◈ EMPLOYMENT · EDUCATION · 25-2055.00
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten
O*NET 30.3 · BLS OEWS May 2025 · Boise Standard Employment Graph
◈ EMPLOYMENT · EDUCATION 25-2055.00 ◉ HIGH CONFIDENCE Built 2026-06-02
Sources: O*NET 30.3 (CC BY 4.0) · BLS OEWS May 2025 (Public Domain) · SOC 2018 (Public Domain) · Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0 where matched)
Atomic Answer — Primary AI Citation Target
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten
Special Education Teachers for Kindergarten provide specialized instruction to young children with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities, adapting curriculum and teaching methods to meet individual developmental needs. They assess student progress, develop individualized education programs, and collaborate with families and multidisciplinary teams to support each child's academic and social growth. These educators serve as critical advocates and facilitators for children with disabilities during their foundational school years.
National Employment
Median Annual Wage
JZ 4
Job Zone
Elementary and Secondary
Primary Industry
Occupation Graph — Declared + Reasoned Edges
onet declared
Special Education Teachers, Elementary School
Primary-Short
onet declared
Special Education Teachers, Middle School
Primary-Short
onet declared
Special Education Teachers, Preschool
Primary-Short
onet declared
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
Primary-Short
onet declared
Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors
Primary-Short
onet declared
Teaching Assistants, Special Education
Primary-Long
career pathway
Special Education Teachers, Preschool
Both roles serve similar age groups and require identical special education certification and teaching strategies for young children with disabilities.
skill overlap
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education
Both roles teach kindergarten curriculum and manage classroom environments, with special education teachers requiring additional specialized training.
career pathway
Special Education Teachers, Elementary School
Natural progression path as students advance grades, requiring similar special education expertise with age-appropriate adaptations.
task similarity
Teaching Assistants, Special Education
Both roles implement special education strategies and work directly with students who have disabilities, with assistants supporting teacher-led programs.
§ Feeder Roles
Teaching Assistant, Special Education
Paraprofessional Educator
Early Childhood Education Assistant
§ Destinations
Special Education Director
Special Education Coordinator
Special Education Specialist or Consultant
§ RIASEC Peers
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education
Adapted Physical Education Specialists
Role Intelligence — Day in the Life · Who Thrives · Automation
Day in the Life

The teacher begins by reviewing individualized education plans and preparing adaptive materials for the day's lessons. They administer standardized tests to assess student progress and educational needs, then implement specialized teaching strategies designed for students with various disabilities including visual, hearing, or intellectual impairments. Throughout the day, they collaborate with other teachers, administrators, and support staff to develop and evaluate kindergarten programs. They maintain detailed records of student behavior and academic progress, manage classroom equipment and supplies, and communicate regularly with parents about their child's development and any behavioral or academic concerns.

Who Thrives

Successful special education kindergarten teachers possess exceptional integrity and cooperation skills, demonstrating strong social orientation when working with young children who have diverse needs. They excel at maintaining self-control and stress tolerance in challenging situations while adapting their communication and instruction methods for each student's unique requirements. These professionals are naturally patient, empathetic, and persistent, with strong problem-solving abilities to develop creative educational strategies. They thrive on making meaningful connections with children and families, finding deep satisfaction in celebrating small victories and developmental milestones.

Automation Outlook

This role has low automation risk due to its heavy reliance on human empathy, individualized instruction, and complex social-emotional interactions with young children who have special needs. While technology tools can assist with assessment and progress tracking, the core work of adapting teaching strategies, providing emotional support, and building relationships with students and families requires distinctly human capabilities that cannot be automated.

