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

As a nursery teacher, it is important to have strong communication skills, a passion for working with children, and a solid understanding of early childhood development. Prepare for your job interview with these 20 up-to-date questions and answers that cover a variety of topics related to the role.

General Questions

• 1. Why did you choose to become a nursery teacher?
  As a passionate and caring individual, I have always had a love for working with children and helping them learn and grow. I believe that the early years are crucial for a child's development and I wanted to be a part of that process.
• 2. Can you tell us about your previous experience working with young children?
  I have worked with children in various settings, such as daycare centers, preschools, and as a private nanny. Most recently, I have served as a full-time nursery teacher for the past two years, where I have gained valuable experience in planning and implementing curriculum, managing behavior, and fostering a positive learning environment.
• 3. How do you handle difficult or challenging behavior in young children?
  I believe in positive reinforcement and redirection. If a child's behavior is disrupting the class, I will calmly redirect their attention to a more appropriate activity and praise them when they make positive choices. I also believe in open communication with parents to address any ongoing behavioral issues.
• 4. What daily routines or activities do you incorporate into your curriculum?
  I incorporate a variety of hands-on activities, such as arts and crafts, music and movement, and sensory play. I also ensure that the daily routine includes structured learning opportunities, outdoor play, and rest time.
• 5. How do you handle communication with parents or guardians?
  Communication with parents or guardians is crucial for a child's success in the classroom. I make sure to have open and regular communication with parents, whether it's through daily updates, parent-teacher conferences, or written progress reports.

Behavioral Questions

• 6. Can you give an example of how you have handled a difficult parent or guardian?
  In my previous role, I had a parent who was unhappy with their child's progress in the classroom. I scheduled a meeting with them to discuss their concerns and provided them with specific examples of their child's growth and development. I also listened to their suggestions for improvement and worked collaboratively with them to find a solution.
• 7. How do you handle a child who is struggling with separation anxiety?
  I understand that separation anxiety is a normal part of a child's development. I always make sure to provide a welcoming and comforting environment for the child. I might also suggest a transitional item or a special routine that the child can look forward to each day to ease their anxieties.
• 8. Can you share a time when you had to adapt your lesson plan for a child with special needs?
  In a previous role, I had a child with autism in my classroom. To accommodate their needs, I adjusted my lesson plans to include more visual aids and sensory activities. I also worked closely with the child's parents and therapists to ensure a consistent and supportive environment for the child.
• 9. How do you handle conflicts between children in your classroom?
  I believe in teaching children conflict resolution skills and encouraging them to communicate their feelings. When conflicts arise, I facilitate a discussion between the children involved and help them find a solution together. I also use positive reinforcement when they are able to resolve conflicts on their own.
• 10. Can you give an example of a creative lesson that you have designed for your students?
  One year, for our spring themed lesson, I created a butterfly garden in our classroom. We read books about butterflies, learned the life cycle, and even had our own real caterpillars that we watched transform into butterflies. The children were able to experience hands-on learning and were excited to release the butterflies into our school garden.

Situational Questions

• 11. How would you handle a child who is constantly disrupting the class?
  I would first assess the reason for the disruption and try to address any underlying issues. If the behavior continues, I would have a private conversation with the child to discuss appropriate classroom behavior and set clear expectations. I may also involve the parents or seek guidance from a supervisor if necessary.
• 12. What would you do if a child was being physically aggressive towards another child?
  The safety and well-being of all the children in my classroom is my top priority. I would intervene immediately and separate the children involved. I would then talk to them about the importance of using words to express their feelings and help them find a resolution.
• 13. How would you handle a child who refuses to participate in an activity?
  First, I would try to understand the reason for their resistance and address any underlying issues. If the child is still not willing to participate, I would offer alternative activities that might interest them. It's important to respect the child's feelings, but also encourage them to try new things.
• 14. What would you do if a child is consistently not following the class rules?
  I would first have a conversation with the child to remind them of the class rules and the consequences for breaking them. If the behavior continues, I may involve the child's parents and devise a behavior plan to help the child understand the importance of following rules. It's also important to praise and reinforce positive behavior when it occurs.
• 15. How would you handle a child who is struggling to understand a concept or lesson?
  Every child learns at their own pace, so I would first make sure to provide additional support and scaffolding for the child. This could include one-on-one instruction, visual aids, or group activities. I would also continue to provide opportunities for the child to practice and reinforce the concept.

Technical Questions

• 16. How do you incorporate developmentally appropriate practices into your teaching?
  As a nursery teacher, I understand the importance of providing activities and lessons that are appropriate for each child's developmental stage. I use a combination of observations, assessments, and research-based practices to ensure that my lessons are suitable and engaging for all students.
• 17. Can you give an example of how you modify lesson plans for different learning styles?
  In a previous role, I had a student who learned best through movement and hands-on activities. To accommodate their learning style, I incorporated more physical activities and sensory play into my lessons. I also made sure to provide multiple methods of instruction, such as visual aids and verbal instructions.
• 18. How do you encourage literacy and language development in young children?
  I believe in creating a print-rich environment by using labels, signs, and books throughout the classroom. I also incorporate activities that promote letter and sound recognition, as well as opportunities for the children to practice their writing and communication skills.
• 19. How do you assess the progress of your students?
  I use a variety of methods to assess student progress, including observations, portfolios, and assessments. I also closely monitor their development in key areas, such as language, social-emotional, and motor skills. I regularly share this progress with parents and use it to inform my lesson planning.
• 20. How do you handle a child with food allergies or specific dietary needs?
  First and foremost, I make sure to closely follow any dietary restrictions provided by the parents. I also ensure that all snacks and meals provided are safe for the child to consume. In addition, I make sure to educate the other children in the class about the specific needs of their classmate and promote a supportive and inclusive environment.