Responsibilities of a Kindergarten Teacher

By Josh Victor, eHow Contributor

Kindergarten teachers are crucial in forming the first link in the latter of formal education. They are responsible for welcoming students, nurturing them and supporting them as they blossom. A kindergarten teacher's job is much more difficult then other grades because in addition to the learning component, they must also help to satisfy the child's physical, emotional and social needs.

Academic

• First, the children come to kindergarten to form the building blocks of their education. Teachers are responsible for helping them learn the alphabet, the basics of the number system and reading, colors, shapes and other basic material. This knowledge will be the foundation for all other learning in their future so it is crucial that students have a positive first impression. In addition, teachers must ensure that they do not fall behind in their studies from the start.

Social

• There are also a number of social responsibilities for the kindergarten teacher. They are must make the children aware of appropriate ways to interact with their friends and authority figures. Kindergarten may be the first time that the student is in such a situation so it is critical that the proper expectations are set. They must reinforce these social conventions constantly to ensure the classroom is orderly and the children behave.
   

Emotional

• For many kindergartners, school is the first time in their life that they have extended absence from their parents. The kindergarten teacher in some way must act as a replacement to sooth the child's nerves. The must be responsible for the emotional well-being of the child and help to solve any pressing mental issues. They have the need to nurture, to scold, to discipline and care for children in a way that will best develop them.

Physical

• Kindergarten teachers also have a responsibility for the physical well-being of their students. Children who are four to six years old do not have complete control over their motor skills. They may have unrealistic expectations of how far they can jump, how fast they can run or how strong they are. Teachers need to be cognizant of these shortcomings and warn or prevent students from doing anything that would harm themselves.