Because kindergarten teachers work with four- to six-year-olds, it is helpful if they are trained in early childhood development; kindergarten teachers keep a relatively playful but orderly atmosphere in the classroom while introducing students to the basics of phonics, reading, science, math, and personal hygiene. Kindergarten teachers use small and large group activities, including games, storytime, arts and crafts projects, songs, and dance to keep students interested and involved in learning the foundational subjects they will build upon throughout their academic careers. Kindergarten teachers must also monitor students’ intellectual, emotional, behavioral, and social progress and communicate this information to parents and school administrators. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the 2007 median earnings for kindergarten teachers was $45,120; the highest-paid 10% made more than $72,130 while the lowest-paid 10% made less than $29,300. The top paying states for kindergarten teachers were Rhode Island, New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Virginia. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there were 170,000 kindergarten teachers in the US in 2006 and projects there will be 198,000 in 2016 for an increase of 16%. The BLS describes such growth in job prospects "as fast as average." Most growth is expected in the South and West, especially Nevada, Arizona, Texas, and Georgia, while enrollments in the Northeast are expected to decline. Degrees for Kindergarten Teachers Kindergarten teachers usually need bachelor’s degrees, especially in public school environments, but sometimes may begin with associate degrees, particularly in private schools. Associate Degrees Ashworth College: Early Childhood Education University of Phoenix: AA Elementary Education Bachelor’s Degrees Drexel University BS Education (K-6) East Carolina University: BS Birth through Kindergarten Education Grand Canyon University: BS Elementary Education/Special Education (Dual Major) University of North Carolina: BS Birth to Kindergarten Education University of Phoenix: BS Education/Elementary Education Walden University: BS Child Development Western Governors University: BA Interdisciplinary Studies (K-8) Master’s Degrees Capella University: K-12 Studies in Education Kaplan University: MS Education/Teaching Literacy and Language (K-6) Kaplan University: MS Education/Teaching Mathematics (K-5) Kaplan University: MS Education/Teaching Science (K-6) University of Phoenix: MA Education/Elementary Education/Early Childhood Specialization Walden University: MS Education/Elementary Reading & Literacy (PreK-6) Walden University: MS Education/Elementary Reading & Mathematics (K-6) Walden University: MS Education/Integrating Technology in the Classroom (K-12) Walden University: MS Education/Science (K-8) Western Governors University: MA Teaching (K-8) Doctorate Degrees Capella University: K-12 Studies in Education Jones International University: EdD K-12 Leadership Walden University: Early Childhood Education Walden University: K-12 Education Leadership