Review the candidate's resume. Look over the resume before the interview if possible. If you do not receive the document until the actual interview, glance over it briefly at the start and consider her education and previous work experience. Ask her questions about these elements if you need clarification or further information.
Ask the candidate why she wants to teach preschool. Nearly all potential preschool teachers love kids or enjoy helping people. A strong candidate will be able to craft an answer that is more specific and elaborate than one of these standard fall backs. Look for a candidate who provides you with an answer that appears natural, unrehearsed and honest. It is likely that this individual is speaking from the heart and has a passion for preschool teaching.
Inquire as to her work flexibility. Preschool teachers must be able to adapt to change and respond to student needs. Ask the candidate about how focused she is on following a routine. While it is good to have someone who can stick to a schedule, you do not want a teacher who is unwilling to deviate from this routine or is easily flustered by interruptions.
Ask questions that require her to demonstrate her creativity. Preschool teachers must create engaging and educational activities for their students. Present her with a topic or skill, and ask her to come up with a possible activity, explaining why she would select that activity and how she would implement it.
Judge the candidate's professionalism. Parents will likely be hesitant to leave their young children with an individual who does not appear to be the consummate professional. The ideal preschool teaching candidate should be conservatively dressed, polite and approachable.
Place the candidate in the preschool class to see how she does. Once you have narrowed down your focus, give each candidate a shot at working with the students. Allow the potential preschool teacher to interact with the students and perhaps even present a lesson. This will allow you to see which individual has the best natural rapport with the students.