Getting prepared for the interview is a critical step in landing any job. And when it comes to daycare positions, nailing the initial meeting with potential employers is a must — the job does, after all, revolve around caring for children, which is a massive responsibility.
“When interviewing for a position in early childhood education, it is crucial to project a positive image,” explains Angela Terry, executive director at Bedford Stuyvesant Early Childhood Development Center in Brooklyn. “These programs prioritize finding individuals who genuinely care about the well-being and development of children. A positive first impression can show patience, kindness and a genuine interest in working with young children.”
Here, administrators in early childhood education share a list of potential daycare interview questions — along with answers! — so you can be as prepared as possible.
Key takeaways
- Preparing for a daycare interview is key, as it requires showing passion, patience and professionalism.
- Interviewers are looking for candidates who can handle safety, behavior and communicate effectively.
- You’re more likely to get the job if you demonstrate a genuine commitment to nurturing and educating children.
The importance of prepping for daycare interview questions
First things first: Why review daycare interview questions to begin with? According to Kristen Masters, human resources director at Celebree School, “families want to feel confident that they’re leaving their little ones in the care of a warm, nurturing, capable person.”
During daycare interviews, Masters notes that she looks for candidates who “exude enthusiasm, patience and a genuine passion for working with children.”
Tips for making a strong impression
In addition to preparing for the potential questions, Masters shares the following tips for making a solid first impression during your interview:
Demonstrate energy and engagement.
A warm, friendly demeanor is key, she says, noting that it’s important to smile, make eye contact and be enthusiastic about the opportunity. “The energy a candidate has and the ability to energize others is a huge factor when it comes to hiring decisions,” notes Masters.
Dress professionally, yet comfortably
Even though daycare environments are active, don’t show up for the interview in a sweat set. Dressing appropriately, Masters says, “shows respect for the role and sets the tone for professionalism.”
Ask thoughtful questions
Demonstrating interest in the school’s culture, curriculum and values shows you’re genuinely interested in the position and have a proactive demeanor.
11 must-know interview questions for daycare jobs
No two interviews are alike, but here are some common daycare job interview questions, per Terry and Masters, based on subject.
Questions about experience
1. Tell us about your experience working with children.
A question? No. But you can be sure you‘ll be expected to speak on this in your interview.
“Be honest and highlight hands-on experiences, whether in formal settings like daycare centers or informal ones like babysitting, coaching or tutoring,” Masters says. “Focus on the skills developed, like patience, creativity, adaptability and how they apply to early childhood education.”
Be prepared to share real-world examples of how you’ve positively impacted children’s lives, she continues, and why you are passionate about working with children.
2. Do you have a favorite age group to work with?
Resist the urge to be broad here, out of fear that they’re looking for someone to fill a specific role.
“When I was asked about my favorite age group, I said 3-year-olds,” notes former daycare worker Whitney Sanchez of Los Angeles. “I’ve always loved that age. The kids are starting to get more independent, but are still so curious and cute,” she says. “And luckily, that was the room I was assigned to when there were a number of spots in different aged rooms open.”
Put another way: Lean into what you love and it will show — and hopefully pay off.
Questions about safety
3. How would you handle an emergency situation?
4. What’s your procedure for making sure only authorized persons pick up children?
5. What would you do if a child is unaccounted for?
These are questions you absolutely want to be prepared for, full stop, says Masters.
“When it comes to safety questions, discuss clear, level-headed actions, such as following emergency protocols, ensuring all children are always accounted for, supervision through all events and communicating effectively with the team and parents,” she explains. “If you have CPR/first aid training or other safety certifications, now’s the time to mention it.”
Questions about teaching
6. What does your ideal classroom look and feel like?
Be creative and genuine here. “Emphasize interactive, play-based learning and how you would tailor activities to different developmental stages,” Masters notes. “Share examples of creative lesson plans, hands-on activities or ways you encourage curiosity and exploration in young children.”
In other words: Have specific ideas at the ready.
7. What certifications do you have?
“Do you hold a child development associate certification or an associate’s, bachelor’s or master’s degree in early childhood education? Be ready to share!” notes Terry. “You can also share how many years of teaching experience you have here.”
And remember: Honesty is the best policy in all child care interviews and resumes. If you don’t have a degree, say so (or mention if you’re in the process of getting); and consider following up with any pertinent trainings, skills and experience you do have.
The non-profit Early Learning Ventures suggests mentioning CPR and first aid certifications here (if you haven’t yet mentioned), as well as skills such as proficiency in sign language or a second language.
Questions about discipline and behavior
8. What are your views on disciplining children?
Masters recommends getting to know the daycare or school’s educational and discipline philosophies before the interview — for both yourself and the school.
“It’s important to make sure you understand and align so that you are best supporting the children,” she says. “But it’s also important in determining whether a school is the best fit for you and your values.”
Masters also adds that, where she works, the focus is on positive reinforcement and redirection, and that’s generally also the case at most daycares and early education centers.
9. How do you handle challenging behavior?
When answering these types of questions, Masters notes, “a great response includes examples of setting clear expectations, using age-appropriate guidance and fostering a supportive environment.”
Be sure to highlight skills like patience, care, consistency and modeling appropriate behavior, she adds.
“A great response includes examples of setting clear expectations, using age-appropriate guidance and fostering a supportive environment.”
— Kristen Masters, human resources director, Celebree School
Questions about communication
10. How do you keep parents informed about their child’s progress?
Strong parent communication is absolutely key in early education. “Parents are our customers, and we always want to ensure that we are giving them an exceptional experience, as they are trusting us with their most precious gift!” notes Masters.
“Be sure to mention strategies like daily reports, newsletters, open-door policies and sharing milestone achievements,” she continues. “Demonstrating a partnership mindset with families will stand out.”
Questions about work expectations
11. Are you comfortable with the physical and emotional demands of the job?
Working in a daycare setting isn’t for the faint of heart — literally. “This role requires energy, patience, care and adaptability,” says Masters. “Show that you understand the job’s responsibilities — long hours on your feet, managing multiple children at once — and explain how you stay organized, energized and committed to creating a nurturing and safe environment. Most importantly, be honest and transparent in your ability to do this type of job.”
Terry adds to communicate that you’re aware that staff are expected to meet children where they are, so there’s a lot of bending and eye contact, along with active supervision and talking.
Beyond daycare interview questions
While, yes, having cogent and confident answers is vital in a daycare interview, know that it’s more than that. As Terry notes, “Interviewers seek someone who will provide adequate care and contribute positively to the children’s learning and overall experience.” And you can convey that you’re capable of both in a wide variety of ways — from showing up on time and being enthusiastic to researching the center beforehand.
Ultimately, Masters concludes, “A successful interview isn’t just answering questions correctly but demonstrating a real passion for shaping young minds. At the end of the day, this line of work requires warmth, dedication and patience to ensure children are receiving all the quality care they deserve.”
