Ask An ECE

A few weeks ago, I posted Interview questions for ECE Teachers. Since then, I've also been interviewing for a cook for our daycare. This is a part-time position, and we really need to find someone who is reliable, and enjoys spending time with kids. Not only that, as someone preparing food for children, it's important that they are able to create nutritious, tasty foods, that also meet any medical needs - like the ever present nut allergies.

1. Please tell me about yourself focusing on your cooking background.
2. What kind of experience do you have working in a childcare setting?
3. Can you tell me about some obstacles you had to overcome in your latest position?
4. What do you feel you would bring to this position?
5. Describe a situation where you had to deal with a Health Inspector.
6. Food prep is very important when you have children with allergies. What would you do to ensure the child's safety during food prep?
7. What are the three steps that need to be taken while cleaning and sanitizing dishes?
8. Describe your time management skills. Are you able to stay on task as well as help on the floor if needed?
9. Why do you feel you would be a candidate for this job?
10. How do you feel about helping out with fundraisers?
11. If you were offered this job when would you be available to start?
12. Do you have reliable transportation?
13. Are you willing to stay after your shift in case of staff shortages.

The questions are designed to try and find out the candidates abilities as a cook, and their fitness for working in a child care situation. This isn't a job for everybody, and it's important that we find a good fit. The kids get attached easily, and really don't understand when a staff member leaves, so keeping staff turnover low is vital. The best way to do that is to hire good staff in the first place.