5 Qualities We Look for When Hiring Teachers
- jessaroby
- Jan 28
- 4 min read
Whether your child attends daycare once a week or full-time, those hours add up to be a big chunk of their young lives, impacting all aspects of their development. That’s why who your child spends the day with matters so much, and why we put so much thought into who leads our classrooms.
"I truly trust the entire team with my child. Everyone is kind, courteous, and welcoming, and it’s very clear how much they genuinely care about the kids. Knowing my child is loved and well cared for every day means everything to our family." - Molly M.
When welcoming new teachers into the Barrington family, these are the key qualities we look for:
Patience - Patience is a virtue, and a non-negotiable if you work in childcare! Little humans experience big emotions, learning curves, and transitions in the first years of their life. And when they’re met with patience, they feel safe, trusted and supported.
Say a child is having trouble tying their shoes. Our teachers might encourage them to keep trying, offering some guidance along the way. If the child gets to the point of frustration, the teacher steps in, calmly supporting, maybe even showing them the next step so the child can try again and succeed. This is how we help children learn how to manage their emotions, build independence, and gain confidence when learning new skills.
Active Listening - Being a great listener matters just as much for adults as it does for children, especially in the classroom. When teachers listen, they gain understanding to ensure each child’s needs, and emotions are respected, day in and day out. And when this happens, kids feel heard, safe, and confident. It’s one of the simplest but most meaningful ways we create an environment where children feel comfortable being themselves. For teachers at Barrington, listening also extends beyond the classroom to the families we partner with each day.
“If a parent comes to us and says they want their child to work on a specific skill, we practice it.” explains Jessica Hoffman, President and Founder of Barrington School. “They know their kids best, and listening to them helps us best support each child.”
Creativity - Being creative as a teacher is about much more than coming up with fun arts and crafts. It’s about being flexible, thinking on your feet, and turning little moments of inspiration into meaningful learning experiences.
Sometimes that’s taking a child’s interest, like race cars or bugs, and using it in songs, stories, or group activities. Or it’s adjusting a lesson to match the different ways children learn. It can even be as simple as turning everyday routines into learning moments, like passing out supplies to practice counting.
"My son has thrived and grown so much since being at Barrington. . . Everyone is so willing to help in any way possible, all the kiddos are challenged in such creative ways to be the best they can be. We love it there and can't wait to see how much more our little guy learns at Barrington!" - Mais K.
At the end of the day, creativity comes in many forms, and being creative in the classroom is how we build engaging environments where children are actually excited to learn.
Communication - When we talk about being a good communicator, we’re looking for more than just the ability to explain directions clearly.
“Our teachers do an amazing job at communicating in a developmentally appropriate way,” Jess explains. “In the infant room, it’s all about non-verbal communication. But with toddlers, we know they respond to repetition.”
When our teachers communicate with children in a way they understand, we reduce confusion, guide positive behavior, and create an environment where teachers and children feel connected.
Reliability - Children thrive when they feel safe and secure, and consistency plays a major role in creating that type of environment. Our teachers provide a steady presence that children need to build trust, form strong relationships, and feel confident in their daily routines. When the same teachers show up each day to lead their classroom, children know what to expect each day, which helps reduce anxiety and allows them to focus on learning, socializing, and growing.
"The staff is incredible. Always very friendly and we can tell that they truly care about the well-being and the development of our kids! That level of trust is something that cannot be replaced and has been earned through the great work they do every day." - DJ J.
There are many other qualities we look for when bringing someone new into the Barrington family, including inclusivity, kindness, empathy, and, most importantly, a genuine passion for working with children.
By hiring educators who reflect these values, we ensure each child is cared for by someone parents can trust, not just as a teacher, but as a partner in their child’s growth.
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