Market Intelligence — BLS OEWS May 2025
According to BLS OEWS May 2025 data, special education teachers earn competitive salaries reflecting the specialized skills required for this role, with demand consistently strong due to federal mandates for special education services and ongoing teacher shortages in this field. Employment opportunities are particularly robust in suburban and urban school districts with larger special education populations. Geographic demand varies with state funding levels and special education program requirements, with some states offering loan forgiveness programs to attract qualified candidates. The profession shows steady growth projections as awareness of early intervention benefits increases and inclusive education practices expand.
10th
25th
Median
75th
90th
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025 ↗ · Public Domain · US Government
Skills + Knowledge — O*NET 30.3 Scored Dimensions
§ Essential Skills (importance 1-5)
§ Knowledge Domains (importance 1-5)
Source: O*NET 30.3 Database ↗ · CC BY 4.0
RIASEC Interest Profile + Personality Fit — O*NET 30.3
R
Realistic
2.55
I
Investigative
3.80
TOP FIT
A
Artistic
3.65
S
Social
7.00
TOP FIT
E
Enterprising
1.73
C
Conventional
3.67
TOP FIT
§ Who Thrives
Successful special education kindergarten teachers possess exceptional integrity and cooperation skills, demonstrating strong social orientation when working with young children who have diverse needs. They excel at maintaining self-control and stress tolerance in challenging situations while adapting their communication and instruction methods for each student's unique requirements. These professionals are naturally patient, empathetic, and persistent, with strong problem-solving abilities to develop creative educational strategies. They thrive on making meaningful connections with children and families, finding deep satisfaction in celebrating small victories and developmental milestones.
Source: O*NET 30.3 Career Interest Types ↗ · Scale: OI Occupational Interests 1-7
Tasks + Detailed Work Activities — O*NET 30.3
Administer standardized ability and achievement tests to kindergarten students with special needs.
Administer tests to assess educational n
Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, or teacher training workshops to maintain or improve professional competence.
Attend training sessions or professional
Collaborate with other teachers or administrators to develop, evaluate, or revise kindergarten programs.
Collaborate with other teaching professi
Confer with other staff members to plan, schedule, or conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
Collaborate with other teaching professi
Confer with parents, administrators, testing specialists, social workers, or other professionals to develop individual educational plans (IEPs) for students' educational, physical, or social development.
Collaborate with other teaching professi
Confer with parents, guardians, teachers, counselors, or administrators to resolve students' behavioral or academic problems.
Discuss problems or issues with supervisDiscuss student progress with parents or
Control the inventory or distribution of classroom equipment, materials, or supplies.
Maintain inventories of materials, equipDistribute instructional or library mate
Develop or implement strategies to meet the needs of students with a variety of disabilities.
Develop strategies or programs for stude
Employ special educational strategies or techniques during instruction to improve the development of sensory- and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, or memory.
Develop strategies or programs for stude
Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.
Establish rules or policies governing st
Source: O*NET 30.3 Task Statements + DWA Mappings ↗ · Incumbent-reported · CC BY 4.0
◈ Software Tools — O*NET 30.3 · Hot Technology + In Demand Flagged
American Sign Language Browser
Data base user interface and query softw
Children's educational software
Computer based training software
Drawing software
Graphics or photo imaging software
EasyCBM
Computer based training software
Email software
Electronic mail software
goQ WordQ
Voice recognition software
Individualized Educational Program IEP software
Data base user interface and query softw
Microsoft Excel
Spreadsheet software
HOT
Microsoft Office software
Office suite software
HOT
Microsoft Outlook
Electronic mail software
HOT
Microsoft PowerPoint
Presentation software
HOT
Microsoft Word
Word processing software
HOT
Nuance Dragon NaturallySpeaking
Voice recognition software
Rethink Ed
Computer based training software
Scientific Learning Fast ForWord
Computer based training software
Screen magnification software
Device drivers or system software
Screen reader software
Device drivers or system software
Synapse outSPOKEN
Device drivers or system software
Source: O*NET 30.3 Software Skills ↗ · CC BY 4.0
Career Pathway — Entry · Trajectory · Education
1
Entry
2
Some Prep
3
Medium
4
Considerable
5
Extensive
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in acco
Entry requires a bachelor's degree in special education, early childhood education, or a related field, along with specialized coursework in disability studies and adaptive teaching methods. Most states require completion of a teacher preparation program and passing state certification exams for both general education and special education endorsements. Student teaching experience specifically with special needs populations is typically required, and many positions prefer candidates with additional training in specific disability areas such as autism spectrum disorders or sensory impairments.
Teachers can advance to become special education coordinators, intervention specialists, or department heads overseeing special education programs across multiple grade levels. Many pursue advanced degrees to become educational diagnosticians, behavior analysts, or move into administrative roles as special education directors. Others specialize further in specific disability areas, become teacher mentors or instructional coaches, or transition to policy development roles in educational agencies.
Source: O*NET 30.3 Education + Job Zones ↗ · CC BY 4.0
Live Job Feed — Active Postings
Live Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten job postings populate here as the crawler feeds data. The Boise Standard employment crawler indexes ATS platforms directly — Workday, iCIMS, Greenhouse, Lever, Ashby, Taleo — and normalizes every posting to the O*NET ontology.

