If you’re a parent, this won’t come as a surprise: Taking care of young children is difficult. Teaching them important lessons, both academic and social-emotional, is a true labor of love.

Thankfully, thousands of Primrose school teachers nationwide are up to the challenge.

“Teaching early childhood is both the most difficult and the most rewarding job in education,” says Dr. Maria Shaheen, senior director of early childhood education for Primrose Schools®.

When it comes to specific job qualifications, Primrose schools require varying education and work experience, depending on the position. But all Primrose schools look for teachers who share these five qualities, which are essential for student safety, success and happiness.

They Love Children

It may go without saying, but in child care, a passion for making an impact on young lives is paramount. Teachers must be motivated by a desire to help children and have a genuine appreciation for them.

“I love seeing the spark in a child’s eye when something clicks,” says Sydney, a Toddler teacher at Primrose School at Old Henry Crossing in Louisville, Kentucky. “When they finally write their name, and they run up to me with a huge smile to show me what they did … it makes me feel like I am affecting these children’s lives in a positive way.”

They’re Organized

Teaching children can be chaotic, but children look to adults such as teachers to provide order in their world. Naturally, teachers who are organized and prepared are the most effective.

“The older classes need to be learning on a strict schedule, while infant teachers are fitting learning moments between bottle feedings, diaper changes and nap times,” says Tabitha, an Infant teacher at Primrose School of Brentwood in Tennessee. “There are eight different schedules that we’re adhering to at the same time, so we have to be organized.”

They See the Glass as Half Full

Positivity is a ubiquitous trait at Primrose schools and a quality of a good teacher. Teachers’ positive attitudes help children feel secure, confident and comfortable at school. They model optimistic thinking and resilience.

“Positivity isn’t something you can fake,” says Walter, a Pre-K teacher at Primrose School of Roswell North in Georgia. “You have to truly see things through a positive light, especially when things get a little tough.”

They Like to Get Silly

Teachers spend their days singing, using puppets, playing inside and outside, and laughing with the children. They take their jobs seriously, but not themselves.

Keeshemah, a Pre-K teacher at Primrose School of The Westchase District in Houston, says children respond to genuine enthusiasm and joy from the adults around them. When their teachers have fun, they do, too. “The children will feed off of you,” she says.

They Want to Do Good

At Primrose, we believe who children become is as important as what they know. Teachers are committed to helping children develop positive character traits that will serve them and their communities well in the future.

Kelsey, a Toddler teacher at Primrose School of Nashville Midtown in Tennessee, says she feels like she’s helping shape the next generation.

“I get to teach them how to be good humans, and how to be nice to themselves and nice to each other,” she says.

For more on how children learn at Primrose schools, read:

• A Child Development Approach That Takes the Pressure Off Families
• Partnering with Families to Support Children’s Development
• Fostering a Sense of Belonging in Every Child