[Katie]

We look for someone who has experience and/or what they feel is most important in the Early Childhood Development in children.

[Katra Cavannaugh]

During interviews, I assess several key qualities and skills that are essential for a successful early childhood educator. First, I look for a genuine passion for working with children and a positive attitude. This is critical in ensuring that the educator will connect with and inspire the children they work with. I also assess communication skills, as being able to clearly communicate with children, parents, and team members is vital.In addition to that, I focus on their ability to be patient, flexible, and adaptable, as the needs of children can change quickly. It’s also important that they demonstrate strong problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm and effective in challenging situations. I pay attention to their experience with classroom management and how they plan to engage children in developmentally appropriate activities.Lastly, I assess whether they have a collaborative mindset, as working well with other staff members and contributing to a team is important in maintaining a positive and effective work environment. I also make sure that they align with our center’s values and approach to providing care.

[Al-Nadean]

It’s hard to tell right away who people are, but you can’t feign warmth. If you look into the candidate’s eyes, it tells you a lot. It’s also easy to tell if kids gravitate towards them because ultimately you want someone who is an advocate for children who has a warm presence and not clinical in their approach. Sometimes body language speaks louder than words.

[Vanshika]

I look for people who demonstrate their enthusiasm for working with children, possess knowledge of child development, or are currently pursuing an education. They should have the skills or desire to learn classroom management skills, be able to communicate effectively with families both verbally and in writing, be creative, and have a sense of humor.

[Kerri Clark]

The qualities we look for in an interview are a passion to work with kids, patience, good communication skills, flexibility, and a sense of teamwork approach. I feel these make such a big difference when staff have these qualities.

[Heather Knouse]

We look for candidates that have experience, confidence in working with children, passion for child-care and something special they like to bring to the classroom such as: singing, a good storyteller, love for teaching art or putting together engaging sensory bins. We seek out candidates who are professional, apt at problem solving, and good communicators.

[Chelsi Muleski]

We seek individuals who demonstrate empathy. We also look for people who understand how to operate as a team and that the ultimate goal is the well-being of the children.

[Vinita]

We assess warmth, communication, flexibility, professionalism, and knowledge of child development. These qualities ensure a nurturing, collaborative, and developmentally appropriate classroom.

[Kate]

I always ask what their favorite thing about working with children is, or why childcare is they have no childcare experience. Red flags are “getting to hold babies” or “i get to play all day”. but these are my personal red flags.

[Trisha]

Number one for me is a Christ follower we are in a Christian church and to me I feel that is important along with the love of children and wanting to be here for the right reasons. Reliable, patient, and caring.

[Melissa L.]

I look for a positive person that is willing to learn and be a team player. Ideally, they have experience working with children and an education in ECE. I would hire a teacher with experience over a teacher with only education. It is important for a teacher to be organized, clean, one that can prioritize, and someone that can mulit-task.

[Jenny]

We look for someone that is nurturing and knowledgeable about child development and a plus is having experience in group childcare.

[April Winkleblack]

I look at past employment and see how long they were at past employers and how many past employers there are. I am looking for people that appear flexible with hours and where they may start or float to begin. I want someone who present themselves nicely such as nice clothes, hair is done, smiling face. Someone who seems eager to get started.

[Maryann Hodnik]

It is important that a good candidate knows what good teacher/child interaction looks like. The person should have experience in working with young children and understand health and safety policies. We also look for people who show empathy, compassion, and are positive and nurturing. The other key is to hire someone who is interested in learning more about children to enhance their abilities as an early childhood educator.

[Yollande]

Calm presence, warm with kids and open to feedback.

[Trainer]

Great insights, Yollande! A calm presence and openness to feedback are indeed crucial for fostering a supportive learning environment.