They help children explore their interests, develop their talents and independence, build self-esteem, and learn how to behave with others. Preschool workers must work in two different worlds the child's and the parent's. At the same time that they create a safe, comfortable environment in which children can grow and learn, they must also keep records of each child's progress and discuss the children's progress and needs with the parents. Depending on their experience and educational background, some preschool workers often called preschool teachers are responsible only for children's educational activities. Other workers sometimes called child-care workers provide only basic care to children.
Most preschool workers perform a combination of basic care and teaching duties.
For example, a worker who shows a child how to tie a shoe teaches the child and also provides for that child's basic care needs. Young children cannot be taught in the same manner as older students because they are less physically, emotionally, and mentally developed. Children at this age learn mainly through play. Preschool workers greet children as they arrive, help them remove outer garments, and teach them how to dress and undress. When caring for infants, they feed and change them.