaging lessons through songs, storytelling, games, art, and outdoor activities
• Instructing and showing children appropriate social behaviour and interaction such as sharing, cooperating, and resolving conflicts
• Providing necessary support to children with learning problems
• Evaluating children's cognitive and social performance
• Preparing student progress reports
• Nurturing a safe, clean, and conducive learning environment
• Communicating and collaborating with parents and guardians to ensure children's development
• Taking part in school events and activities
• Attending seminars and conferences
• Complying with teaching standards and school regulations

What is the salary range of kindergarten teachers?

Most kindergarten teachers in Malaysia earnRM 1,000 monthly. According to JobStreet Salary Insights, this role provides higher opportunities for a salary increase, as the average wage isRM 1,400.

Location and experience are the main considerations in the salary quote. You are likely to receive betweenRM 1,500 to RM 1,700if you work in Kuala Lumpur and have been teaching for more than 7 years.

Meanwhile, the data from Payscale shows an average annual salary ofRM 18,715 or around RM 1,500and above monthly. There are likely more chances of a 50% salary increase if you have 10 or more years of teaching experience. Skills in childhood education are another factor in earning a higher wage.

What is the career path of a kindergarten teacher?

Your career path will start in a teaching role with opportunities to advance to supervisory and preschool management positions. Gain experience and upskill so you can apply for these jobs.

Junior Level (1-3 years experience)

• Kindergarten Teacher
• Preschool Teacher
• Early Childhood Educator

Mid Level (4-8 years experience)

• Preschool Principal
• Kindergarten Principal
• Head of Academics

Senior level (8 years or more)

• Head of Operations
• Senior Manager
• Preschool Head

What requirements do you need to become a kindergarten teacher?

Required skills

• Motivational skills

If you are pursuing the kindergarten teacher career path, you must be able to keep yourself inspired to continue growing in your career. You should know how to encourage your students to do their best in achieving their goals.

• Patience

Having the ability to gently and calmly handle difficult situations with students is important. Expect unruly and distracting behaviours and learning struggles from your students. Be understanding with parents who are concerned about their children’s well-being.

• Creativity

Teaching lessons and assigning activities require creativity and innovation. As a kindergarten teacher, you are expected to stimulate artistic skills and fun learning experiences.

• Passion and empathy

Your job of helping your students grow into talented individuals is a commitment. The best kindergarten teachers greatly care and are willing to go the extra mile for their students. Comforting and supporting them as they adjust to their schooling go a long way.

• Flexibility

Children learn and express themselves in different ways. You must be ready to adapt your teaching methods to their needs and physical, emotional, and mental state.

• Communication

Communicate using words, tone of voice, and body language that is caring, appreciative, and will make students feel safe. Show proficient skills in explaining things clearly—whether verbally or in writing—and listening attentively to parents, co-teachers, and administrators.

• Organisational skills

Keep a list of important dates and activities, prepare lessons in advance, and monitor available school supplies. Maintain an orderly classroom, adhere to a clear, structured routine, and consistently implement rules.

Educational background

A Diploma in Early Childhood Education is an essential requirement for building a kindergarten teacher career path. You may choose to start working after receiving your Diploma or enter a university to get a degree in Early Childhood Education.

You can also enrol in a Master’s Program in Education (Early Childhood Education) if you aim to conduct research and take Doctorate courses in Education.

Required certification and training

There are certifications required to obtain a Diploma or Degree to become a kindergarten teacher. You need at least three credits in Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) or Malaysian Certificate of Education to enter the Diploma course.

If you want to pursue a degree in a university after finishing and passing SPM and your Diploma course, you also need to complete the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan (STPM) or Malaysian Higher School Certificate and attain an A level grade or a minimum of 2.0 CGPA.

Opportunities for Continuous Education

• Pursue postgraduate studies

A Master’s Degree will equip you with advanced knowledge and skills in research, curriculum development, and even managing an early childhood centre.

• Take part in training, workshops, and conferences

Upgrade your teaching strategies, improve your classroom management skills, and acquire a better understanding of child psychology and special needs.

• Sign up for online courses

Enhance your language proficiency, subject specialisation, and digital literacy for more innovative teaching.

How to write a kindergarten teacher resume

Download the kindergarten teacher free resume template here

Related Careers

Do you want to explore other teaching career paths? Read our guide on becoming a Primary School teacher.

Teaching young learners may require patience and strong dedication, but it is equally rewarding and life-changing. Pursuing a career path as a kindergarten teacher provides you and your students the opportunity to grow and influence one another for the better.

Take the first step towards your chosen career path by updating your JobStreet profile, find # JobsThatMatter. Read more expert advice on job search and application on our Career Resources.