Preschool and daycare teacher interview question examples

Preschool and daycare early childhood teacher interview questions

Apr 30, 2025

Navigating the Early Childhood Interview Process: Key Questions for Preschool and Daycare Teachers

Interview Questions and Answers for Preschool, Daycare & Early Childhood Education Jobs

When interviewing for a position as a preschool teacher, daycare worker, or early childhood educator, candidates must be prepared to answer questions that assess not only their teaching experience and background, but also their ability to nurture, manage, and connect with young children.

Employers are looking for individuals who can create a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment—whether for a permanent role or a substitute teacher filling in temporarily.

Below, we explore the most common early childhood interview questions, explain why they’re asked, and provide sample answers that demonstrate best practices and professionalism.

Core Early Childhood Education Interview Questions

Can you describe your educational philosophy for early childhood learning?

“I believe in child-centered education that supports learning through play, exploration, and hands-on experience. Young children build knowledge through doing, so I create environments that let them ask questions, take small risks, and solve problems socially and creatively.”

Why they ask: To understand your foundational beliefs. Most programs align with play-based, developmentally appropriate philosophies.

How do you communicate with parents about a child’s progress and challenges?

“I use a mix of informal pickup updates and more structured tools like portfolios or weekly reports. For concerns, I schedule a calm, private conversation and focus on observed behaviors, not labels. I want parents to feel included, not judged.”

What they’re looking for: Calm, respectful, ongoing parent partnerships—not reactive or overly formal approaches.

What strategies do you use to manage challenging behavior in the classroom?

“I set clear expectations early and reinforce positive behavior. I also redirect when needed, offer choices, and stay calm during escalations. For example, I had a 3-year-old who would push during transitions. Giving him a ‘line leader’ role reduced the behavior by 80%.”

Pro tip: Mention using tools like visual schedules, calm-down corners, or feelings charts if relevant.

How do you ensure your teaching meets the diverse needs of children in your care?

“I plan flexible, multi-sensory activities and use open-ended materials that children can explore at their own pace. I also adapt language, visuals, and pacing depending on developmental levels and home languages.”

Include: references to differentiated instruction, cultural inclusion, or IEP awareness.

Can you give an example of a successful project or activity you’ve led?

“I created a ‘Mini Market’ dramatic play center. Children practiced math with pretend coins, wrote signs, and learned turn-taking. Parents donated materials and it became a favorite station for weeks.”

Tip: Emphasize why it worked—cross-domain learning, child-led play, or parent involvement.

How do you stay current with developments in early childhood education?

“I subscribe to NAEYC updates, attend local workshops, and follow a few Montessori- and Reggio-inspired educators online. I’m also pursuing a CDA renewal this year.”

Insight: Lifelong learning is highly valued, even if it’s informal.

What is your approach to creating a safe and inclusive classroom?

“I greet each child by name, honor home cultures in our activities, and give children predictable routines. I also check the room daily for hazards and teach consent through phrases like ‘Ask before you hug.’”

Bonus: Mention classroom arrangement, supervision zones, or allergy protocols.

Daycare Interview Questions & Preschool-Specific Scenarios

How do you handle separation anxiety at drop-off?

“I greet the child by name, offer a comforting object, and guide them into an activity they enjoy. I ask the caregiver to keep goodbyes short but predictable. After a few days, most kids settle quickly.”

How do you support social-emotional development?

“I teach feelings vocabulary, narrate conflicts with empathy, and model how to ask for help or space. I also build rituals like sharing circles to practice listening and speaking in turn.”

What would you do if a toddler bites another child?

“I separate calmly, comfort the child who was bitten, and offer the biter a firm but simple redirection. I document the incident and notify parents with a clear, non-blaming tone. I also track patterns to prevent recurrence.”

How do you teach language and literacy in a play-based setting?

“Through songs, labeling, storytelling, and environmental print. I also use small-group read-alouds and let children retell stories using props.”

How do you structure your daily schedule for preschoolers?

“Arrival, circle time, centers, snack, outdoor play, lunch, quiet time, and story or music. I use visuals and songs to cue transitions.”

Interview Questions for Early Childhood Educator Substitutes

These apply if you’re interviewing to be a substitute in a daycare or preschool setting.

What do you do if no lesson plan is provided?

“I carry a toolkit of age-appropriate read-alouds, movement games, and art prompts. I also ask the center’s lead or director if there’s a standing routine. My goal is to keep children engaged and the room calm.”

How do you build quick rapport with children during a short assignment?

“I learn names fast, join them at their level, and mirror the classroom tone. Even in one day, I can establish trust by being calm, predictable, and interested in their play.”