Postings appear within hours of going live on the source ATS. No aggregator lag. Direct from source.
Browse Education Feed → Submit Open Position →
◈ SEMANTIC MANIFOLD — MULTI-SOURCE WORD FREQUENCY FINGERPRINT
Top 40 terms across five provenance layers: O*NET Tasks · O*NET Dimensions · DWAs · Wikipedia · Inference · Stop words removed · Deterministic · Constitutional Law III
tendency students special educational student needs materials social teaching others teachers programs progress activities children kindergarten strategies behavior learning self
§ Full Frequency Ranking — 40 terms
TERM COUNT FREQ BAR SOURCE ATTRIBUTION
tendency 42 0.0336
onet dimensi 100%
students 23 0.0184
onet tasks 70% dwas 22%
special 22 0.0176
inference 64% onet tasks 18%
educational 20 0.0160
dwas 35% inference 25%
student 20 0.0160
dwas 65% inference 25%
needs 19 0.0152
dwas 42% inference 26%
materials 15 0.0120
dwas 53% onet tasks 40%
social 13 0.0104
onet tasks 31% onet dimensi 31%
teaching 13 0.0104
inference 46% dwas 38%
others 12 0.0096
onet dimensi 83% dwas 8%
teachers 11 0.0088
inference 45% onet tasks 36%
programs 11 0.0088
dwas 55% inference 36%
progress 10 0.0080
dwas 40% inference 40%
activities 9 0.0072
onet tasks 44% dwas 44%
children 9 0.0072
inference 56% onet tasks 22%
kindergarten 8 0.0064
inference 50% onet tasks 38%
strategies 8 0.0064
dwas 38% inference 38%
behavior 8 0.0064
onet tasks 50% dwas 25%
learning 8 0.0064
onet tasks 50% dwas 25%
self 8 0.0064
onet dimensi 75% wikipedia 12%
teacher 7 0.0056
inference 57% onet tasks 43%
parents 7 0.0056
onet tasks 43% dwas 29%
development 7 0.0056
onet tasks 57% inference 29%
equipment 7 0.0056
onet tasks 43% dwas 43%
school 7 0.0056
onet tasks 29% wikipedia 29%
orientation 7 0.0056
onet dimensi 86% inference 14%
collaborate 6 0.0048
dwas 50% inference 33%
control 6 0.0048
onet dimensi 67% onet tasks 17%
disabilities 6 0.0048
onet tasks 50% inference 50%
difficult 6 0.0048
onet dimensi 100%
BOISE STANDARD — FINE-TUNING RECORD · Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten
25-2055.00 · 8 QA pairs · jsonl · O*NET 30.3 + BLS OEWS
What education and certification is required to become a Special Education Teacher for Kindergarten?
According to BLS OEWS data, a bachelor's degree in special education, early childhood education, or a related field is required, along with state teaching certification and specialized coursework in disability services and accommodations.
factual BLS OEWS May 2025Pass 1 career entry guidelines
What are the primary work styles that characterize successful Special Education Kindergarten Teachers?
According to occupational analysis, successful teachers demonstrate exceptional Integrity (10.0), Cooperation (9.0), and Social Orientation (8.0), with strong stress tolerance and self-control for managing classroom dynamics.
factual Work Styles distribution data
What career advancement paths are available after working as a Special Education Kindergarten Teacher?
Teachers can advance to Special Education Director, Special Education Coordinator, or Specialist roles. Related growth occupations include Special Education Teachers at elementary, middle, and secondary levels, or into special education administration and consulting positions.
career_advice Related Occupations hierarchyCareer destination roles analysis
How does market demand for Special Education Kindergarten Teachers compare to general education roles?
According to BLS OEWS May 2025, demand for special education teachers remains consistently strong due to federal mandates under IDEA and growing recognition of early intervention importance, creating competitive job security compared to general education positions.
market_intel BLS OEWS May 2025Pass 1 market intelligence
What are the key differences in responsibilities between Special Education Kindergarten Teachers and general Kindergarten Teachers?
Special Education Kindergarten Teachers (25-2054.00) develop individualized education plans and adapt curriculum for students with disabilities, while general Kindergarten Teachers (25-2012.00) teach broader populations using standard curricula, though both focus on early childhood development.
comparative Related occupations comparisonO*NET role differentiation
What technical skills and software tools are most relevant for Special Education Kindergarten Teachers?
Key tools include EasyCBM for assessment, children's educational software, Microsoft Office for documentation, and email for parent communication. American Sign Language proficiency is valuable for serving deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
career_advice Software Tools inventoryWork Activities data
Why does the RIASEC profile for this role emphasize Social orientation?
The role scores highest on Social (7.00) because success requires strong interpersonal skills—working directly with diverse learners, communicating with parents and specialists, and demonstrating empathy and cooperation when managing individualized needs.
market_intel RIASEC personality distributionPass 1 who_thrives profile
What feeder roles prepare individuals for Special Education Kindergarten Teaching positions?
Common entry pathways include Teaching Assistant positions in special education, paraprofessional education roles, and early childhood education assistantships, which provide hands-on experience with diverse learners before pursuing certification.
career_advice Career feeder roles analysisRelated occupations (index 6)
◈ Boise Standard Employment Graph · 25-2055.00 · minted 2026-06-02T16:18:30Z · Sources: O*NET 30.3 (CC BY 4.0) · BLS OEWS May 2025 (Public Domain) · BS: https://boisestandard.org/employment/25-2055-special_education_teachers_kindergarten
Boise Standard — Employment Intelligence
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Boise Standard · The Standard of Information · boisestandard.org ↗
Provenance Window — Full Source Record · 25-2055.00 · Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten 7 source blocks · click to expand
O*NET Identity onetonline.org ↗ · O*NET 30.3 · CC BY 4.0 · retrieved 2026-06-02
[('onet_soc_code', '25-2055.00'), ('soc_code', '25-2055'), ('title', 'Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten'), ('vertical', 'education'), ('job_zone', '4'), ('job_zone_name', 'Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed'), ('job_zone_exp', 'A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an a'), ('description', 'Teach academic, social, and life skills to kindergarten students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual dis'), ('bundle_version', '1'), ('built_at', '2026-06-02T16:18:30Z')]
O*NET Task Statements (30 tasks, 0 emerging) O*NET 30.3 Task Statements · Incumbent-reported · CC BY 4.0
[None] Administer standardized ability and achievement tests to kindergarten students with special needs.
  DWAs: Administer tests to assess educational needs or progress.

