Preschool Interview Questions and Answers for Kids and Parents

Starting preschool is a big milestone for both children and parents! As exciting as it is, preparing for a preschool or nursery admission interview can feel overwhelming.

The good news? A little practice and the right mindset can make the experience enjoyable and stress-free. Whether it’s helping your child answer simple questions or presenting yourselves confidently as parents, we’ve got you covered with these commonly asked preschool interview questions for kids and parents.

Why Do Preschools Conduct Admission Interviews?

Preschool interviews aren’t meant to test children academically. Instead, they help schools understand a child’s readiness for a structured setting and give educators a chance to observe developmental milestones for preschoolers like communication, motor skills (fine motor and gross motor), and social behaviour. For parents, it’s an opportunity to learn more about the school’s approach and share insights about their child.

24 Important Preschool Interview Questions for Kids

Preschool interview questions are not meant to test children’s academic knowledge or intelligence. Instead, they help teachers learn about your child’s personality, language development, and comfort in new settings.

Here are some common ones to practice together with your child at home in a fun and playful way:

1. What is your name? Can you please introduce yourself?

   Answer: My name is [child’s full name]. I am [child’s age] years old, and I love to play and learn new things.

2. How old are you? When is your birthday?

   Answer: I am [child’s age] years old. My birthday is on [child’s birth date].

3. What are your mommy and daddy’s names?

   Answer: My mommy’s name is [mom’s name], and my daddy’s name is [dad’s name].

4. Do you have any brothers or sisters?

   Answer: Yes, I have [one brother/sister] / No, I don’t have any brothers or sisters.

5. How many people are in your family?

   Answer: There are [number] people in my family.

6. What do you like to eat the most?

   Answer: I like to eat [favourite food], especially when mommy makes it!

7. Which animals do you like?

   Answer: I like [animal name], because it is cute/funny/big.

8. What is your favourite cartoon?

   Answer: My favourite cartoon is [cartoon name] because it is fun to watch.

9. What do you like to do with your parents on the weekend?

   Answer: I like to [enter their favourite activity to do] with my mommy and daddy.

10. Can you sing a nursery rhyme?

    Answer: Yes! (The child may sing a common rhyme like Twinkle Twinkle Little Star or Johnny Johnny Yes Papa.)

11. What bird is this? (while showing a picture)

    Answer: That is a [bird name]!

12. What colour or shape is this? (while showing an object)

    Answer: That is a [colour] [shape]! Like a red circle!

13. What number is this? (pointing to a digit)

    Answer: That is number [number].

14. What letter is this? (pointing to a letter)

    Answer: That is the letter [letter].

15. How many fingers do you have?

    Answer: I have ten fingers, five on each hand!

16. What is your address?

    Answer: I live at [simple version of address that child can remember].

17. Can you bring that toy? (pointing to a specific toy)

    Answer: (The child walks and brings the toy, showing comprehension.)

18. Can you tell me which animal this is? (while showing an animal picture)

    Answer: That is a [animal name]!

19. What do you like to play with?

    Answer: I like to play with my toys, especially my [e.g., car, doll, blocks, or ball].

20. Can you count from 10 to 20 for me?

    Answer: Yes! [The child proceeds to count.]

21. Can you tell me how many wheels a car has?

    Answer: A car has four wheels.

22. Can you give me a big high-five or shake my hand?

    Answer: Yes! Here’s a big high-five! / I can shake your hand like this!

23. Who is your best friend and what do you like to play together?

    Answer: My best friend is [Name]. We like to play hide and seek and build things with blocks.

24. What do your parents do at work?

    Answer: My mommy works at a [hospital], and my daddy works in an [office].

15 Preschool Interview Questions and Answers for Parents

Preschool interview questions don’t just limit to the kids, even parents are asked to appear for the interview to help their child secure a spot in the school. This helps schools understand your home environment and your expectations.

Below are some common preschool interview questions with answers:

1. Could you please introduce yourselves and tell us about your family?

   Answer: We are [Parent Names]. We belong to a nuclear family and live with our child and [mention any other family members if applicable]. We’re a close-knit, supportive family that enjoys spending quality time together.

