17 Preschool Assistant Interview Questions and Answers

Working with children is a challenging but rewarding job. That’s why preschool assistants are in high demand. If you’re looking for a position in a daycare, preschool, or early childhood education center, you’ll need to be prepared to answer some common interview questions.

In this guide, we’ll provide you with sample questions and answers that will help you prepare for your interview. We’ll also provide you with tips on how to dress and what to bring with you.

The most common interview questions for preschool assistants will focus on your experience with children, your ability to work with a team, and your knowledge of early childhood education. Be sure to review the questions and answers in this guide so you can be prepared to answer any question that comes your way.

Are you CPR certified?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have any additional certifications. If you are CPR certified, explain what your certification is and how it helps you in your role as a preschool assistant.

Example: “I am not CPR certified, but I do have my first aid certificate. In my previous position, I assisted the teacher with administering first aid when necessary. I also helped children calm down by distracting them or helping them find something they enjoyed doing. These skills help me be prepared for anything that might happen during the school day.”

What are your qualifications for working with children?

Employers ask this question to make sure you have the right qualifications for working with children. They want someone who has experience working with young kids and can keep them safe. When answering, list any relevant certifications or degrees you have. If you don’t have any, explain what experiences you have that qualify you for the job.

Example: “I have a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. I also have my CPR certification and first aid certification. I worked as a nanny for two years before getting my degree, so I have plenty of experience working with kids. I love being around them and helping them learn new things.”

How would you handle a situation where a child is acting out or upset?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your conflict resolution skills. They want to know how you would help the child calm down and get back to their normal behavior. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to help the child feel better. Explain that you will use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage good behavior.

Example: “If a child is acting out or upset, I first try to find out why they are feeling that way. If it’s something I can fix, like if they need more play time outside, then I’ll make sure to accommodate them. If there isn’t anything I can do about the situation, I’ll talk with the teacher to see if we can come up with a solution together. For example, maybe we could move the child to another group so they have new friends.”

What is your experience with working with special needs children?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have experience working with children who are developmentally delayed or have other special needs. If you do, explain how your previous experiences helped you develop skills that will be helpful in this role.

Example: “I worked as a preschool assistant for two years at a school where we had a classroom dedicated to students with special needs. I learned how to work with these kids and their families to create an inclusive environment where all of the students could learn together. In my current position, I am able to use those same strategies to help support teachers when they need it.”

Provide an example of a time when you helped a child learn a new skill or concept.

This question can help the interviewer determine how you apply your teaching skills to different age groups. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific skill or concept that you helped a child learn and how you did so.

Example: “When I was working as an assistant teacher at my previous preschool, one of my students had trouble learning his colors. He would often mix up red and blue, but after several weeks of practice, he learned all of his colors. Seeing him succeed in learning something new made me feel successful as well.”

If a child was sick and you had to fill in for them, how would you stay engaged and focused?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you would handle unexpected challenges in your role. Your answer should show that you are a problem solver and have experience working with children who aren’t feeling well.

Example: “If a child was sick, I would try to make sure they were comfortable and entertained while still getting their work done. For example, if we were learning about animals, I might read them books about animals or sing songs about animals. If there is one thing I’ve learned from my previous experiences, it’s that kids get over being sick quickly when they’re having fun.”

What would you do if you noticed two students playing together during class time?

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle classroom disruptions. It’s important to show that you’re willing to step in and redirect students when necessary, but also that you’re able to encourage positive behavior among students.

Example: “I would first ask the students what they were playing about and if they could continue their play after class time. If they couldn’t, I would tell them that it’s not okay to play during class time and remind them of our rules. Then, I would give them a few minutes to finish their play before moving on with the lesson.”

How well do you handle stress?

Working with young children can be stressful at times. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the ability to handle stress and remain calm in a high-pressure situation. In your answer, explain that you are able to stay calm under pressure. Explain how you manage your emotions when things get hectic.

Example: “I am very good at remaining calm during stressful situations. I know that it’s important to keep my cool even if the kids start acting up or there is an emergency. When I’m stressed, I take a few deep breaths to help me relax. Then, I try to find a solution to whatever problem we’re facing. If I need help, I ask for it so that everyone can feel safe.”

Do you enjoy working with children?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your personality and how you feel about working with children. It’s important that you answer this question honestly, as it can help them determine if you’re going to be a good fit for their school. If you don’t enjoy working with children, consider explaining why you applied for this position.

