Updated on November 23, 2020 Choosing the right preschool is an important decision. And while a preschool interview is a chance for the staff to get to know your child, it's also an opportunity for you to get to know them. When
interviewing the staff at a potential school, write out your questions beforehand and bring a pen, paper, and your powers of observation to help you make the most of the visit. It's better if your child doesn't accompany you so that you can focus, but if you can't get a sitter or if the school encourages it, by all means, have your little one come. Here are questions to ask to determine if a preschool is a good fit for your child. You may know the answers to many of these basic questions—or at least think you know—but still, it's a good idea to get the answers from someone in authority. They include: You should also ask to see the school's license if it isn't displayed. Licensing assures that a preschool program meets basic safety and quality standards, which is not the same as accreditation. Accredited programs must meet higher criteria. Although a license does not guarantee that a preschool offers a quality education, you should not consider a facility that doesn't have a license. Questions About Your ChildGeneral questions are important, but you also need to find out answers that are specific to your child including:
Educational PhilosophyThere is more than one way to teach a classroom full of preschoolers. In fact, there are dozens. When you meet with the teachers or staff, find out if there is a certain philosophy that they follow. For example, Montessori schools are known for fostering independence while Waldorf schools are known for their creativity. The High/Scope method sets personal goals for kids, Bank Street focuses on child-centered education, and the Reggio Emilia approach follows a child's natural development. Remember that each individual school sets its own tone and has their own method. Some schools don't function based on a particular school of thought, but it's likely they do have a mission of some sort. Find out what it is. Learning and ActivitiesThis is the meat and potatoes part of the preschool interview. Make sure you have the chance to tour all parts of the school. Your questions may include:
Discipline, Socialization, and MealsPart of preschool is teaching your child social skills that he or she will use later on in life. It's important to find out what methods the preschool will use and how you can complement these methods at home. Questions can include:
Health, Safety, and FoodWhile you don't want to imagine anything going wrong, it's important to be prepared in case something does—and make sure that the preschool is as well. Questions you may want to ask include:
Classroom and StaffLearning as much as you can about the teachers who will be working with your child is of the utmost importance. Questions you may want to ask include:
The National Association for the Education of Young Children suggests a student/teacher ratio of 1-to-8 to 1-to-10 for children in the 4- to 5-year-old age group. Parental InvolvementSome schools prefer not to have any parental involvement, while others, like co-ops, require it. Find out how often you will be expected to be in the classroom or if you are even permitted to visit. Questions include:
TuitionFor many parents, this is a dealbreaker. And it's important to note that there can be many facets to preschool costs, including supplies and fundraisers. Try to get as many details ahead of time as you can by asking the following:
Questions to Ask YourselfWhen your interview is over, it's a good idea to take a few minutes to think about your meeting and ask yourself some key questions about what you just saw (that's where those powers of observation come in)! These can include:
By Amanda Rock Thanks for your feedback! What an interviewer should do before an interview?CONDUCTING THE INTERVIEW. Introduce yourself. ... . Set the stage. ... . Review the job. ... . Start with generalized questions. ... . Review the applicant's resume. ... . Ask some consistent questions. ... . Vary your questions. ... . Give candidates a chance to ask questions.. What are the 5 steps involved in interviewing?Interviews are typically broken down into these 5 stages of the interview process:. Introductions.. Small Talk.. Information Gathering.. Question/Answer.. Wrapping Up.. What should I do before during and after an interview?8 Key Things to do Before, During and After your Interview. Research the Company and Interviewer. ... . Prepare your Questions. ... . Know Every Bit of your CV – Know your Strengths and Weaknesses. ... . Eat Something. ... . Be On Time. ... . Body Language. ... . Leaving the Interview. ... . The Follow Up – Thank You Notes.. Which steps help prepare a person most for an interview?In this article, we will explore six steps with details about how to prepare for an interview.. Contact your references.. Conduct a self-assessment.. Research the position and employer.. Prepare for the interview setting.. Practice answers to common interview questions.. Prepare questions for the interviewer.. |