2. What are your educational backgrounds?

   Answer: I hold a [your degree] and my spouse has a [spouse’s degree]. We value education highly and believe in lifelong learning.

3. Are you both working? If yes, who takes care of the child during work hours?

   Answer: Yes, we both work. During working hours, the child is cared for by [e.g., a grandparent, nanny, or daycare provider], who is trustworthy and has a strong bond with our child.

4. How would you describe your child’s personality?

   Answer: Our child is cheerful, curious, and friendly. They enjoy learning new things and interacting with others. They are also becoming more independent each day.

5. Is your child potty and toilet-trained?

   Answer: Yes, our child is fully toilet- and potty-trained, and manages well with little supervision.

6. Why did you choose this particular school?

   Answer: We were impressed by the school’s approach to early childhood education, emphasis on holistic development, and the nurturing environment it offers.

7. What qualities are you looking for in a school for your child?

   Answer: We seek a school that focuses on both academic and emotional development, encourages creativity, ensures safety, and promotes positive social interactions.

8. Which language(s) do you primarily use at home?

   Answer: We mostly speak [language] at home, but we also encourage exposure to English to help with early communication and comprehension.

9. Has your child attended a playgroup or preschool before?

   Answer: Yes / No
   If yes: Our child attended [name of playschool], which helped with basic routines and early socialisation.

10. Has your child experienced any allergies or health concerns we should know about?

    Answer: No, our child has no known allergies.
    (Or: Yes, our child is allergic to [specific allergen], and [proceed to explain precautions to be taken.])

11. How much time does your child spend with each parent daily?

    Answer: We make it a priority to spend quality time with our child every day. Even with work, we ensure dedicated family time in the mornings and evenings.

12. Did you apply to other schools as well?

    Answer: Yes, we explored a few options to find the best fit. However, this school remains our top choice because of its values and approach to early learning.

13. What do you hope your child becomes when they grow up?

    Answer: More than a specific profession, we hope our child grows up to be kind, confident, and capable of making a meaningful contribution to society.

14. Is there anything else you’d like us to know about your child?

    Answer: Our child is eager to learn and adapt. They’re imaginative and love storytelling, music, and building things. We believe they’ll thrive in the right learning environment.

15. How do you encourage your child’s learning and development at home?

    Answer: We encourage our child’s learning by engaging in activities that foster creativity, problem-solving, and curiosity. We read together every day, play educational games, and explore nature, allowing him/her to ask questions and learn through experiences.

How to Prepare Your Child for Their Preschool Interview

We get it, interviews can be scary, especially for a child. But you do not have to worry. The right preparation can make any child ace their interview. Below are some tips to help you prepare your child and make them feel confident:

• Basic Introduction: Practice saying their name, age, and a few simple sentences about their family in a cheerful tone.
• Communication Skills: Ask them open-ended questions like “What’s your favourite colour?” to build confidence in answering politely.
• Basic Concepts: Cover the basics. Help them practise counting, naming shapes, identifying colours, and reciting nursery rhymes.
• Social Skills: Teach values like sharing, turn-taking, and expressing feelings like happiness or nervousness.
• Imaginative Play: Storytelling and pretend games help boost language, creativity, and the ability to express ideas.
• Trust Their Brilliance: When your child feels loved and supported, their natural confidence shines through during interviews. Hence, believe in their abilities.

How KLAY Conducts Preschool Assessments During Interviews

At KLAY, the preschool interview process is child-friendly, play-based, and rooted in understanding every child’s unique journey.

• Play-Based Activities: Children are gently observed during fun, age-appropriate games that showcase their skills and interests.
• Conversational Interactions: Educators engage in friendly chats to understand your child’s language, focus, and curiosity.
• Holistic Observation:Cognitive, physical, emotional, and social growth are all taken into account.
• Personalised Insight: The school uses these observations to personalise learning and ensure the best possible support for your child.