How to hire a preschool teacher: group, schedule, qualifications
Working with children takes more than a qualification
A preschool teacher spends most of the day with the children, and parents entrust them with what matters most. So besides qualifications and experience, patience, warmth, calm in conflicts and the ability to notice small details in toddlers' behaviour all matter. The first 3–4 years of life need special attention to safety and development, so state the age of the group at once.
A private preschool, a playschool, a day-care centre or a small home-based setting each have different requirements and ways of working. Describe yours so the candidate knows what to expect.
For a group of 3–4-year-olds, the daily routine, self-care skills, settling in new children and cooperation with a classroom assistant are especially important. Say how many children are in the group and whether there is an assistant, as this decides the workload. Mention meals and naps, the learning programme, activities and celebrations too: it shows how your setting lives.
What to include in the request
- Children's age — for example a group of 3–4 years;
- Salary — rate, extra payments, bonuses;
- Work location — city, area, address of the setting;
- Schedule — hours, for example 8 am to 5 pm;
- Qualification — early childhood education, teacher training;
- Employment terms — on payroll, with a written contract;
- Experience — from a year in a preschool, or training provided;
- Type of setting — private, playschool, centre.
Example: “Johannesburg. A private preschool is looking for a teacher for a group of 3–4-year-olds. Early childhood education qualification, at least 1 year's experience in a preschool. Hours 8 am to 5 pm, salary R 4,000 a month, a written contract, and there is a classroom assistant.”
How to hire through BlaBlaPrice
Write your request on the home page in your own words. The site checks it and suggests what else to add. Preschool teachers from your area reply in the chat describing their experience and expectations. You choose the best one, and only the chosen candidate sees your contacts. More in “How it works”.
How to choose a good teacher
At the interview, ask the candidate to describe what they do when a child cries or refuses to eat, and how they organise lessons, play and outdoor time. Ask about experience working with parents. A good answer is calm and specific, without criticising the children.
Be sure to check certificates of qualification, a medical check-up and that there is nothing restricting work with children. Agree a probation period and an introduction to the setting's safety rules. Also ask who covers for the teacher during illness.
If you are a teacher looking for work
Register on BlaBlaPrice as a service provider, choose the category and your city, and vacancies will come in. In your reply write about your qualifications, experience and the age groups you have worked with. Also look at vacancies for a teacher and a tutor.
