Interviewing and hiring
Interviewing candidates who work closely with children is a much different process from your typical, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” conversation. Surely, you’ll want to make sure to get a clear understanding of a candidate’s background, experience, and education. You’ll also want to ask deeper questions to understand their educational philosophies, teaching strategies, and approach to working with families.
As you narrow down your candidates, verify all certifications and licenses as part of the reference-checking process. Ask professional references about the candidate’s absenteeism, attitude, and flexibility. When making your final decision, consider the soft skills as much as the candidate’s resume. The children in your care thrive on relationships and routine, so it’s especially important to hire someone you can rely on to be consistent, flexible, positive, and creative in handling problems and challenges.