20 The Goddard School Interview Questions and Answers

The Goddard School is a well-known child care service provider in Lithia, FL. They are always looking for qualified and passionate individuals to join their team.

If you are interested in working for The Goddard School, it is important to be prepared for your interview. In this article, we will provide some sample questions that you may be asked during your interview.

The Goddard School Interview Process

The interview process at The Goddard School is relatively straightforward. After submitting an application, candidates will typically be contacted within a week or two to schedule an initial phone screen. This phone screen will last about 30 minutes and will be conducted by a member of the school’s HR team.

After the initial phone screen, candidates will be invited to come in for an in-person interview with the school’s director. This interview will last about an hour, and will focus on the candidate’s experience working with children, as well as their availability and scheduling flexibility.

Overall, the interview process at The Goddard School is relatively quick and easy. Candidates who have previous experience working with children and are able to demonstrate their availability and flexibility should have no problem getting through to the next stage of the hiring process.

1. What experience do you have working with children?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your background and experience working with children. If you have worked in a child care setting before, share details of what your responsibilities were and how they helped you develop skills that are relevant for the role. If you haven’t worked in a child care setting, consider sharing experiences from other roles where you interacted with children or developed skills that can help you succeed in this position.

Example: “I’ve been babysitting since I was 12 years old, and I started working as a nanny when I was 18. In both positions, I learned how to interact with children of different ages and personalities. I also gained valuable experience helping families manage their schedules and household tasks.”

2. How would you go about handling a parent complaint?

Parents are the primary stakeholders of a child care service. They want to know that their children are in good hands and that they’re being well cared for. Parents also want to be sure that any issues or complaints they have will be addressed promptly and effectively. Your answer should show your ability to listen, empathize and resolve conflicts with parents.

Example: “I would first make sure I understood exactly what the parent was complaining about. Then, I would call them back within 24 hours to let them know how we were going to address it. If there is an issue with one of our teachers, I would ensure that the teacher gets help as soon as possible. For example, if a teacher needs training on a certain skill, I would arrange for them to get additional training.”

3. How would you handle when two parents are fighting over something that is out of your control?

Parents sometimes have disagreements that are out of the teacher’s control. The interviewer wants to know how you would handle this situation and ensure the safety of the children in your care.

Example: “I would first make sure the parents were not fighting in front of the children, then I would ask them to step outside so we could discuss what was happening. If one parent is upset with another, I would try to calm them down before asking for more information about what happened. Then, I would call the other parent into my office to talk about the issue.”

4. Are you comfortable reading bedtime stories to children?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience reading aloud. If you have previous experience, share a story or two that you read to the children in your care and how they reacted to it. If you do not have any experience reading bedtime stories, explain what other activities you would use to help children wind down for sleep.

Example: “I love reading bedtime stories to children because I find it so rewarding when they react positively to my voice. In my last role as a teacher’s aide, I helped out with a kindergarten class where we had a weekly story time before nap time. The students loved hearing me read them their favorite books, and I found it very rewarding to see their reactions.”

5. Tell me how you would handle a situation where there was a child who needed special attention and the other children were getting jealous.

The interviewer wants to know how you would handle a situation that could be challenging. They want to see if you can use your problem-solving skills and interpersonal skills to help the child who needs special attention while also keeping the other children happy.

Example: “I would first talk with the parents about what I thought was best for their child, and then I would explain to the other children why they couldn’t play with this particular child at that moment. Then, I would find another activity for them to do so they didn’t feel left out. For example, I might have them color or draw until the other child is ready to interact.”

6. Do you feel more comfortable in a fast-paced or slow-paced work environment?

The interviewer may ask this question to determine how you would fit into the work environment at The Goddard School. Your answer should show that you can adapt to different types of environments and are willing to adjust your pace as needed.

Example: “I feel more comfortable in a fast-paced environment, but I am also able to adapt to slower ones. In my previous role, I worked with children who had special needs, so I was used to working at a slower pace. However, when I taught younger children, I adjusted my pace to meet their needs.”

7. Describe how you create lesson plans.

The interviewer wants to know how you plan your day and the activities you do with the children. Use examples from previous experiences to show that you can create a schedule for yourself and others.

Example: “I start by looking at what we did the day before, which helps me decide what I want to focus on during the current day. Then, I look at any materials or resources I have available to help me teach the lesson. Finally, I make sure I have enough time to complete all of my planned lessons.”

8. What qualities should an assistant teacher have?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your teaching skills and how you would apply them in their school. Use examples from your experience that show you have the qualities of an effective assistant teacher, such as patience, organization and communication skills.

Example: “An assistant teacher should be patient with children and parents, organized and able to communicate effectively with other teachers and staff members. I am all of these things because I understand how important it is for everyone to work together to create a positive learning environment for the kids.”

9. How many times a day would you change the diaper of a baby in your care?

The interviewer wants to know how you would handle the physical demands of caring for children. Your answer should show that you are physically capable of handling the job and have experience with changing diapers.

Example: “I change a baby’s diaper at least once every two hours, but I prefer to do it more often if they’re wet or dirty. Babies can’t communicate when they need their diaper changed, so it’s important to check them frequently. In my last position, I had three babies in my care who were all under one year old. I was able to keep up with changing their diapers without any issues.”

10. How do you know when to discipline a child versus when to talk to them?

The interviewer wants to know how you apply your knowledge of child development and behavior to determine the best way to respond to a situation. Use examples from your experience that show you can use your critical thinking skills to make decisions about when to discipline or talk with children.

