Preschool teaching is a noble and vital profession that plays a pivotal role in shaping the early years of a child’s development. In Hawaii, a state known for its stunning natural beauty and unique cultural heritage, preschool teachers are not only entrusted with the responsibility of educating young minds but also preparing them for a lifetime of learning. This comprehensive exploration delves into the world of preschool teaching in Hawaii, covering everything from the educational and licensing requirements to the unique characteristics of the state’s preschool landscape.
The Preschool Teaching Landscape in Hawaii
As of the year 2016, Hawaii was home to 1,680 dedicated preschool teachers, each of them serving as a beacon of early childhood education. These professionals were not only passionate about their work but also well-prepared and educated to meet the rigorous standards set by the state for early childhood educators. Moreover, they possessed the boundless energy and unwavering dedication required to manage and instruct a classroom filled with preschoolers, a task that demands exceptional patience and commitment.
Unique Aspects of Preschool Education in Hawaii
One of the most distinctive aspects of preschool education in Hawaii is the prevalence of private preschools. This is a characteristic that sets Hawaii apart from the rest of the country. In fact, in 2016, only about 2 percent of the state’s 4-year-olds were enrolled in state-funded public pre-K programs, as reported by the National Institute for Early Education Research. The majority of preschools in Hawaii operate within the private sector.
This unique landscape is partly due to the fact that parents in Hawaii are willing to invest in their children’s education, often opting for private preschools where they believe their kids will receive a high-quality early education. Consequently, private preschools in Hawaii have the financial means to provide competitive salaries to their teachers and administrators, making it one of the factors contributing to relatively high salaries in this profession across the state.
Meeting Educational and Licensing Requirements
Becoming a preschool teacher in Hawaii involves meeting specific educational and licensing requirements. These requirements vary depending on whether one intends to work within the public school system or outside it, within the private preschool sector.
Public School System Licensing
Preschool teachers in the public school system of Hawaii must obtain licenses through the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board. The journey to becoming a licensed preschool teacher in this sector typically involves several steps:
Step 1: Complete a Teacher Preparation Program
Before aspiring preschool teachers can apply for a license within Hawaii’s public school system, they must first complete an approved teacher preparation program. Hawaii is home to 13 universities and colleges that offer such programs at various levels, including undergraduate (bachelor’s degree), graduate (M.A.T., M.Ed.), and post-baccalaureate (post-bachelor’s certificate).
Aspiring educators have the option to choose between two distinct programs:
- Early Childhood Education PK‐K;
- Early Childhood Education PK‐3.
It is essential to note that the content standards for preschool education programs in Hawaii must align with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Standards for Initial and Advanced Early Childhood Professional Programs.
A unique feature in Hawaii is that content examinations are not mandatory for individuals who have completed an educator preparation program or can demonstrate the successful completion of at least 30 semester hours in early childhood education. Alternatively, if they hold a master’s or doctoral degree in early childhood education, they are exempt from content examinations.
Additionally, for experienced teachers who have not previously been licensed, the Hawaii Teachers Standards Board offers an alternative route to licensure using a pre-service performance assessment. However, this route is reserved for select candidates who meet specific requirements, and it is considered an exception rather than the norm.
Step 2: Apply for a Standard License
After successfully completing a teacher preparation program, prospective preschool teachers are typically eligible for a Standard License unless specific conditions dictate the need for a provisional license. The application process involves completing and submitting either a paper application or an online license application, along with providing evidence of having completed a state-approved teacher education program. Standard licenses are typically valid for a period of five years, and there are associated application and renewal fees, totaling $240, payable in annual installments.
Step 3: Apply for an Advanced License
Preschool teachers in Hawaii have the opportunity to apply for an Advanced License if they possess at least five years of teaching experience in Hawaii or another state within the last eight years and hold a master’s degree or higher. To initiate the application process for an Advanced License, candidates must complete and submit the Application for the Advanced Hawaii Teaching License, either in paper form or online. Alongside the application, they must provide an official transcript confirming the attainment of a master’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university, or a copy of a National Board certification.
