234 Primary School and Early Childhood Teachers

Primary school teachers teach a range of subjects at the primary education level. Tasks include - (a) preparing daily and longer term lesson plans in accordance with curriculum guidelines; (b) instructing children individually and in groups, using various teaching methods and materials (e.g. computers, books, games), adapting to children’s varying needs; (c) maintaining discipline and good working habits in the classroom; (d) planning and conducting activities with the children such as sporting activities, concerts and excursions; (e) assigning and grading class work and homework; (f) preparing, administering and grading tests and assignments to evaluate children’s progress; (g) observing and evaluating children’s performance and behaviour; (h) supervising children during classes and at other times in the school day, including the playground during breaks; (i) participating in staff meetings and other sessions, and conferring with other teachers concerning educational issues; (j) preparing for and attending parent meetings to discuss children’s progress and problems. Example of the occupations classified here: - Primary school teacher Some related occupations classified elsewhere: - Head teacher - 1345 - School principal - 1345 - Schools inspector - 2351.

Early childhood educators promote the social, physical, and intellectual development of children below primary school age through the provision of educational and play activities. Tasks include - (a) planning and organizing individual and group activities designed to facilitate the development of children’s motor, cooperative and social skills, confidence and understanding; (b) promoting language development through storytelling, role play, songs, rhymes and informal conversations and discussions; (c) leading children in activities that provide opportunities for creative expression through the media of art, dramatic play, music and physical fitness; (d) observing children in order to evaluate progress and to detect signs of developmental, emotional or health-related problems; (e) observing and assessing nutritional health, welfare and safety needs of students and identifying factors which may impede students’ progress; (f) supervising children’s activities to ensure safety and resolve conflicts; (g) guiding and assisting children in the development of proper eating, dressing and toilet habits; (h) discussing progress or problems of children with parents and other staff members and identifying appropriate actions and referrals to other services; (i) establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships with other service providers working with young children. Examples of the occupations classified here: - Early childhood educator - Pre-school teacher Some related occupations classified elsewhere: - Child care centre manager - 1341 - Child care worker - 5311.