Selecting an appropriate preschool is undoubtedly one of the most critical choices parents in India make regarding education for their children. Many parents can find it difficult to cope with the pressure of the preschool interview, where the aim is to explore the child’s suitability and the family’s willingness to partner in the education of the child. To ensure they stand a better chance of being hired, one needs to prepare for the preschool interview, be fully aware of the preschool interview questions that may be posed, and, more importantly, come up with suitable answers.
Looking for a guide on preschool interview questions and answers for parents? This blog will guide you through the most common interview questions, and suggest tips to answer them properly.
How important are preschool interviews?
Preschool interviews can be seen from the perspective of schools as a way of knowing the child and the family. There is a concern about whether the aesthetics of a parent’s values can revolve around the objectives of the school and if the child has reached the stage where he is to be exposed to preschool. There is also an opportunity for parents to raise their questions which they feel would be of importance and if satisfied, would mean the particular school would be appropriate for the child.
Many parents find the focus of the interviews to be on their children and this is how it should be. However, one also has to appreciate that school interview questions for parents are integral too. It is important to make sure that the parents will help their child in every manner while they get ready for school.
Next up, let us shed some light on the preschool interview questions that you may come across during your quest for a preschool for your child.
Why Did You Opt This Preschool For Your Child?
Can You Tell Us About Your Child’s Interests and Personality?
How Are The Children Disciplined Compared To The Kids At Home?
How Do You Create A Learning Atmosphere At Home?
How Do You Apprehend Your Child When He or She Has Separation Anxiety?
In What Capacity Would You Like To Be Involved In Your Child’s School Life?
Purpose: This is a very sensitive question which assesses the degree of research that one has made as well as the coherence with the orientation of the school.
How to answer: Explain clearly and frankly why you have decided to join the school. It could either be the facilities, the place, the people or the attitude any institution holds towards a student. Schools prefer knowing that parents do not randomly decide to enroll their children in their institution and therefore they have given some consideration and that some of their interests meet that of the school.
For example: “We selected this school as previously indicated, after a long search, the reason behind this is” that we find the need to maintain the equilibrium of the scholarly and extracurricular activities in the curriculum in the school. ” Parsons is also attended positively as a creative nature of education and viewpoints development on different subjects is encouraged.”
Purpose: The school wants to know about your child’s nature in order to see how they will integrate into the space available.
How to answer: In detail and with examples, characteristically focus on your child’s preferences and aversions. What reading habits—or lack thereof— does your child have? Are they drawn to creative activities more than they are to physical activities or vice versa? Also, indicate if they are socially active—do they just walk up to everyone or do they take time to get accustomed?
For example: “Our child loves to draw and make up stories. Their nature is inquisitive, and they are fascinated with acquiring knowledge. They are somewhat introverted at first, but after a while, they will be active participants.”
Purpose: The most likely reason for this question is to enable the school to gauge your parenting principles and how you go about handling behaviour problems.
How to answer: Ensure to address this question by providing a reasonable approach to discipline which combines both firmness and care. You can talk about time-outs, positive discipline, or other forms of boundaries.
For example: “We do not believe in resorting to such tantrums and have clear boundaries and positive reinforcement. If our child is rude or misbehaves, we don’t scold or punish them immediately, but rather try to get to the reason and encourage better alternative choices.”
Purpose: The reason behind this is that they want to be sure that ignorance is not spared within the four walls of the school.
How to answer: Online content other than through school can include some type of math content, especially at younger ages, thanks to technological tools. Some parents want their children to excel further, whereas some parents simply believe it is OK for the children to study and come home on a half-day basis.
For example: “If a child learns how to play basic games such as Jenga and Go Fish before going to kindergarten, there will be a very low probability they will learn anything new or interesting in kindergarten without the effect of external incentive.”
How to answer: Address the issues necessary and appropriate. Volunteering can be expecting too much from the school like individual attention every hour. Rather, emphasize the acquisition of life skills, the enhancement of self-esteem in a safe setting, or the provision of a complete education.
For example: “We expect the school will make our child feel safe so he will nurture his or her interest in socialization and academics with backup support.”
Purpose: Separation anxiety is a normal phenomenon among preschool children and schools want to know how parents cope with such an emotional phase.
How to answer: Give any measures you have employed to try and make that separation normal. If he has already been to daycare or left your side, mention you have worked on this. If not, you may state how you are getting them ready for this change.
For example: “Since it was time for them to go to school, we began constructively talking about school, and as an aid in their transition, we have permitted short periods of separation, such as afternoons with a friend.”
Purpose: The institution likes parents who take an active part in the process in an acceptable measure but do not interfere with the running of the process.
How to answer: While parents are encouraged to get involved in the school, there arises a need to demarcate some boundaries to avoid being overbearing. Find a middle ground by showing a willingness to be active in school events while being restrained.
For example: “We are going to take part in school activities and take part in parent-teacher interactions but we are also going to let our child alone as they need to grow within themselves.”
That was a list of some of the most common interview questions or school interview questions for parents. We hope you found it insightful.
Conclusion
Preschool interviews can be intense and challenging especially for parents, however with the right amount of preparation you can learn how to tackle the various preschool interview questions and answers for parents that you are bound to encounter. When you go for school interviews, quite often, it is not only your child who gets looked at but also, how your family encompasses their ecosystem. You must demonstrate that you are in alignment with their educational principles and that you will be ready to help your child through their preschool education.
EuroKids has always been a leader in helping young children learn by providing a caring place for the growth of all aspects. For more information on how EuroKids can help build your little ones’ future.
