Child Care Providers Interview Questions

What is your favorite part of being a childcare provider?

When answering this question, you should consider specific details that show your passion for childcare. If you have an anecdote from a particular session or activity that you enjoyed, share it. Be prepared to give examples of how you develop relationships with your student and how you engage them in fun, educational, and positive activities.

Example answer: "I love working with children. I'm so happy to be able to positively influence the development of tiny humans every day. My favorite part of the day is snuggling up with a child and reading them a story. It's a great way to end the day and to show that I care about them."

What kind of childcare experience do you have?

This question is as much about your experience as it is about your attitude toward working with children. When considering an answer, keep in mind that you need to show your enthusiasm for working with children. Most childcare centers and nannies want to hire candidates who enjoy working with kids.

Example answer: "I have experience working with children in a variety of settings. I started working at the local YMCA camp when I was a teenager, where I led other kids in activities like archery and kayaking. I was also employed as a babysitter and nanny throughout high school and college. I had a great relationship with my own babysitter growing up, and I try to model my childcare style after hers."

Tell me about your last childcare job. What was a typical day like?

This question is intended to see what you can bring to the role. Since you are about to come on board as a childcare worker, they want to ensure you have the experience needed to be successful. Help the employer see that by highlighting the skills you will bring to the position. The answer should focus on your enthusiasm and passion for helping children, which will make you a valuable resource for families.

Example answer: "On a typical day, I arrive at the childcare center before the children arrive to prepare their space and get everything prepared. I greet the children and get them settled for the day by reading a book in their individual rooms. I help them transition into eating a healthy snack. After snack time, I use free play to work on social and cognitive development while I monitor them. I end the day by reading a story, doing a little singing and saying goodnight to each child."

How do you feel about working with children who have special needs?

Working with children who have special needs can be challenging, but it can also be very rewarding and fulfilling. This question reveals the employer's expectations of the childcare provider on their team. You should show your enthusiasm for working with children who require extra care and your willingness to learn about any special needs to meet them.

Example answer: "I feel great about it. My experience working with children with special needs has proven to be a very rewarding experience. I enjoy the challenge and the opportunity to help these children grow and develop through an inclusive classroom environment. I am excited to meet their individual needs and have a positive influence on their education."

What made you choose child care as a career path?

As a child care professional, you spend a significant amount of time with children. It is important to appreciate the career's demands and the challenges you might face in this line of work. Your answer should demonstrate that you are able to enjoy this role despite the difficulties. This will speak to your professionalism, commitment and maturity.

Example answer: "I chose this career path because I have always loved working with children. I enjoy helping them reach new developmental milestones and watching them grow. When I was raising my own children, I took care of other children in the neighborhood on the weekends and in the evenings. That experience made me realize how much I enjoy spending time with children. This is when I decided to start pursuing a career in childcare."