Daycare interview ..?

Question

i went to a daycare the other day to apply & she interviewed me. now tomorrow i go for a "working interview" she said its generally 3 hours long, that they will be monitoring me on how the kids take to me and how i handle each age group. she also said not to wear any hoop earrings or loose necklaces & generally at a working interview they like you to wear black slacks & a red coller shirt with sneakers, but not to worry about it. has anybody ever heard of this "working" interview? and what should i know ahead of time ..

Answer 1

First let me say that children have a sixth sense when it comes to people who are "true" to them. As a mom of 4 kids, I know how true this is. The working interview is so they can see your interaction with the kids and how well you can adapt to certain situations ie: dropped off child screaming, fussy baby, school age children fighting and so forth. Just go into this with an open mind and be yourself. You didn't apply to the place if you didn't want to work with kids now did you. And no you don't want to wear anything that dangles because you won't have it any longer...babies and tods love shiny, dangly things they can pull on. Good Luck!!

Answer 2

Lots of companies now have working interviews, keeps them from hiring the wrong person &/or you going to work for somebody you dont want to work for.

Answer 3

Some daycare centers do them.  Like you said, it really is to see how the kids react to you and which age group you work best with.  If the kids don't like you, don't expect the parents to like you.  If the parents don't like you, they won't leave their kids there (no pressure).  

The outfit is probably just so everyone will know you are an interviewee, especially if a state inspector shows up during your interview.  The large earrings and necklaces should be left at home because kids do grab at things.  Even if you get the job, this might be a rule.

Good luck.

Answer 4

It is just what she said.  She might like you and you might have all the right qualifications but if the children do not like you or cant relate to you then it would never work.  When you go she is right about the jewelry little kids get fascinated by it and you can get an earing yanked out fast and the clothes is simply so they know you are training when a parent comes in.  Just relax go in and treat the "interview" like you would a day at work.  Don't be all nicey nice to the kids unless that is the way you will always be because a kid can pick up on it if you try to hard or if you are acting.  If you are tense then they will be as well so go and enjoy the 3 hours and hope for the best.

Answer 5

When I worked in my first daycare, I had a working interview. They want to be sure that you are good with the kids. It is basically just a shorter day to give you a basic idea of what goes on. It is as much for the daycare as it is for you(they don't want to hire someone and have them quit b/c it is not what they thought it was). Some people are just not cut out for working with kids and they want to be sure you can handle it before giving you the job. They will probably ask you how it went, and if you are still interested in the job.

In the working interview you will do everything you do on a normal day. You are expected to interact with the children. Change diaper and feed bottles(if applicable). It also give the daycare a chance to see which age group you do best with. On my interview I worked with infants for half the time and then moved to threes. I was asked at the end which I enjoyed being with more. Answer honestly(to an extent), so they know where to place you. I liked all ages, so the daycare had me float between all the rooms as a fill in(I loved it). You are also going to be observed by the head teacher. She/He will probably fill out a report on your interaction with the kids, etc.

The daycare really wants to know that they are hiring the right person. They want someone to play with the kids, be open to learning.suggestion, etc. Don't go in and sit in a chair and watch the kids play. Actually play with them. Offer the head teacher assistance if she needs something(if you see her changing a diaper, offer to do the next one, etc).

Don't stress over it. They expect you to be a little nervous. They are not looking for you to know everything or take charge like you've been there for years. Good interactions and being able to be at ease with the kids is the most important.

Answer 6

I worked in a daycare for 5 years, I've  never heard of a working interview) only a you're on 30 days notice or something like that, but, I'm sure they want to see how interested you are in the children, so, get on the child's eye level, smile at all of them, ask them open ended questions like let's count the dinosaurs on your shirt, (not questions like is that a dinosaur on your shirt? If you ask them  these type of questions it will get a one word answer, yes, or no, therefore the child doesn't get to express themselves very well.  You may be requested to work in a baby room, most children like to meet a new face but, sometimes baby's cry for the face they are use to in their room, don't take it personel, smile and tell the baby it's O.K. and maybe hand them a toy.  Take care of your needs before you start your 3 hours, be sure and eat, turn off your phone, use the bathroom, and perhaps put a few pieces of kleenex in your pocket to wipe runny noses.  Jewlery can definately get broken and it can also scratch small children accidently.  If you get the chance to meet any of the childrens parents, make eye contact with them, tell them what lovely children they have, and how anxious you are to have the opportunity to be their childs teacher, if you have any previous experience reassure them their  child is going to be well cared for, loved and nurtured, and if they have any concerns to please let you know, If you get the job make each day unique, fun and special and you will make a wonderful employee.