Childcare Interview Tips: Asking the Right Questions 2026

The interview is your chance to learn what you can't see in a brochure or on a website. Whether you're evaluating a daycare center or interviewing potential nannies, asking the right questions—and knowing what to listen for—helps you make confident childcare decisions.

This guide helps you conduct effective childcare interviews.

Preparing for the Interview

Before You Go

Do your homework:

• Research the program/candidate
• Check reviews and references
• Know your priorities
• List your specific concerns
• Prepare questions in advance

What to Bring

Have ready:

• List of questions
• Notepad for notes
• Your child (if appropriate)
• Information about your family
• Contact info to leave

Setting Up the Interview

Logistics:

• Schedule when you can focus
• Allow enough time
• Plan for interruptions
• Have both parents attend if possible
• Know what you want to observe

Questions for Daycare Centers

About Philosophy and Approach

Ask:

• What is your educational philosophy?
• How do you handle discipline?
• What does a typical day look like?
• How do you individualize for each child?
• What curriculum do you use?

About Staff

Ask:

• What qualifications do teachers have?
• What's the staff turnover rate?
• How long have current teachers been here?
• What's the teacher-child ratio?
• What training do staff receive?

About Safety and Health

Ask:

• What's your illness policy?
• How do you handle emergencies?
• What security measures are in place?
• How are allergies managed?
• What's your cleaning protocol?

About Communication

Ask:

• How will I know about my child's day?
• How do you handle concerns?
• What app or system do you use?
• How are parent-teacher conferences scheduled?
• What's the best way to reach you?

About Logistics

Ask:

• What are your hours?
• What's the cost structure?
• What's the sick day/vacation policy?
• What meals are provided?
• What supplies do we provide?

Questions for Nanny Candidates

About Experience

Ask:

• Tell me about your childcare experience.
• What ages have you worked with?
• Why did you leave your last position?
• What's your favorite part of working with children?
• What's most challenging about childcare?

About Approach

Ask:

• How do you handle tantrums?
• What's your discipline philosophy?
• How would you spend a typical day?
• How do you handle emergencies?
• Tell me about a difficult situation and how you handled it.

About Specific Scenarios

Ask:

• What would you do if my child refused to eat?
• How would you handle sibling fighting?
• What if my child fell and was hurt?
• How would you handle a child who doesn't want you to leave at the end of the day?

About Logistics

Ask:

• What are your availability and scheduling needs?
• What rate are you looking for?
• Do you have reliable transportation?
• Are you comfortable with [specific duties]?
• What's your long-term plan?

About Fit

Ask:

• Why are you interested in this position?
• What do you know about our family?
• What are your expectations of us as employers?
• What questions do you have for me?

What to Listen For

Positive Signs

Good indicators:

• Genuine warmth discussing children
• Specific examples from experience
• Thoughtful answers (not rehearsed)
• Questions about your child
• Acknowledging they don't know everything
• Flexibility and problem-solving mindset

Warning Signs

Red flags:

• Vague or evasive answers
• Criticism of former employers/families
• Rigid or punitive approach to discipline
• Disinterest in learning about your child
• Over-focus on pay/schedule vs. care
• Can't answer basic safety questions

Body Language

Notice:

• Eye contact and engagement
• Comfort level with you
• Genuine vs. forced enthusiasm
• Patience with questions
• Reaction to difficult questions

Observing During the Visit

At Daycare Centers

Watch for:

• How children interact with teachers
• Activity level and engagement
• Noise level and atmosphere
• Cleanliness and organization
• How your presence is handled
• General happiness of children

During Nanny Interviews

Observe:

• Comfort with you and your home
• Interest in your child
• Natural interaction style
• Professional yet warm demeanor
• How they respond to interruptions

If Your Child Is Present

Notice:

• How they interact with your child
• Natural or forced engagement
• Child's reaction to them
• Age-appropriate communication
• Respect for your child's comfort level

Following Up

After the Interview

Immediate steps:

• Write notes while fresh
• Score against your criteria
• Note any concerns
• List follow-up questions
• Compare to other options

Reference Checks

For nannies:

• Call all references
• Ask specific questions
• Listen for hesitation
• Ask if they'd hire again

For daycare:

• Talk to current parents
• Check licensing records
• Look for reviews
• Ask around community

Second Visits

Consider returning if:

• Still undecided
• Have new questions
• Want different time of day
• Need partner to see it
• Want to observe more

Trust Your Instincts

The Gut Check

Pay attention to:

• How you felt during the interview
• Comfort level you experienced
• Red flags you noticed
• Enthusiasm (or lack thereof)
• Whether you could picture your child there

When Something Feels Off

If uncomfortable:

• Trust the feeling
• Identify specific concerns
• Don't rationalize away worries
• Keep looking
• It's okay to say no

Balancing Head and Heart

Good decisions use both:

• Practical needs met
• Quality indicators present
• AND it feels right
• Don't ignore either
• Find the overlap

Common Interview Mistakes

Avoiding These Errors

Don't:

• Rush through questions
• Only hear what you want
• Ignore red flags
• Skip reference checks
• Make decisions under pressure
• Compare to unrealistic standards

Maximizing the Interview

Do:

• Ask follow-up questions
• Get specific examples
• Watch the environment
• Trust your observations
• Take your time deciding
• Ask everything important

Key Takeaways

Prepare thoroughly:

• Know your priorities
• Research beforehand
• Questions ready
• Know what matters most

Ask the right questions:

• About philosophy and approach
• About specific scenarios
• About experience
• About logistics
• About your child specifically

Listen carefully:

• To what they say
• To how they say it
• To what they don't say
• To your own reaction

Observe everything:

• Environment
• Interactions
• Your child's reaction
• Overall atmosphere

Trust yourself:

• Your instincts matter
• Red flags are real
• It should feel right
• Keep looking if not

The interview is your best opportunity to gather the information you need to make a confident childcare choice. Use your time wisely, ask the important questions, and trust what you learn.

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