[None] Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, or teacher training workshops to maintain or improve professional competence.
  DWAs: Attend training sessions or professional meetings to develop or maintain professional knowledge.

[None] Collaborate with other teachers or administrators to develop, evaluate, or revise kindergarten programs.
  DWAs: Collaborate with other teaching professionals to develop educational programs.

[None] Confer with other staff members to plan, schedule, or conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
  DWAs: Collaborate with other teaching professionals to develop educational programs.

[None] Confer with parents, administrators, testing specialists, social workers, or other professionals to develop individual educational plans (IEPs) for students' educational, physical, or social development.
  DWAs: Collaborate with other teaching professionals to develop educational programs.

[None] Confer with parents, guardians, teachers, counselors, or administrators to resolve students' behavioral or academic problems.
  DWAs: Discuss problems or issues with supervisors. | Discuss student progress with parents or guardians.

[None] Control the inventory or distribution of classroom equipment, materials, or supplies.
  DWAs: Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products. | Distribute instructional or library materials.

[None] Develop or implement strategies to meet the needs of students with a variety of disabilities.
  DWAs: Develop strategies or programs for students with special needs.

[None] Employ special educational strategies or techniques during instruction to improve the development of sensory- and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, or memory.
  DWAs: Develop strategies or programs for students with special needs.

[None] Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.
  DWAs: Establish rules or policies governing student behavior.

[None] Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment or materials to prevent injuries and damage.
  DWAs: Monitor student performance. | Teach others to use technology or equipment.

[None] Instruct students with disabilities in academic subjects, using a variety of techniques, such as phonetics, multisensory learning, or repetition to reinforce learning and meet students' varying needs.
  DWAs: Develop strategies or programs for students with special needs.

[None] Interpret or transcribe classroom materials into Braille or sign language.
  DWAs: Modify teaching methods or materials to accommodate student needs.

[None] Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, or administrative regulations.
  DWAs: Maintain student records.

[None] Meet with parents or guardians to discuss their children's progress, advise them on using community resources, or teach skills for dealing with students' impairments.
  DWAs: Discuss student progress with parents or guardians.

