I have been asked for a second interview as preschool assistant I need tips!?

Question

I have no prior teaching experience or working with kids, this is my dream job offer and I want to nail it. This is the second interview and they said I would be working with the kids and the parents-help! What are they expecting from me and how can I live up to this????

Answer 1

Congrats on landing a second interview!  I just graduated with my teaching degree and had previously worked with preschool children with emotional disturbances, so I know exactly what age group you're wanting to be with, and trust me, they are fantastic!

First of all, don't stress!  You sound so excited and thrilled about this job - let that enthusiasm shine through!  There's nothing better than an employee who shows their PASSION for children and learning.  A couple key points to mention when applying for jobs in education:

*  Holistic learning - treating the child as an individual and teaching the child as they are.  We can't change children to meet the needs of our curriculum, we have to change the curriculum to meet the needs of the child.  Some kids may need more one-on-one, other may need more challenging tasks (for example, they might already be reading).  

* Multiple intellgences - Children learn in all different ways, so therefore, we must use a variety of instructional strategies in order to best meet their needs.  Some students are visual/spacial learners, so give them diagrams, worksheets, photos, etc.  Other students are mathematical, so give them equations and mesaurements.  Yet other students are interpersonal, so let them work in cooperative groups and in teams to complete a task.

* Positive encouragement - Especially with younger kiddos, this is crucial!  Look for good behaviors and good attempts, and make sure to let the children know you appreciated it.  Give them specific feedback as to what went well - i.e. "Wow, Billy, thank you for sharing your toy truck with Amanda when she asked for it, that was very respectful of you."  Positive encouragement builds the foundation for self-esteem and respectful interactions.

* Community of learners - Parents are a crucial part of a child's learning environment.  Make sure to mention you look forward to working WITH parents in creating the best education and experience for their student.  Giving feedback through meetings or even just short notes give parents the insight they look forward to and the information they need.  Make sure to mention you would REACH OUT to parents, in order to include them in the preschool experience and would ENCOURAGE them to participate in class as much as possible.

Whew!  Sorry for the long-winded answer!  Just wanted to give you some basics that they very likely would ask you in a second interview, you know, the "meat" of the job :)

Hope these tips help and I wish you the best of luck...come back and let me know how it went!  :)

<3,

Abbie

Answer 2

Looks very promising.  Have some fun ideas for kids you could bring up.

Answer 3

If you're going to be working with the kids and parents they want to see how you interact with current staff members, students, and families.  You will either be observed by the administration or they will ask the staff members that are in the room with you to rate you.  Or possibly both.  A couple things to remember are not to be timid.  You don't want them to think you can't be a strong employee.  Use the kids' names.  Don't be afraid to tell a child "no" or interrupt negative behavior where appropriate.  Interact with the kids and get involved in their play.  Move around to different groups and don't place yourself in one part of the room for the whole time.  While interacting with one group of kids be sure to be scanning the room to keep an eye on all of the kids.  When dealing with parents, introduce yourself and be friendly.  Tell them something positive you did with their particular child or something you observed while in the room.  So for example: "Hi, I'm Jane Smith and I'm applying for a job here.  I had a really good time putting puzzles together with Johnny today.  Hopefully I'll see you and Johnny again soon."

Also, don't be afraid to ask the staff members questions about classroom management, discipline procedures, classroom procedures, curriculum, educational philosophy, any anything else that you're wondering about.  It will show that you have initiative and a desire to be successful.  

Good Luck!