The best childcare interview questions are those that reveal a candidate's personal motivations, professional experience, and teaching philosophy. Asking strategic questions allows you to identify the most qualified and dedicated staff members who will be a great fit for your program's culture and values.
Hiring a new staff member is an exciting opportunity to enhance your childcare program, but finding the right person can be a challenge. Using a structured set of interview questions helps you evaluate each candidate fairly, understand their strengths, and determine how they will contribute to a safe and nurturing environment for children.
This article provides a comprehensive list of essential questions to help you hire the best employees for your childcare program.
Why are childcare interview questions important?
Using a thoughtful and prepared list of childcare interview questions is a key opportunity to improve the quality of your program. Finding great teachers who align with your mission makes your program a better place for children, families, and your current staff.
The Childcare Director's Complete Toolkit for Hiring Great Staff
Use this toolkit to interview qualified candidates and hire the best educators for your childcare program.
How do you prepare for a childcare interview?
To ensure the hiring process is efficient and successful, it's important to prepare before scheduling interviews. Hiring is costly in both time and money, and hiring the wrong person can negatively impact staff morale and family satisfaction.
Here’s how to prepare for a smooth interview process:
- Use an app to schedule: Finding a convenient time to meet can be difficult. Use an app like Calendly to easily schedule interviews via email or text.
- Set up a phone screening: Conduct a brief phone screening to ask initial questions and determine if the candidate is a good potential fit. This also gives them a chance to ask questions.
- Request references early: Obtain a list of references with contact information before the in-person interview to streamline the process.
- Create a welcoming environment: Inform your staff about upcoming tours with prospective teachers so they can offer a warm greeting. For promising candidates, consider a brief chat with a current teacher.
- Be ready to make an offer: Candidates often take time off from their current job for an interview. If you find the right person, have an offer and necessary paperwork ready to expedite the hiring process.
Pro-Tip: Increase staff retention by using brightwheel at your childcare program. Two out of three teachers prefer to work at a program that uses brightwheel, which saves them up to 20 hours per month.
What essential childcare interview questions should you ask?
Asking methodical questions gives you a well-rounded view of a candidate and how they might fit into your program. The following eleven questions are designed to help you find trustworthy and dedicated people for your team.
What are good personal experience questions?
Starting an interview with questions about a candidate's personal journey can help them feel more comfortable. These questions provide insight into their values, motivations, and reasons for choosing a career in early childhood education.
1. "When did you know you wanted to work in early childhood education? What drew you to childcare?"
This question reveals a candidate's core motivations. Working in childcare is demanding, so understanding their passion for the profession helps identify genuinely dedicated individuals.
2. "I see your background is [x]; why did you decide to [attend that teaching program, switch career paths, etc.]?"
A candidate's career path shows how they approach challenges and plan for the future. Did they have a clear plan, or were they self-motivated to switch fields? Their story can reveal valuable traits.
3. "What would you like to be doing in five years?"
This question helps determine if a candidate's long-term goals align with the opportunities at your program. For instance, if they aspire to an administrative role, does your business have a path for that?
What are good professional experience questions?
After understanding a candidate's motivations, ask questions about their professional background. These behavioral questions reveal how they handle challenges, work with others, and take responsibility in a professional setting. Remember to give candidates ample time to think and respond without prompting.
4. "What is the biggest challenge you've faced while working in child care? How did you handle it?"
This answer shows what the candidate considers challenging and how they respond to high-pressure situations. It helps you see if their problem-solving style fits your program.
5. "Describe a situation where you had to have a tough conversation with the parent of a child in your care."
Strong family relationships are vital. This question assesses a candidate's ability to handle difficult parent communications with professionalism, respect, and care.
6. "What is one thing you wish you had been more prepared for in your last position, and how did you handle getting up to speed?"
This question highlights a candidate's self-awareness and willingness to learn. It shows how they evaluate their own performance and their motivation to grow professionally.
What are good teaching philosophy questions?
A candidate's teaching philosophy should align with your program's mission and curriculum. These questions illustrate how their beliefs translate into daily practice in the classroom.
7. "What is the most important thing a classroom needs to run smoothly?"
The answer to this question reveals what a candidate prioritizes in their day-to-day work and their understanding of the practical challenges of managing a classroom.
8. "What are the most important qualities of childcare staff and why?"
This question requires candidates to define what they consider the gold standard for early education professionals, showing their approach to working with children, families, and colleagues.
9. A childcare scenario question, such as, "How would you handle a child who frequently resists following instructions?"
A scenario-based question puts a candidate's philosophy into action. Use a real-life situation from your program to see if their instincts align with your approach.
What are good age-specific interview questions?
Tailor questions to the specific age group the candidate would be teaching—infants, toddlers, or preschoolers. This helps determine their understanding of developmental stages and age-appropriate practices.
10. "Given the importance of building a trusting relationship with a child, how do you build trust with an [infant/toddler/preschooler]?"
A candidate’s approach will differ significantly based on the age group. This question assesses their knowledge of child development and their ability to connect with children at different stages.
- 11. "What are some important concepts and skills you believe a/an [infant/toddler/preschooler] should learn before leaving your classroom?"
- This question explores the candidate's understanding of developmental milestones and their approach to curriculum planning for a specific age group.
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FAQ: Helping hiring managers navigate the childcare interview process
What are red flags to look for during a childcare interview?
Pay attention to vague or inconsistent answers, a lack of enthusiasm for working with children, or difficulty providing references. Additionally, watch for signs of discomfort when discussing past experiences or handling challenging situations.
How can I ensure my interview questions are fair and unbiased?
Stick to job-related questions and avoid anything that could be considered personal or discriminatory. Focus on understanding the candidate’s skills, experience, and approach to child care. Use the same set of core questions for every candidate to maintain fairness.
What follow-up questions should I ask after a candidate answers?
Ask for specific examples or scenarios to clarify answers. For instance, if a candidate says they are “good under pressure,” you might ask, “Can you describe a time you handled an emergency while caring for a child?” Follow-up questions help you gain deeper insights into their experience and problem-solving abilities.
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Conclusion
Taking the time to craft a thoughtful list of childcare interview questions is essential for building a strong and effective team. By focusing on questions that explore a candidate's experience, philosophies, and skills, you can identify individuals who align with your program's mission and values.
Investing in this hiring process not only enhances the quality of care and education provided but also supports staff satisfaction and retention. Ultimately, the right interview questions serve as a foundation for creating a positive environment where children thrive and families feel confident in your care.
