Beyond the Interview Questions

Practical Strategies for Building the Best Childcare Team

As a childcare director, you know that hiring the right team members is crucial for creating a positive environment for both children and staff. While you likely already have a solid set of interview questions (my favorites HERE!), refining how you evaluate the answers can make all the difference. By taking a structured approach to assess the qualities that will make the most successful employee, you can ensure that every new hire not only meets the basic requirements but also fits seamlessly into your center’s culture.

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1. Know What You’re Looking For

Yes, this sounds obvious. But do you actually have a list of your core values? Or a list of characteristics that make the perfect hire? Taking time to define the qualities you value in a team member sets the foundation for your entire hiring process.

Before rushing into your next interview, complete the exercise below to ensure the qualities you and your team prioritize—like handling difficult situations calmly or being open to feedback—are reflected in your interview questions. This way, you can better understand how a potential hire might respond when those qualities are put to the test.