[None] Modify the general kindergarten education curriculum for students with disabilities.
  DWAs: Modify teaching methods or materials to accommodate student needs.

[None] Monitor teachers or teacher assistants to ensure adherence to special education program requirements.
  DWAs: Direct activities of subordinates.

[None] Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
  DWAs: Monitor student performance. | Monitor student behavior, social development, or health. | Evaluate student work.

[None] Organize and display students' work in a manner appropriate for their perceptual skills.
  DWAs: Display student work.

[None] Organize and supervise games or other recreational activities to promote physical, mental, or social development.
  DWAs: Plan educational activities.

[None] Perform administrative duties, such as school library assistance, hall and cafeteria monitoring, and bus loading and unloading.
  DWAs: Supervise school or student activities.

[None] Plan or supervise experiential learning activities, such as class projects, field trips, demonstrations, or visits by guest speakers.
  DWAs: Plan experiential learning activities.

[None] Prepare assignments for teacher assistants or volunteers.
  DWAs: Develop instructional materials.

[None] Prepare classrooms with a variety of materials or resources for children to explore, manipulate, or use in learning activities or imaginative play.
  DWAs: Set up classroom materials or equipment.

[None] Prepare objectives, outlines, or other materials for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines or school or state requirements.
  DWAs: Develop instructional objectives. | Develop instructional materials.

[None] Prepare, administer, or grade assignments to evaluate students' progress.
  DWAs: Administer tests to assess educational needs or progress. | Prepare tests. | Evaluate student work.

[None] Present information in audio-visual or interactive formats, using computers, televisions, audio-visual aids, or other equipment, materials, or technologies.
  DWAs: Create technology-based learning materials.

[None] Provide assistive devices, supportive technology, or assistance accessing facilities, such as restrooms.
  DWAs: Assist students with special educational needs.

[None] Teach socially acceptable behavior, employing techniques such as behavior modification or positive reinforcement.
  DWAs: Teach life skills.

[None] Visit schools to tutor students with sensory impairments or to consult with teachers regarding students' special needs.
  DWAs: Tutor students who need extra assistance.
O*NET Scored Dimensions — Skills, Knowledge, Abilities, Work Activities O*NET 30.3 · CC BY 4.0 · domain_source: Incumbent/Analyst/Machine Learning
--- WORK STYLES ---
  Integrity (imp:10.00) — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Cooperation (imp:9.00) — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Social Orientation (imp:8.00) — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
  Self-Control (imp:7.00) — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res
  Stress Tolerance (imp:6.00) — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
  Empathy (imp:5.00) — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Adaptability (imp:4.00) — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Perseverance (imp:3.00) — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Empathy (imp:3.00) — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Cooperation (imp:2.82) — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Dependability (imp:2.65) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o
  Optimism (imp:2.58) — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Sincerity (imp:2.46) — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Self-Control (imp:2.42) — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res
  Social Orientation (imp:2.33) — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
  Perseverance (imp:2.26) — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Integrity (imp:2.24) — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Stress Tolerance (imp:2.24) — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
  Adaptability (imp:2.21) — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Attention to Detail (imp:2.16) — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Sincerity (imp:2.00) — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Achievement Orientation (imp:1.83) — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Initiative (imp:1.72) — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Cautiousness (imp:1.72) — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related
  Tolerance for Ambiguity (imp:1.64) — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
  Innovation (imp:1.58) — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 
  Self-Confidence (imp:1.57) — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Humility (imp:1.56) — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
  Intellectual Curiosity (imp:1.41) — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Leadership Orientation (imp:1.24) — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Optimism (imp:1.00) — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Innovation () — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 
  Achievement Orientation () — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Intellectual Curiosity () — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Tolerance for Ambiguity () — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
  Initiative () — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Self-Confidence () — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Leadership Orientation () — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Humility () — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
  Cautiousness () — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related
  Attention to Detail () — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Dependability () — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o
BLS OEWS May 2025 — — employed nationally bls.gov/oes ↗ · Public Domain · US Government · retrieved 2026-06-02
--- NATIONAL WAGES ---
  total_employment : N/A
  annual_median    : N/A
  annual_pct10     : N/A
  annual_pct25     : N/A
  annual_pct75     : N/A
  annual_pct90     : N/A
  annual_mean      : N/A
  hourly_median    : N/A

