Research shows that 90% of the brain development takes place by the time the child is 5 years old. While a newborn baby has the brain cells that they will have for the rest of their lives, it is the connections between the cells, what is known as synapses, that are formed during this period. In turn, it is the quality of the child’s experiences that helps form these connections. In fact, recent scientific research has shown that the connections needed for many important, higher-level abilities – such as motivation, self-regulation, problem-solving, communication and self-esteem- are formed in these early years. Little surprise, then, that preschool teachers play an extremely important role in early childhood development.

Here are 10 reasons why preschool teachers are absolutely key to early childhood development.

1. Laying the Foundation for Lifelong Learning

The most important role of a teacher in a student’s life is they introduce young learners to the joy of learning. They help pique their curiosity and introduce them to the joy of discovery through play, exploration, and curiosity-driven activities. Whether it’s learning to count blocks, identify colours, or ask “why.”

Once the love for learning is ignited in the child, they are set up for a lifetime of curiosity and resilience.

2. Nurturing Social Skills and Emotional Intelligence

Preschool is typically the child’s first community outside the family. It is here that they learn a whole range of social skills. They learn to share toys, wait for their turn, or even to comfort a sad playmate. These are life lessons in emotional intelligence, empathy, patience, self-regulation, and more. In the context of life, these socio-emotional skills go a long way in helping the individual succeed in their careers, relationships and beyond.

3. Language and Communication Development

Through aspects like storytelling, songs, rhymes, conversations and more, preschool teachers help the child develop not just their vocabulary but also their communication skills. Children learn how to express themselves. In turn, this builds confidence and lays the groundwork for successful social interaction.

4. Fostering Creativity and Imagination

Children are naturally creative, and preschool teachers help channel that creativity into meaningful exploration. Through activities such as finger painting, building with blocks, and pretend play, they strengthen problem-solving, divergent thinking, and the ability to see possibilities. The role of teachers goes a long way since they also help children see mistakes not as failures but as stepping stones to discovery. This mindset is critical for innovation later in life.

5. Creating Safe and Nurturing Environments

For many children, preschool is the first time away from home for extended periods. A caring teacher provides reassurance, comfort, and consistency and helps children overcome separation anxiety. The trust built between teacher and child helps children feel secure, which is essential for learning. When children know they are safe and cared for, they are more willing to explore, engage, and take risks in learning.

6. Independence and Responsibility

Preschool teachers act as a scaffolding, guiding children to be responsible for their hygiene and belongings. Seemingly small tasks such as putting away their toys after a play session, washing their hands before a meal, are important lessons in responsibility and independence. In turn, they help build confidence and self-sufficiency in the child.

7. Supporting Individual Development

While children are put into a class, preschool teachers recognise that each child grows at his or her own pace. Teachers, therefore, celebrate each child’s individual strengths, ensuring that children feel seen and valued. This early sense of being seen, goes a long way in encouraging children to go out and live up to their potential.

8. Enable Learning Journey

Preschool teachers help the child in their academic journey and also ensure that they are school-ready. In fact, preschool teachers are not just educators-they are allies to parents. Teachers often guide parents on how to support learning at home, from reading together to practising routines. This partnership creates consistency between home and school, giving children a stronger sense of stability and growth.

9. Instilling Essential Life Skills

Preschool isn’t just about learning alphabet or numbers. Teachers weave in life lessons that help children navigate the world. Lessons on sharing, respecting others, cleaning up after oneself, or listening attentively may seem simple but form the backbone of responsible citizenship. Skills like collaboration, problem-solving, and adaptability are planted in these early years, nurtured by teachers who model and reinforce them daily. Teachers are in fact the best role models that children emulate.

10. They Shape the Future Beyond Academics

Perhaps the most profound role of preschool teachers in a student’s life is shaping who children become. Beyond academics, they influence values, self-esteem, resilience, and a sense of belonging. A teacher’s smile, encouragement, or belief in a child can spark confidence that lasts a lifetime. In many ways, preschool teachers are not just preparing children for kindergarten- they are also preparing them to be kind, capable, and curious adults.

To Sum Up

Preschool teachers wear many hats- educator, caregiver, mentor, and guide. The habits, skills, and attitudes they nurture in early childhood echo into adulthood, shaping how children learn, interact, and thrive in the world.

At Footprints Playschool, we take our commitment towards the holistic growth of children extremely seriously. The scientifically developed HighScope Curriculum used at Footprints is based on more than 50 years of research on early childhood development. The curriculum is uniquely designed to provide a rich academic foundation while promoting independence, decision-making, cooperation, creativity, and problem-solving in young children. This is one of the reasons why parents across the country recognise Footprints as a strong partner in their parenting journey.

FAQs

1. Why are preschool teachers important for young children?

Preschool teachers play a vital role in shaping social, emotional, and cognitive development. They introduce children to structured learning and help them build skills that last a lifetime.

2. What skills do preschool teachers teach besides academics?

They teach social skills like sharing, cooperation, patience, and empathy, along with life skills such as independence, problem-solving, and responsibility.

3. How do preschool teachers support language development?

Through storytelling, conversations, songs, and interactive activities, preschool teachers expand vocabulary and improve communication.

4. Can preschool teachers identify developmental challenges?

Yes, they are trained to observe children closely and can recognize early signs of delays or learning difficulties, allowing for early intervention.

5. How do preschool teachers encourage creativity?

They use play, art, music, and role-play to spark imagination and encourage children to think in new ways.

6. Why is emotional support from preschool teachers important?

A safe and nurturing relationship helps children feel secure, making them more open to exploring and learning.

7. What role do preschool teachers play with parents?

They partner with parents, sharing insights about children’s progress and offering suggestions for supporting learning at home.

8. How do preschool teachers prepare children for kindergarten?

They introduce routines, classroom behavior, and foundational skills like counting, recognizing letters, and following instructions.

9. Do preschool teachers influence long-term success?

Yes, research shows that quality early childhood education leads to better academic performance, stronger social skills, and improved lifelong outcomes.

10. What is the importance of teachers in society?

Teachers are more than subject experts – they are nation-builders. They shape not only individual lives but also the values, skills, and perspectives of entire communities.