Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Preschool Teachers - 2026

Are you interviewing for a preschool teaching position? Be prepared with these 20 top interview questions and expert answers to showcase your experience, skills, and passion for educating young children.

Behavioral Questions

• 1. Tell me about a time when you had to handle a difficult child in your classroom. How did you handle the situation?
  A: It was challenging, but I remained calm and used positive reinforcement techniques to redirect the child's behavior. I also communicated with the parents and my colleagues for support and strategies. Eventually, the child responded positively and became an active participant in the classroom.
  
  
• 2. Can you share an example of how you have incorporated diversity and inclusivity into your lesson plans?
  A: In my previous classroom, we celebrated cultural diversity by having a "Culture Day" where each child could share about their family traditions. I also made sure to include diverse characters and cultures in our books and activities throughout the year.
  
  
• 3. How do you handle conflicts between children in the classroom?
  A: I first address the situation directly with the children involved, discussing their feelings and working on positive communication and problem-solving skills. If needed, I involve the parents and collaborate with them to find solutions.

Situational Questions

• 4. What would you do if a child in your class was displaying signs of a learning disability?
  A: I would first consult with the child's parents and recommend a formal evaluation. In the meantime, I would modify my teaching techniques and provide extra support and resources for the child to ensure their learning needs are met.
  
  
• 5. If you were planning an outdoor activity and it started to rain, how would you handle the situation?
  A: I would quickly adapt the activity and bring it indoors. I would also have a backup plan for outdoor activities in case of inclement weather, such as a scavenger hunt indoors or a different type of sensory activity.
  
  
• 6. How would you handle a child with separation anxiety on their first day of preschool?
  A: I would communicate with the child's parents beforehand to discuss the child's needs and establish a comforting routine for drop-off. During the day, I would make sure to provide plenty of reassurance and show the child that their parents will come back for them. I would also involve the child in fun activities to help them feel more comfortable in the new environment.

Technical Knowledge

• 7. What is your experience with developing and implementing lesson plans for preschool-aged children?
  A: I have over 3 years of experience creating and implementing engaging and developmentally appropriate lesson plans for preschoolers. I have also received training in the Early Years Learning Framework and am familiar with its principles.
  
  
• 8. How do you keep track of and document children's progress and behavior in the classroom?
  A: I maintain daily anecdotal records and observations, as well as formal assessments and portfolios for each child. I also communicate regularly with parents and colleagues to discuss progress and areas for improvement.
  
  
• 9. Can you share a creative activity or project you have done with preschoolers to promote their development?
  A: One of my favorite activities was creating a "sensory bin" with different textures and materials like rice, beans, and feathers for the children to explore. It helped improve their fine motor skills and sensory processing abilities.

Cultural Fit

• 10. How do you incorporate social-emotional learning into your daily curriculum?
  A: I believe that building children's social-emotional skills is crucial for their overall development, so I make sure to include opportunities for them to practice problem-solving, empathy, and communication in our daily activities and interactions.
  
  
• 11. How do you handle cultural and religious differences in your classroom?
  A: I embrace and respect diversity in my classroom and make sure to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all children and families. I also collaborate with parents and use resources and materials that represent different cultures and beliefs.
  
  
• 12. How do you work with parents to ensure their child's success in the preschool setting?
  A: I believe that collaboration and communication with parents are essential for a child's success. I regularly provide updates, progress reports, and suggestions for at-home activities. I also make sure to involve parents in their child's learning journey and address any concerns or questions they may have.

Professionalism & Experience

• 13. Can you tell us about your previous experience working in a preschool setting?
  A: I have 4 years of experience as a lead teacher in a preschool classroom. I am also certified in early childhood education and have completed continuing education courses to stay up-to-date with the latest teaching strategies and best practices.
  
  
• 14. How do you handle challenging or disruptive behaviors in the classroom?
  A: I follow positive behavior management techniques, such as redirection and positive reinforcement. If the behavior persists, I communicate with the parents and work together to find a solution. I also make sure to consider the child's individual needs and potential underlying reasons for their behavior.
  
  
• 15. How do you prioritize and manage your tasks and responsibilities as a preschool teacher?
  A: I maintain a daily schedule, using a combination of paper and digital organizers to keep track of tasks and deadlines. I also prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance.

Curriculum & Teaching Approaches

• 16. Can you talk about a time when you introduced a new activity or teaching approach in the classroom? What was the outcome?
  A: I recently introduced a new "music and movement" activity to help children develop their gross motor skills. The children enjoyed it and showed improvement in their movement abilities and coordination.
  
  
• 17. How do you incorporate STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) into your curriculum?
  A: I believe in using a hands-on and play-based approach to introduce STEAM concepts to young children. I use open-ended materials and facilitate open-ended play activities to encourage critical thinking and problem-solving in these areas.
  
  
• 18. How do you involve parents in their child's learning at preschool?
  A: I communicate regularly with parents and involve them in activities and events such as parent workshops, family nights, and volunteer opportunities. I also provide suggestions for at-home activities that align with our curriculum.

Continuing Education & Growth

• 19. How do you stay updated on best practices and developments in the early childhood education field?
  A: I attend professional development workshops and conferences, read relevant publications, and participate in online forums and discussions. I also collaborate with colleagues and regularly reflect on my teaching practices.
  
  
• 20. Can you provide an example of how you have used feedback to improve your teaching techniques and practices?
  A: I received feedback from a parent who suggested incorporating more hands-on activities in the classroom. I took this into consideration and adapted my lesson plans to include more tactile experiences, which resulted in increased engagement and positive feedback from the children and parents.