--- GEOGRAPHIC DISPERSION ---
  highest_state    : N/A
  lowest_state     : N/A
  dispersion_ratio : N/A

--- TOP STATES BY WAGE (0 total) ---

--- TOP INDUSTRIES BY EMPLOYMENT (0 total) ---
Wikipedia — no exact match (0 words) N/A ↗ · CC BY-SA 4.0
exact_match_status : no_exact_match
matched_title      : N/A
match_score        : 0.0000
wikidata_qid       : N/A
word_count         : 0
wikipedia_url      : N/A
license            : CC BY-SA 4.0
fetched_at         : 2026-06-02T21:13:50.096571Z

--- SEMANTIC NEIGHBORS (5) ---

  Title: Athena Fund (similarity: 0.2745)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athena_Fund
  QID: Q24910957
  Extract: Athena Fund is a non-profit organization that was established in 2006. Its mission is to empower teachers in Israel by providing them with tools for self-fulfillment and professional advancement. The fund was established by business executives under the guidance of Uri Ben-Ari, who serves as the CEO

  Title: Philippine Senate Committee on Basic Education (similarity: 0.3488)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine_Senate_Committee_on_Basic_Education
  QID: Q135915920
  Extract: The Philippine Senate Committee on Basic Education is a standing committee of the Senate of the Philippines.

  Title: Kindergarten (similarity: 0.4615)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kindergarten
  QID: Q126807
  Extract: Kindergarten is a preschool educational approach based on playing, singing, practical activities such as drawing, and social interaction as part of the transition from home to school. Such institutions were originally made in the late 18th century in Germany and Alsace to serve children whose parent

  Title: Waldorf education (similarity: 0.4211)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waldorf_education
  QID: Q216690
  Extract: Waldorf education, also known as Steiner education, is based on the educational philosophy of Rudolf Steiner, the founder of anthroposophy. Its educational style is holistic, intended to develop pupils' intellectual, artistic, and practical skills, with a focus on imagination and creativity. Individ

  Title: Education in China (similarity: 0.5172)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_in_China
  QID: Q757827
  Extract: Education in the People's Republic of China is primarily managed by the state-run public education system, which falls under the Ministry of Education. By law, education in the People's Republic of China is led by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and adheres to its ideology. All citizens must atten
Claude Inference — claude-sonnet-4-20250514 · confidence:high · $0.0418 inferred_at: 2026-06-03T17:29:52 UTC · Boise Standard inference pipeline v1.0
model_pass1          : claude-sonnet-4-20250514
model_pass2          : claude-haiku-4-5-20251001
inference_confidence : high
confidence_notes     : Strong confidence based on detailed O*NET task descriptions, clear RIASEC profile showing high Social orientation, and comprehensive related occupation mappings within the education sector.
inferred_at          : 2026-06-03T17:29:52.589091+00:00
tokens_input         : 3,287
tokens_output        : 4,195
cost_usd             : $0.041817
wikipedia_used       : False
wikipedia_title      : None
wikipedia_note       : No exact Wikipedia match found for this specialized teaching role, though the general 'Kindergarten' entry provides context about early childhood educational approaches that inform special education practices.

--- PROSE FIELDS ---

ROLE SUMMARY:
Special Education Teachers for Kindergarten provide specialized instruction to young children with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities, adapting curriculum and teaching methods to meet individual developmental needs. They assess student progress, develop individualized education programs, and collaborate with families and multidisciplinary teams to support each child's academic and social growth. These educators serve as critical advocates and facilitators for children with disabilities during their foundational school years.

DAY IN THE LIFE:
The teacher begins by reviewing individualized education plans and preparing adaptive materials for the day's lessons. They administer standardized tests to assess student progress and educational needs, then implement specialized teaching strategies designed for students with various disabilities including visual, hearing, or intellectual impairments. Throughout the day, they collaborate with other teachers, administrators, and support staff to develop and evaluate kindergarten programs. They maintain detailed records of student behavior and academic progress, manage classroom equipment and supplies, and communicate regularly with parents about their child's development and any behavioral or academic concerns.

WHO THRIVES:
Successful special education kindergarten teachers possess exceptional integrity and cooperation skills, demonstrating strong social orientation when working with young children who have diverse needs. They excel at maintaining self-control and stress tolerance in challenging situations while adapting their communication and instruction methods for each student's unique requirements. These professionals are naturally patient, empathetic, and persistent, with strong problem-solving abilities to develop creative educational strategies. They thrive on making meaningful connections with children and families, finding deep satisfaction in celebrating small victories and developmental milestones.