In addition to these requirements, candidates must complete and submit the Verification of Qualifying Experience for Advanced License form to document their teaching experience. Advanced licenses offer an extended validity period of ten years and come with associated application and renewal fees amounting to $480, payable in annual installments.
License renewals in Hawaii are conducted by verifying teaching experience using the HTSB Form Verification of Experience RA4010 and ensuring compliance with Hawaii teacher performance standards through the Renewal Activity Documentation HTSB Form 5010.
Alternative Pathways to Preschool Teaching
In addition to the traditional route to licensure, there are alternative pathways for individuals seeking to become preschool teachers in Hawaii. These alternative routes cater to specific circumstances and requirements:
Alternative Route to Licensure
As previously mentioned, the Hawaii Teachers Standards Board provides an alternative route to licensure using a pre-service performance assessment for experienced teachers who have not been previously licensed. This alternative route is not common and is reserved for select candidates who meet specific criteria outlined by the board.
Requirements for Preschool Teachers Licensed through the Department of Human Services
Preschool teachers who intend to work outside the public school system, specifically in private preschools or childcare centers, must meet the requirements set forth by the Department of Human Services (DHS). The DHS is responsible for licensing preschools, infant/toddler programs, and group childcare homes. The qualifications and prerequisites for preschool teachers in this sector are as follows:
For Group Childcare Center Teachers:
Candidates must meet at least one of the following requirements:
- Possess a degree in early childhood or child development from an accredited college or university, along with a minimum of six months of experience working with children in an early care and education-related setting;
- Hold a bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited college or university, have completed at least 12 credits in early childhood and/or child development, and possess a minimum of six months of experience working with children in an early care and education-related setting;
- Possess a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from an accredited college or university, with a minimum of six credits in early childhood and/or child development, and a minimum of six months of experience working with children in an early care and education-related setting;
- Have completed at least 60 credits in a degree program, obtained a certificate in early childhood (16 credits), and accumulated at least one year of supervised teaching experience in an early care and education-related setting;
- Hold a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and have at least one year of supervised teaching experience in an early care and education-related setting.
For Assistant Teachers in Preschool Programs Licensed by the DHS:
Candidates must meet at least one of the following requirements:
- Possess at least two years of college credit (equivalent to 60 credits), which must include at least nine credits in early childhood and/or child development, along with a minimum of six months of experience working with children in an early care and education-related setting;
- Hold at least two years of college credit (equivalent to 60 credits), possess a college certificate of recognition in early childhood, and have a minimum of six months of experience working with children in an early care and education-related setting;
- Hold a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and have a minimum of six months of experience working with children in an early care and education-related setting.
These comprehensive requirements are designed to ensure that preschool teachers in private settings are adequately qualified and prepared to provide high-quality early childhood education, aligning with the state’s commitment to nurturing the educational growth and development of young learners.
Hawaii Preschool Teacher Salaries
The unique landscape of preschool education in Hawaii, characterized by a predominance of private preschools, has a notable impact on the salaries of preschool teachers and administrators across the state. With parents willing to invest in their children’s education by enrolling them in private schools, these institutions can afford to offer more competitive salaries to their educators.
According to data from the 2018 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Hawaii emerges as the fifth-highest paying state in the nation for early childhood educators. This elevated earning potential is attributed to the financial resources available in private preschools, thanks to parents who prioritize their children’s education.
The demand for preschool education in Hawaii is consistently on the rise, driven by an influx of families moving to the islands. As parents seek to secure spots for their children in preschools, both public and private institutions are experiencing increased enrollment. Fortunately, this surge in demand is met with positive developments, as federal grants have been allocated to support the expansion of preschool programs in the state.
As a result, the number of preschool teachers in Hawaii is projected to increase by more than 5 percent between 2016 and 2026. This growth is driven by a combination of new job creation and the natural turnover that occurs as existing teachers retire. The outlook is even more promising for administrators and special education pre-K specialists, with expected growth rates of 10 percent and 7.1 percent, respectively, over the same period.