Example: “I love working with children because they are so full of life and energy. I find it rewarding to watch them grow and develop new skills every day. Working in childcare has always been my dream job, and I’m excited to get started.”

When disciplining a child, what is your process for deciding on and carrying out an appropriate punishment?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your ability to handle challenging situations with students. Your answer should include a specific example of how you handled a disciplinary situation in the past and what steps you took to ensure that the punishment was effective.

Example: “In my experience, it’s important to make sure that any discipline I carry out is fair and consistent. For instance, if one student breaks a rule by talking during quiet time, but another student does the same thing later in the day, they should also receive the same consequence. To avoid favoritism, I always write down all infractions so that I can refer back to them when deciding on punishments.”

We want our preschool assistants to be positive role models for our students. Provide an example of a time when you modeled good behavior for a child.

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your teaching style and how you interact with children. When answering, it can be helpful to provide an example of a specific situation where you modeled good behavior for a child and helped them develop positive habits.

Example: “When I was working as a preschool teacher’s assistant, one day the teacher had to leave early because her son got sick. She asked me if I could stay until she returned in case anything happened. While she was gone, I noticed that one student kept throwing his toys on the floor. I went over to him and told him he needed to put his toys away before playing with something else. He did so, and then we played together for the rest of the class.”

Describe your experience with food preparation.

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with food preparation and how you handle working in a kitchen. If the school has its own cafeteria, they may want to know if you have any previous experience working there.

Example: “I worked as a prep cook at a local restaurant for two years before I started my current job as a preschool teacher’s assistant. During that time, I learned how to prepare many different types of foods, including breakfast items, lunch and dinner meals. I also learned how to work efficiently in a busy kitchen so I could help other cooks when needed.”

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you feel you can contribute to their school. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills and experiences that make you an ideal candidate for this role. Focus on highlighting your soft skills such as communication, organization and teamwork.

Example: “I believe I am the best candidate for this position because I have extensive experience working with children in a classroom setting. In my previous job, I worked as a teacher’s assistant where I helped teachers manage the classroom and taught lessons alongside them. I also think I would be a great fit for this role because I am highly organized and detail-oriented. This skill has helped me keep track of important information and tasks throughout my career.”

Which age group do you most enjoy working with?

This question helps employers determine if you are a good fit for their school. They want to know that you enjoy working with the age group they have in their program. When answering this question, be honest about your preferences but also emphasize how much you enjoy working with all ages.

Example: “I really enjoy working with children from two to five years old. I find them so curious and eager to learn new things. It’s fun to watch them develop new skills and gain confidence as they grow. However, I love working with all ages. Each age has its own unique personality and challenges. I am always excited to see what each day brings.”

What do you think is the most important skill for a preschool assistant to have?

This question can help the interviewer determine what you value in a preschool assistant. They may also use your answer to decide which skills they should test during the interview process. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think about the most important skill that helped you succeed as a preschool assistant.

Example: “I believe the most important skill for a preschool assistant is communication. As a preschool assistant, I am often the first person parents see when they have questions or concerns. It’s my job to make sure they feel comfortable and confident with their child’s progress. In addition, I need to communicate effectively with other teachers and administrators so we can work together to ensure our students are getting the best education possible.”

How often do you think a preschool assistant should check in with the teacher?

Interviewers may ask this question to see how you handle working with a team. They want to know that you understand the importance of collaboration and teamwork in the classroom. In your answer, explain that you think it’s important for assistants to check in with teachers at least once every hour. This allows both parties to stay informed about what’s happening in the classroom and gives them an opportunity to address any concerns or questions they might have.

Example: “I believe that assistants should check in with their teacher at least once per hour. This helps ensure that everyone is on the same page and provides opportunities to discuss anything that might be going on in the classroom. I find that checking in more often than once per hour can distract from learning activities, so I try to limit my checks to once per hour.”

There is a conflict between two students. How would you handle it?

This question can help an interviewer determine how you would handle a challenging situation. It is important to show that you have the skills and confidence to resolve conflicts in a positive way.

Example: “I would first make sure I had all of the facts about what happened. Then, I would talk with both students separately to get their sides of the story. After this, I would speak with the teacher to see if they noticed any patterns or trends. If there was still no clear solution, I would ask for advice from my supervisor on how to proceed. In most cases, I am able to solve these situations by talking with everyone involved.”