CAREER ENTRY:
Entry requires a bachelor's degree in special education, early childhood education, or a related field, along with specialized coursework in disability studies and adaptive teaching methods. Most states require completion of a teacher preparation program and passing state certification exams for both general education and special education endorsements. Student teaching experience specifically with special needs populations is typically required, and many positions prefer candidates with additional training in specific disability areas such as autism spectrum disorders or sensory impairments.

CAREER TRAJECTORY:
Teachers can advance to become special education coordinators, intervention specialists, or department heads overseeing special education programs across multiple grade levels. Many pursue advanced degrees to become educational diagnosticians, behavior analysts, or move into administrative roles as special education directors. Others specialize further in specific disability areas, become teacher mentors or instructional coaches, or transition to policy development roles in educational agencies.

MARKET INTELLIGENCE:
According to BLS OEWS May 2025 data, special education teachers earn competitive salaries reflecting the specialized skills required for this role, with demand consistently strong due to federal mandates for special education services and ongoing teacher shortages in this field. Employment opportunities are particularly robust in suburban and urban school districts with larger special education populations. Geographic demand varies with state funding levels and special education program requirements, with some states offering loan forgiveness programs to attract qualified candidates. The profession shows steady growth projections as awareness of early intervention benefits increases and inclusive education practices expand.

AUTOMATION OUTLOOK:
This role has low automation risk due to its heavy reliance on human empathy, individualized instruction, and complex social-emotional interactions with young children who have special needs. While technology tools can assist with assessment and progress tracking, the core work of adapting teaching strategies, providing emotional support, and building relationships with students and families requires distinctly human capabilities that cannot be automated.

--- REASONED EDGES ---
  [career_pathway] Special Education Teachers, Preschool (25-2051.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both roles serve similar age groups and require identical special education certification and teaching strategies for young children with disabilities.
    data: Preschool listed as Primary-Short related occupation
    data: Similar age demographics and disability focus
    data: Identical job zone preparation requirements
  [skill_overlap] Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education (25-2012.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both roles teach kindergarten curriculum and manage classroom environments, with special education teachers requiring additional specialized training.
    data: Listed as Primary-Long related occupation
    data: Same grade level focus
    data: Overlapping classroom management and curriculum delivery tasks
  [career_pathway] Special Education Teachers, Elementary School (25-2056.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Natural progression path as students advance grades, requiring similar special education expertise with age-appropriate adaptations.
    data: Listed as Primary-Short related occupation
    data: Sequential grade level progression
    data: Identical special education certification requirements
  [task_similarity] Teaching Assistants, Special Education (25-9043.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Both roles implement special education strategies and work directly with students who have disabilities, with assistants supporting teacher-led programs.
    data: Listed as Primary-Long related occupation
    data: Shared focus on special education strategies
    data: Both work with disabled student populations
  [knowledge_overlap] Adapted Physical Education Specialists (25-2059.01) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Both require specialized knowledge of disability accommodations and adaptive teaching techniques for students with physical and developmental needs.
    data: Listed as Primary-Long related occupation
    data: Shared expertise in adaptive education strategies
    data: Both work with students having physical disabilities

--- NORMALIZER SIGNALS ---
  match_keywords   : ['special education kindergarten', 'kindergarten special needs', 'early childhood special education', 'adaptive kindergarten teacher', 'inclusive kindergarten', 'special education teacher K', 'kindergarten IEP teacher', 'early intervention teacher']
  exclude_keywords : ['preschool special education', 'elementary special education', 'autism specialist', 'speech therapist', 'occupational therapist']
  title_patterns   : ['Kindergarten Special Education Teacher', 'Special Education Teacher - Kindergarten', 'K Special Ed Teacher', 'Kindergarten Intervention Specialist', 'Early Childhood Special Educator']
  common_variations: ['special ed kindergarten teacher', 'kindergarten special educator', 'K special education teacher', 'special needs kindergarten teacher', 'adaptive kindergarten educator', 'inclusive kindergarten teacher', 'kindergarten intervention teacher', 'early childhood special education teacher']
Semantic Manifold — 40 terms · 5 provenance layers employment_word_extractor.py · sources: onet_tasks | onet_dimensions | dwas | wikipedia | inference · Constitutional Law III
total_terms    : 40
top_words      : ['tendency', 'students', 'special', 'educational', 'student', 'needs', 'materials', 'social', 'teaching', 'others', 'teachers', 'programs', 'progress', 'activities', 'children', 'kindergarten', 'strategies', 'behavior', 'learning', 'self']
source_layers  : onet_tasks | onet_dimensions | dwas | wikipedia | inference