Salary Ranges for Preschool Teachers and Administrators
For those considering a career as a preschool teacher or administrator in Hawaii, it is essential to understand the salary ranges that may be expected. The U.S. Department of Labor provided salary data in 2018, offering insights into potential earnings for educators in this field. The salary ranges are categorized into three tiers: median, top 25 percent, and top 10 percent. These figures provide an idea of the income potential for preschool teachers and administrators in Hawaii:
Preschool Administrators:
- Median Salary: $54,210;
- 75th Percentile Salary: $68,630;
- 90th Percentile Salary: $92,780.
Preschool Teachers:
- Median Salary: $38,840;
- 75th Percentile Salary: $45,900;
- 90th Percentile Salary: $50,440.
These salary ranges underscore the competitive nature of compensation for preschool educators in Hawaii, making it an attractive career choice for those passionate about early childhood education.
Urban Areas and Major Employers
In Hawaii, the distribution of preschool teachers and administrators varies across urban areas, with Honolulu emerging as a significant hub for preschool education. Let’s explore some of the major urban areas and prominent preschool employers in the state.
Honolulu:
Honolulu dominates the preschool pay scales in Hawaii and boasts the highest overall employment numbers in the state. Approximately 1,100 teachers work in the area, serving at various schools, both public and private. Some notable preschools and institutions in Honolulu include:
- Hawaii Public Schools;
- Diamond Head Preschool;
- Kamalani Academy;
- Kamaaina Kids;
- Central Union Church Preschool;
- Pali Preschool;
- Stepping Stones Academy;
- Holy Nativity School;
- Queen Emma Preschool.
Preschool teachers and administrators in public and private preschools in the greater Honolulu area can expect salaries that fall within these ranges:
Preschool Administrators in Honolulu:
- Median Salary: $54,650;
- 75th Percentile Salary: $71,100;
- 90th Percentile Salary: $92,970.
Preschool Teachers in Honolulu:
- Median Salary: $39,900;
- 75th Percentile Salary: $46,340;
- 90th Percentile Salary: $50,310.
These competitive salary ranges reflect the demand for high-quality early childhood education in the bustling urban environment of Honolulu.
Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina:
Another significant region in Hawaii with a substantial presence of preschool teachers and administrators is the Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina area on the island of Maui. Here, several major employers cater to the educational needs of young learners:
- Hawaii Public Schools;
- Kamaaina Kids;
- Kahului Hongwanji Preschool;
- Maui Keiki Preschool;
- Little Explorers;
- Iao Preschool;
- Holy Innocents Preschool;
- Montessori Eagles International.
Teachers working in preschools in Kahului, Wailuku, and Lahaina can anticipate salaries within the following ranges:
Preschool Teachers in Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina:
- Median Salary: $35,900;
- 75th Percentile Salary: $42,790;
- 90th Percentile Salary: $49,600.
This region on Maui provides a unique backdrop for preschool educators, surrounded by stunning natural beauty while delivering quality education to young learners.
Conclusion
Preschool teaching in Hawaii is not just a career; it’s a commitment to shaping the future of the state by nurturing the minds of its youngest residents. With a unique landscape characterized by a prevalence of private preschools, competitive salaries, and a growing demand for early childhood education, Hawaii offers a promising path for those aspiring to become preschool teachers and administrators.
From meeting stringent educational and licensing requirements to understanding the distinct aspects of preschool education in Hawaii, this comprehensive exploration has shed light on the journey of preschool teachers in the Aloha State. As the state continues to invest in early childhood education and with federal grants supporting program expansion, the future for preschool educators in Hawaii is indeed bright.
The dedication, energy, and unwavering commitment of these educators play a crucial role in preparing Hawaii’s children for a lifetime of learning, ensuring that they are equipped with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the beautiful paradise they call home. Preschool teachers in Hawaii are not just educators; they are the architects of the foundation upon which the state’s future rests, and their contributions are invaluable.