How do I get a job as a pre-primary teacher?
To get a pre-primary teacher job: complete early-years training, gain some classroom experience, build a short CV and portfolio, apply to play schools, private schools and international schools, prepare a 5 to 10 minute demo activity and practise common interview questions. Many teachers start as assistants and move into lead roles within a year or two.
What this means in practice
Schools hire people who are warm with children, speak clearly and show practical skills. Your demo activity often decides the outcome.
Job-search checklist
- Training certificate or proof of enrolment
- One-page CV with skills and experience
- Portfolio: lesson plans, activity photos (no faces), references
- Demo activity: a rhyme, story or game
- List of 30 target schools
Where to find vacancies
School websites, Naukri, Indeed, LinkedIn, local newspapers, teacher WhatsApp groups and walk-in visits to play schools.
Preparing a strong demo activity
Choose something short, lively and complete: a story with props, an action rhyme leading into a counting game, or a phonics sound hunt. Plan an opening that grabs attention, a middle where every child takes part, and a clear ending. Bring your own simple materials. Speak slowly, kneel to children's level, praise specific actions and keep calm if something goes wrong. Afterwards, be ready to explain what children learned and how you would adapt the activity for younger or older children.
Practical next steps
- Finish or enrol in training.
- Get 20 to 40 hours of practice.
- Build your CV and portfolio.
- Apply widely and follow up politely.
Common follow-up questions
Can I get a job while still training?
Many assistants are hired while training.
Does APTTI help with jobs?
APTTI offers job assistance at the end of the course.
Sources
Course facts from APTTI's published course pages, checked 10 October 2026. Editorial policy.