Introduction
Conduct an interview with an early childhood education professional, such as a center director, a teacher, or an assistant teacher.
To prepare for the professional interview, reread pages 88–90 in Foundations of Early Childhood Education: Teaching in a Diverse Setting, by Janet Gonzalez-Mena, which discuss the role of a professional in the field of early childhood.
According to the reading, the classroom is much like an orchestra but, unlike an orchestra, the role of the professional isn’t necessarily that of the leader wielding a baton behind a podium. If you’ve ever spent time in a classroom, you’re probably already aware of this.
Required Questions
The following are the required questions for your interview:
Why do you consider yourself an early childhood professional and what does “professionalism” mean to you?
What attracted you to the early childhood field or caring for young children and why have you chosen to work with young children and their families?
Which teaching methods and strategies do you use most often, and who are the philosophers and theorists who have influenced your work?
What, if any, formal education do you have in this field? How do you continue to grow your skills and knowledge in working with young children? (This is a great opportunity for follow-up questions!)
How do you measure your own effectiveness in helping children achieve developmental and learning outcomes?
Do you feel your role as a professional has changed since you first entered the field? If so, how? (This is a great opportunity for follow-up questions!)
What are some challenges you face as a childcare provider, and what solutions do you believe are needed?
Beyond teaching and learning, what do you think your role is in the classroom and in your community? (This is a great opportunity for follow-up questions!)
What do you believe child-centered learning is, and how to embrace a holistic approach to teaching and learning? (This is another great opportunity for follow-up questions)
How do your curriculum, daily schedule, environment, and materials support your objectives for children’s development and learning?
What are some of the developmental and learning outcomes you want children to achieve in your care? What are your objectives for their growth and development?
In your opinion, why is the period of early childhood development special?
How do you engage in reflective teaching and professional development?
What surprises you most about your work in early childhood education?
What advice or guidance do you have for someone earning a degree in early childhood education?
