What to expect at a Childcare interview?

Question

i have an interview on monday at a daycare center. what kind of things should i expect to be asked. any ideas on how to impress them. i really want this job. it would mean the world to me.

Answer 1

I am an admin at a center and I interview all the time.  I ask of course about experience, i ask about being part of a time and working with others, i ask about parent communication, i ask likes/dislikes of the field, i ask what the person can bring to the job...i have them describe themselves in 3 words, i ask about the rewars of working with children, i ask situation questions like what would you do if..i ask what they think a typical day in a certain age class room would be like, ia sk them their personal lifetime goals, just be yourself, be honest, ask if you do not understand the question, dress professional, be polite and basically "sell" yourself as the best candidate.  Good luck

Answer 2

The more knowledge you have of how a daycare runs, and how important childcare issues are, especially abuse and the regulations of the centre. Make sure you know the ratios of teacher to child, also be aware of proper discipline techniques, be prepared to answer questions concerning problem solving as well. They usually give a scenario and will be expecting a certain response. You may also be asked what your personal philosophy is concerning children and their rights. You could be asked about your creativity and teaching style, and possibly be asked on the spot for a game idea or song. It really depends. But be well prepared. And also be ready to discuss your relevant experience.

Answer 3

How can you tell if the center runs a quality program?

Answer 4

Make sure your ready for the "What do you dislike the most of childcare" question. That one really threw me off.

They'll ask you how you would handle a child who's not behaving. Also how to you'd handle a parent if they were really upset. Why do you want this job? What do you expect of the director?

Answer 5

After working in schools, kindy and childcare centres for 13 years, I am now a recruitment consultant, placing temp staff into childcare and schools, interviewing staff on a daily basis.... the following are the types of things that we ask to gain an understanding of the interviewees knowledge, personality and beliefs.

1. What are your main objectives when working with children? (what can you bring to their day, that would benefit them)

2. What are 3 potential hazards you might find in a child care centre, and how could you minimise these hazards?

3. How would you help to settle a distressed child? (ie when parent/guardian has just left them at the centre)

4. If you suspected a child has a temperature, what would you do?

5. If a child has an accident what would you do?

6. If you suspect a child has been neglected or abused, what would you do?

7. What activities would you find in the babies/toddlers/kindy room? (shows basic child development knowledge)

8. What do you consider to be your strengths when working with children?

9. What area do you think you could improve on?

10. What behaviour management techniques would you implement with babies/toddlers/kindy children (again shows knowledge of child development)

11. What 5 words would describe your personality?

The interview questions may be worded differently, but the essence of what your answers to these questions would be, should be covered in any proper interview for a day care position.

Good luck... let us know how you go!