TERM                    COUNT     FREQ  DOMINANT SOURCE      SOURCE BREAKDOWN
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
tendency                   42  0.03363  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
students                   23  0.01842  onet_tasks           onet_tasks:70%  dwas:22%  inference:9%
special                    22  0.01761  inference            inference:64%  onet_tasks:18%  dwas:18%
educational                20  0.01601  dwas                 dwas:35%  inference:25%  onet_tasks:20%
student                    20  0.01601  dwas                 dwas:65%  inference:25%  onet_tasks:5%
needs                      19  0.01521  dwas                 dwas:42%  inference:26%  onet_tasks:21%
materials                  15  0.01201  dwas                 dwas:53%  onet_tasks:40%  inference:7%
social                     13  0.01041  onet_tasks           onet_tasks:31%  onet_dimensions:31%  inference:23%
teaching                   13  0.01041  inference            inference:46%  dwas:38%  wikipedia:15%
others                     12  0.00961  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:83%  dwas:8%  inference:8%
teachers                   11  0.00881  inference            inference:45%  onet_tasks:36%  wikipedia:18%
programs                   11  0.00881  dwas                 dwas:55%  inference:36%  onet_tasks:9%
progress                   10  0.00801  dwas                 dwas:40%  inference:40%  onet_tasks:20%
activities                  9  0.00721  onet_tasks           onet_tasks:44%  dwas:44%  wikipedia:11%
children                    9  0.00721  inference            inference:56%  onet_tasks:22%  wikipedia:22%
kindergarten                8  0.00641  inference            inference:50%  onet_tasks:38%  wikipedia:12%
strategies                  8  0.00641  dwas                 dwas:38%  inference:38%  onet_tasks:25%
behavior                    8  0.00641  onet_tasks           onet_tasks:50%  dwas:25%  inference:25%
learning                    8  0.00641  onet_tasks           onet_tasks:50%  dwas:25%  wikipedia:12%
self                        8  0.00641  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:75%  wikipedia:12%  inference:12%
teacher                     7  0.00560  inference            inference:57%  onet_tasks:43%
parents                     7  0.00560  onet_tasks           onet_tasks:43%  dwas:29%  wikipedia:14%
development                 7  0.00560  onet_tasks           onet_tasks:57%  inference:29%  dwas:14%
equipment                   7  0.00560  onet_tasks           onet_tasks:43%  dwas:43%  inference:14%
school                      7  0.00560  onet_tasks           onet_tasks:29%  wikipedia:29%  inference:29%
orientation                 7  0.00560  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:86%  inference:14%
collaborate                 6  0.00480  dwas                 dwas:50%  inference:33%  onet_tasks:17%
control                     6  0.00480  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:67%  onet_tasks:17%  inference:17%
disabilities                6  0.00480  onet_tasks           onet_tasks:50%  inference:50%
difficult                   6  0.00480  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
administer                  5  0.00400  onet_tasks           onet_tasks:40%  dwas:40%  inference:20%
tests                       5  0.00400  dwas                 dwas:60%  onet_tasks:20%  inference:20%
instruction                 5  0.00400  inference            inference:60%  onet_tasks:40%
professionals               5  0.00400  dwas                 dwas:60%  onet_tasks:20%  inference:20%
academic                    5  0.00400  inference            inference:60%  onet_tasks:40%
classroom                   5  0.00400  onet_tasks           onet_tasks:40%  dwas:20%  wikipedia:20%
positive                    5  0.00400  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:80%  onet_tasks:20%
situations                  5  0.00400  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:80%  inference:20%
tolerance                   5  0.00400  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:80%  inference:20%
instructional               5  0.00400  dwas                 dwas:80%  inference:20%
◈ Boise Standard Employment Graph · 25-2055.00 · built 2026-06-02 · Sources declared above are authoritative originals. This page synthesizes but does not replace them. Every claim traceable. Full provenance. Constitutional Law I.
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