Early Years Educator Interview Questions (With Sample Answers)

Got an interview for an early years educator role? Most Irish crèches ask a similar set of questions. They want to know how you care for children, how you keep them safe, and how you work with parents and your team. Here are the 10 questions you’re most likely to hear, with sample answers you can adapt to your own experience.

1. Tell us about yourself and why you work in early years

Keep it short: your qualification, your experience and what you enjoy about the work.

Sample answer: “I have a Level 6 in Early Childhood Care and Education and three years’ experience in a toddler room. What I enjoy most is seeing children grow in confidence, like a shy child who starts joining in group play.”

2. How do you use Aistear and Síolta in your practice?

Show that you know what they are and give a real example.

Sample answer: “I plan activities around Aistear’s four themes. For example, when the children were interested in insects, we went on a bug hunt, made a bug hotel and read stories about minibeasts. That covered exploring and thinking as well as communicating. I use Síolta to reflect on the quality of the environment and my interactions.”

3. How would you settle a child who is upset at drop-off?

Sample answer: “I’d stay calm and warm, get down to the child’s level and offer comfort, maybe a favourite toy or a quiet activity. I’d talk to the parent about what works at home and reassure them with an update later in the morning.”

4. What would you do if you had a child protection concern?

This question matters. Show you know to follow the service’s procedures and report to the Designated Liaison Person.

Sample answer: “I’d follow the crèche’s child safeguarding statement and report my concern to the Designated Liaison Person straight away. I’d write down exactly what I saw or was told, factually and with the date. I wouldn’t investigate myself or promise the child to keep a secret. I’ve completed Children First training.”

5. How do you manage challenging behaviour?

Sample answer: “I try to understand what’s behind the behaviour, whether that’s tiredness, frustration or wanting attention. I use positive language, give clear and simple choices, and praise good behaviour. I’d keep the parents informed and agree a consistent approach with the room team.”

6. How do you observe and record children’s development?

Sample answer: “I use short written observations, photos and learning stories, linked to Aistear’s themes. I use them to plan next steps for each child and share progress with parents.”

7. How do you communicate with parents?

Sample answer: “Little and often. A quick chat at collection, updates through the crèche app, and more formal conversations when needed. If there’s a concern, I raise it early and privately, and I’d involve the room leader.”

8. How do you support a child with additional needs?

Sample answer: “I’d work with the parents, the room leader and any AIM supports to understand the child’s needs, then adapt activities so they can join in fully. Small changes like visual timetables can make a big difference.”

9. Tell us about a time you worked well as part of a team

Use a real example: what happened, what you did and how it turned out.

10. Why do you want to work in our crèche?

Read the crèche’s website before the interview and mention something specific, such as their outdoor play, their approach or their values.

Questions you can ask them

Asking a question or two shows real interest. Good ones include:

• What does a typical day look like in this room?
• What training and support do you offer staff?
• How does the team share planning and observations?

Tips for the day

• Bring copies of your qualification certificates and Children First certificate.
• Be ready to talk about pay. Our salary guide shows current rates by role and qualification.
• Some crèches ask you to do a short trial session in a room, so be ready to get stuck in.

Find your next role

Browse the latest early years educator jobs across Ireland, or create a free profile so crèches can browse approved candidates and contact you directly. Aiming higher? Read our guide to becoming a room leader.