Applicant Pre-Screening — Sachel Scott

The purpose of this SOP is to establish a consistent process for reviewing applicants, conducting pre-screen interviews, and identifying qualified candidates for Fun Times With TITI Child Care Center.

1. Review New Applicants

Log in to CareerPlug and review all new applications daily. Verify that each applicant submitted:

  • Resume

  • - Contact information

  • - Availability (Monday–Sunday)

  • - Certifications, if applicable

2. Review the Resume

Evaluate the Following

  • Childcare experience

  • - Relevant certifications

  • - Employment history

  • - Communication skills

  • - Professional presentation

  • - Availability

Preferred Qualifications

  • Daycare or preschool experience

  • - Experience working with children ages 6 weeks12 years old

  • - CPR/First Aid certification

  • - Strong communication skills

Red Flags

  • Incomplete application

  • - Unprofessional communication

  • - Unexplained employment gaps

  • - Poor availability

  • - No relevant experience, unless approved for entry-level hiring

3. Contact the Applicant

Approved contact methods:

  • Phone call

  • - Text message

  • - Email

Initial Contact Script

[Applicant Name],

Thank you for your interest in the [position]. After reviewing your application, I would like to schedule you for a phone interview. Could you please let me know a few days/times that would work for you? Thanks.

4. Conduct the Pre-Screen Interview

The interview should last no more than 10–15 minutes.

General Questions

  1. Tell me about yourself.

  2. 2. Why are you interested in working at Fun Times With TITI?

  3. 3. What experience do you have working with children?

  4. 4. Which age groups have you worked with?

  5. 5. Are you comfortable working with children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old?

  6. 6. What do you enjoy most about childcare?

Availability Questions

  1. What is your current availability?

  2. 2. Are you available Monday through Friday?

  3. 3. Are there any scheduling limitations?

  4. 4. When are you available to start?

Reliability and Professionalism Questions

  1. How do you handle stressful situations?

  2. 2. Describe a challenging situation with a child and how you handled it.

  3. 3. How would you communicate concerns to parents?

  4. 4. What would you do if a child became upset during the day?

Compliance Questions

  1. Are you CPR or First Aid certified?

  2. 2. Are you willing to complete a background check?

  3. 3. Are you comfortable following childcare licensing regulations and center policies?

Closing Questions

  1. Do you have any questions for us?

  2. 2. Is there anything else you would like us to know?

5. Evaluate the Applicant

Rating Scale

Rating — Description

Excellent — Highly qualified

Good — Meets qualification

Fair — Limited experience but trainable

Poor — Does not meet requirements

Move the applicant forward when they demonstrate professional communication, reliable availability, relevant experience, a positive attitude, and strong interest in childcare.

6. Document Results

Record:

  • Applicant name

  • - Position applied for

  • - Interview date

  • - Interview summary

  • - Availability

  • - Strengths

  • - Concerns

  • - Recommendation

7. Move Qualified Applicants Forward

  • Notify Sachel.

  • - Update applicant status.

  • - Prepare for manager interview scheduling.

Performance Standards

Task — Standard

Applicant response time — Within 24 hours

Interview documentation — Same day

Candidate updates — Immediately after evaluation

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