Example: “I always start by talking to the child first, especially if it’s their first time acting out. I ask them what they’re feeling and try to help them find an appropriate way to express themselves. If this doesn’t work, then I’ll move on to using consequences for their actions. For example, if a child is throwing blocks at other kids, I’ll remove them from playtime until they calm down.”

11. Why do you want to be an assistant teacher?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your passion for working with children. They want to know that you are committed to helping the teacher and providing a fun learning environment for the students. In your answer, share what inspired you to become an assistant teacher. Explain how you plan to use your skills and talents to help the school achieve its goals.

Example: “I have always loved being around kids. I remember when I was in high school, I volunteered at my local library where they had story time every week. I would read stories to the younger kids while their parents were looking for books. It was so much fun seeing them laugh and enjoy themselves. Ever since then, I knew I wanted to work with kids.”

12. Have you ever had any issues with parents being rude to you, if so what did you do to resolve it?

Parents can sometimes be rude to teachers, especially when they’re upset about something. Employers ask this question to make sure you know how to handle these situations and that you have the skills necessary to resolve them. In your answer, explain what you would do in a situation like this.

Example: “I’ve had parents get angry with me before, but I always try to remain calm and professional. If someone is being rude to me, I will listen to what they have to say and respond calmly. I find that if I stay calm, it’s easier for others to follow my lead. I also try to understand where they are coming from and empathize with their feelings.”

13. When have you struggled to get a point across to a student/child?

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your teaching style and how you handle challenges. When answering, it can be helpful to describe a specific situation where you had trouble communicating with a student or child and what steps you took to overcome the challenge.

Example: “When I first started teaching, I was working with a student who didn’t speak much English. At first, he seemed to understand me, but then would often act out in class. After talking with his parents, we realized that he wasn’t understanding my directions because they were given in English. We worked together to create hand signals for certain words and actions so he could communicate better.”

14. Do you have any certifications from the state? If so, which ones?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have any certifications that are relevant to the position. If you do, be sure to mention them in your answer and explain how they helped you become a better teacher or child care provider.

Example: “I am certified in CPR for children and infants as well as first aid. I feel these certifications help me provide a safe environment for the children in my care. For example, when I noticed one of the children had a fever, I immediately took action by calling their parents and administering medicine. This certification allowed me to take care of the situation without having to call an ambulance.”

15. Do you think it’s important to teach life skills and why?

The interviewer wants to know how you feel about teaching children life skills and what your philosophy is on the subject. This question also helps them determine if you have any experience with it in your previous roles. Use examples from your past experiences or explain why you think it’s important for children to learn these skills early.

Example: “I believe that teaching children life skills at a young age can help them develop confidence and independence, which will benefit them throughout their lives. In my last role, I had a student who was very shy and didn’t like to speak up in front of others. We started working on public speaking together by practicing in class and eventually moved outside of the classroom so he could get more comfortable. By the end of the year, he was able to give an entire presentation in front of his parents.”

16. Do you think toddlers need a set schedule for eating, sleeping and playing? Why or why not?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with toddlers and how you handle their schedules. Use examples from your previous experiences to show the interviewer that you understand the importance of a schedule for young children.

Example: “I think it’s important for toddlers to have a set schedule because they’re still learning what is expected of them during the day. Having a routine helps them feel secure, which makes it easier for them to focus on other activities. In my last position, I helped create a daily schedule for the toddler classroom where we had specific times for eating, playing and nap time. The students really enjoyed having a predictable schedule.”

17. What motivates you to come into work everyday and help these young kids learn?

The interviewer wants to know what motivates you as a teacher and how it impacts your teaching style. Your answer should include specific examples of why you love working with children and the impact you’ve had on their lives.

Example: “I love being around kids because they’re so full of life and energy, which makes my job fun. I also love seeing them learn new things every day and watching them grow into confident individuals. In my last position, I worked with a child who was very shy at first but eventually became more outgoing and friendly. It’s moments like these that make me want to continue pursuing this career.”

18. Explain the difference between disciplining and teaching a child.

The interviewer wants to know that you understand the difference between disciplining and teaching a child. This is an important distinction because it shows your understanding of how children learn and grow. Use examples from your experience to explain the differences between these two processes.

Example: “In my experience, I have found that discipline and teaching are both equally important in raising a child. Discipline teaches a child what behaviors are acceptable and which ones aren’t. Teaching helps them develop their cognitive skills by encouraging them to ask questions and explore new things. When I first started working as a teacher, I was unsure about how to balance these two processes. However, after some training, I learned that they can be used together to help a child learn.”

19. Give us an example of a time where you had to redirect a child’s behavior and how did you do it?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with children and how you handle challenging situations. Use examples from your previous job or describe a time when you helped a child calm down during a tantrum.

Example: “I once had a student who was very energetic, which is normal for a four-year-old. However, he would often run around the classroom and bump into other students while they were working. I spoke with his parents about it and we came up with a plan where he could get up and move around every 20 minutes. This way, he wouldn’t disturb the other students as much but still got enough exercise.”

20. What is your favorite part about working with children?

Interviewers ask this question to learn more about your personality and interests. They want to know what you enjoy most about working with children, so they can see if it aligns with the school’s values. When answering this question, think of a specific example that shows how much you love working with kids.

Example: “My favorite part about working with children is seeing their excitement when they learn something new. I remember my first day of kindergarten, and I was so excited to learn all the letters of the alphabet. It makes me happy to be able to help other kids feel that same joy. I also love watching them grow and develop throughout the year.”