Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Nursery Teacher Roles – 2025

Are you preparing for a nursery teacher job interview? As a nursery teacher, you play a crucial role in a child's early education and development. This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you demonstrate your understanding of child development, teaching skills, and experience working with young children.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us about your previous experience working with young children.
  A: I have been working as a nursery teacher for the past 5 years. Prior to that, I also have experience working as a babysitter, camp counselor, and volunteer at a children's hospital. I have a deep passion for working with young children and have honed my skills in creating a nurturing and stimulating environment for them.
• 2. How do you handle disruptive behavior in young children?
  A: I believe in using positive reinforcement and redirection techniques to address disruptive behavior in children. For example, if a child is acting out, I try to redirect their attention to a different activity or positively reinforce good behavior when it occurs.
• 3. How do you ensure effective communication with parents?
  A: I believe in maintaining an open and transparent communication channel with parents. This includes regular updates on their child's progress, sharing any concerns or observations, and being available for any inquiries or discussions.
• 4. How do you incorporate technology in your teaching methods?
  A: I believe in using technology as a tool to enhance learning and engagement. For young children, this can include interactive educational games, educational videos, and digital learning tools.
• 5. How do you handle a child with special needs in your classroom?
  A: I believe in creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all children. For children with special needs, I work closely with families, specialists, and other staff members to create individualized plans that cater to their specific needs and abilities. I also make sure to provide additional support and accommodations as necessary.

Behavioral Questions

• 6. Can you tell us about a time when you had to handle a difficult situation with a child?
  A: During my time as a nursery teacher, I once had to deal with a child who was prone to tantrums and meltdowns. I made sure to remain calm and empathetic, while also implementing positive reinforcement techniques to redirect their behavior. Through patience, consistency, and open communication with the child's parents, we were able to see a positive change in the child's behavior over time.
• 7. How do you approach lesson planning for a diverse group of children?
  A: I believe in creating a curriculum that caters to the diverse needs and learning styles of young children. I make sure to incorporate a variety of activities, such as art, music, and physical play, to engage each child. I also pay close attention to individual progress and adapt lessons accordingly.
• 8. How do you handle conflicts between children in your classroom?
  A: I believe in promoting positive conflict resolution skills in young children. When conflicts arise, I encourage children to communicate their feelings and try to mediate a solution. I also use this as an opportunity to teach empathy and understanding.
• 9. Can you tell us about a time when you had to collaborate with other teachers or staff members?
  A: In my previous position, I worked closely with other nursery teachers, as well as support staff, such as speech therapists and psychologists. We regularly met to discuss the progress and needs of each child and worked together to provide the best possible care and education for them.
• 10. How do you handle a child who is struggling to adjust to the nursery environment?
  A: I understand that transitioning to a new environment can be difficult for some children. To help them adjust, I make sure to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for them. I also encourage their participation in activities and try to build a strong relationship with them to help them feel more comfortable. If necessary, I also work with the parents to develop strategies to ease the transition.

Situational Questions

• 11. How would you handle a situation where a child is injured while under your care?
  A: In the event of an injury, my first priority would be to ensure the child's safety and well-being. I would assess the situation and provide any necessary first aid. I would then notify the parents and follow any protocols set by the nursery and/or the child's healthcare provider.
• 12. How would you handle a situation where a child is consistently refusing to participate in activities?
  A: I would first try to understand the reason behind the child's reluctance to participate. It could be due to a lack of interest, frustration, or even an underlying issue. I would then try to find ways to motivate and engage the child, such as incorporating their interests or providing additional support.
• 13. How do you respond to a situation where a parent has concerns about their child's progress?
  A: I would listen attentively to the parent's concerns and address them with empathy and understanding. I would then discuss the child's progress and any potential solutions or accommodations that can be made. I would also make sure to follow up with the parents to provide updates and monitor the child's progress.
• 14. How would you handle a situation where a child has a medical emergency in your classroom?
  A: In case of a medical emergency, I would immediately call for assistance and follow any emergency protocols in place. I would also make sure to keep the child calm and monitor their condition until help arrives.
• 15. How would you handle a situation where a child demonstrates disruptive behavior towards another child?
  A: I would first address the behavior immediately and remind the child of appropriate behavior. I would then speak to them privately to understand the reason for their behavior and help them find more positive ways to express themselves. I would also make sure to communicate with the parent and involve them in finding a solution.

Job-Specific Technical Questions

• 16. Can you explain your understanding of child development and how it applies to your role as a nursery teacher?
  A: Child development is the process of physical, cognitive, emotional, and social growth that occurs in children from birth to adolescence. As a nursery teacher, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of child development so I can create age-appropriate lessons and activities that promote their growth and development.
• 17. How do you handle children with different learning styles in your classroom?
  A: I understand that each child learns differently and it is my responsibility to cater to their specific needs. I make sure to use a variety of teaching methods, such as visual aids, hands-on activities, and group discussions, to engage and accommodate the different learning styles in my classroom.
• 18. Can you give an example of how you incorporate play-based learning in your lessons?
  A: Play-based learning involves using structured play to facilitate learning and development. For example, I might use a game of "Simon Says" to teach body parts or a scavenger hunt to teach shapes and colors.
• 19. How do you create a safe and stimulating environment for young children?
  A: Safety is a top priority in a nursery classroom. I make sure to regularly assess and childproof the environment and monitor children's activities to prevent accidents. I also ensure the classroom is designed to promote learning and exploration, with age-appropriate toys, books, and materials readily available.
• 20. How do you handle child safety and confidentiality?
  A: I understand the importance of maintaining a safe and confidential environment for children. I make sure to follow all safety protocols and procedures and communicate with parents about their child's safety and well-being. I also make sure to only share information with authorized individuals and maintain confidentiality when it comes to sensitive matters.