Hiring qualified preschool teachers is one of the most critical aspects of running a successful childcare program. As the demand for high-quality child care grows, so does the need for skilled and passionate educators. Having a well-defined hiring process is essential to ensure you find the best possible candidates for your program.
This article provides practical tips on how to hire preschool teachers, from writing an effective job description to conducting thorough interviews and creating a supportive onboarding experience.
How to attract quality preschool teachers
Finding and attracting the right teachers is a crucial step in building a high-quality early childhood education program. It’s worth putting significant effort into your hiring process to find highly qualified teachers to join your staff.
Here are some practical tips to help you attract the best talent:
Showcase your program's unique selling points
Start by focusing on what makes your program a great place to work. A welcoming environment, a well-maintained facility, and efficient operating systems can make your program stand out.
- Highlight your curriculum, teaching methodologies, and any specialized programs or partnerships.
- Mention if you use technology to streamline administrative tasks. For example, a childcare management software like brightwheel can save you up to 20 hours per month and improves communication with families.
Develop an engaging job description
Create an informative job description that highlights the unique aspects of your program and the qualifications you're looking for.
- Clearly state the responsibilities, qualifications, and any specific program requirements.
- Include details on your program's philosophy, the age range of the children, and desired qualifications like degrees, certifications, and experience.
Advertise job openings on various platforms
To reach a wide pool of candidates, advertise your job openings across multiple platforms.
- Utilize online job boards like Indeed and professional networking sites like LinkedIn.
- Contact your local childcare resource and referral agency for help spreading the word.
- Consider advertising at local job fairs and on online forums related to early childhood education.
- Inform your current staff and families about open positions and offer incentives for referrals.
Offer competitive compensation and benefits
To attract top talent, you need to offer a competitive compensation and benefits package. Research the market rates for preschool teachers in your area to ensure your offer is appealing.
- Mention details such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
- Highlight opportunities for professional development and flexible scheduling.
Foster a positive and supportive work culture
Your program’s reputation can significantly impact your success in attracting the best teachers. A positive work culture that supports staff development will help keep turnover low and motivation high. Tell prospective candidates about professional development activities so they understand how their growth will be supported at your program.
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 to write a preschool teacher job description
An effective job description outlines the duties, responsibilities, and qualifications for a role. This is essential for attracting applicants with the right skills and experience. Here are some tips for writing your preschool teacher job description:
- Create a template: A job posting template saves time and ensures you include all important details. Being clear about the role helps you find the right candidate and sets them up for success.
- Determine the job title: Use a formal, descriptive title. Include any special requirements, like experience level, in parentheses if applicable.
- Start with a summary: In two to three sentences, describe the position, its main responsibilities, and who the person will report to. This is your chance to grab the attention of qualified candidates.
- List the essential duties and responsibilities: Detail all the day-to-day tasks of the position. Be specific to avoid confusion. List these in bullet points, ordered by importance.
- Define the requirements and qualifications: State the education, training, skills, and experience your ideal candidate should have. For example, clearly state if a bachelor's degree in early childhood education and two years of experience are required.
- Describe your mission, values, and benefits: Tell potential candidates why your program is a great place to work. Include information about your philosophy, curriculum, compensation, and benefits.
- Explain how to apply: Provide clear instructions and contact information so candidates know the next steps.
How to interview and select preschool teachers
Hiring decisions are some of the most important decisions you’ll make at your preschool program. Once you have a few top applicants, it’s time to move on to the interviewing and selection process.
Conduct thorough interviews and demo lessons
During the interview, consider including a demo lesson as part of the evaluation. This allows you to assess a candidate's teaching style, classroom management skills, and ability to engage with young children.
- Ask candidates to prepare and deliver a short demo lesson on a topic like storytelling or a hands-on activity.
- Observe their instructional techniques and their ability to create a positive learning environment.
Assess soft skills and passion for early childhood education
In addition to technical qualifications, look for soft skills like patience, empathy, and creativity. A genuine enthusiasm for working with young children is crucial.
- Ask open-ended questions about their teaching philosophy, how they handle classroom challenges, or how they foster an inclusive learning environment.
- These questions will help you gauge their passion and dedication to the field.
Conduct background and reference checks
Prioritize the safety of the children in your care by conducting thorough background checks. Most states require anyone working with children to pass a criminal background check and provide fingerprints.
Verify qualifications and employment history. Reach out to references to gain insights into their past work performance. Ask about their job duties, strengths, and areas for improvement. This can confirm details about a candidate's experience and give you valuable insight into how to best manage them.90-day onboarding checklist for new preschool teachers
A solid onboarding program is essential for reducing turnover and retaining your best employees. The first three months are critical for new hires to develop routines, form relationships, and understand your program's culture.
Create an onboarding checklist to track everything that needs to be done before and during their first few months.
First 30 days
Schedule time to introduce new employees to your program’s mission, vision, and values. Share your expectations for their role and help them become familiar with your policies and procedures. Consider assigning a mentor or buddy so your new employee always has someone to go to with questions.
First 60 days
During the second month, your new employee will become more familiar with the daily routine and your program’s goals. Schedule regular check-ins to provide feedback on what’s going well and identify areas for improvement. This is also a great time to discuss career goals and how you can support their professional development.
First 90 days
By the end of the third month, your new employee should feel confident and fully aligned with their role. The onboarding process now involves acknowledging their contributions and working together on solutions to any challenges. Continue to check in on their progress and offer additional training resources if needed.
Hiring preschool teachers FAQs
How do you choose between two candidates?
One way to help make your decision is to ask each candidate to complete a teaching demo. This will allow you to see how they interact with children and handle the classroom.
Another option is to ask for references from each candidate’s previous employers. This will help you understand their work history, strengths, and any areas for additional training.
Where do you find quality preschool teachers?
A job listing on an online job board such as LinkedIn or Indeed will allow you to reach many potential candidates. You can also contact your local early childhood education programs and ask if they have any recommendations. Asking for referrals from friends or family members who have previously hired preschool teachers will also help you land a potential quality teacher.
What is the cost of hiring a preschool teacher?
The cost of hiring a preschool teacher will vary depending on the position and the location. Typically, you can expect to pay between $30 and $60 per hour for a qualified teacher. In some cases, you may also need to pay for additional training or certifications.
What qualifications should I look for in a preschool teacher?
In most cases, preschool teachers have a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and experience working with young children in a preschool setting. It’s also important to consider the qualities of each candidate, such as patience, creativity, organization, and a genuine love for working with children.
How do I onboard new preschool teachers?
Create a 90-day onboarding checklist for new teachers. This will help new teachers stay organized and complete all their required tasks in their first 90 days. The checklist can include meeting with the director, completing all necessary paperwork, observing the classroom, and scheduling regular check-ins.
What are some tips for retaining preschool teachers?
Provide competitive pay and benefits, offer opportunities for professional development, and create a positive work environment. Additionally, it’s important to be supportive and accessible to answer any questions that may come up.
Conclusion
Knowing how to hire preschool teachers is vital for the success of your early childhood education program. Quality teachers have a huge impact on children, helping them develop the skills they need to succeed in school and in life.
Take your time during the hiring process, and create a supportive onboarding experience to attract and retain the best educators. By implementing these tips, you can enhance your hiring process and build a team of passionate, qualified preschool teachers.
