at a job interview how should i ask about proper attire in a daycare setting?

[Happy Snowman]

Unless the interview is off-site, I would think that you would have the opportunity to observe what other employees are wearing. If not, that would be a question for a second interview. I agree that sweatpants are probably not appropriate.

 

[ShirikiUtundu]

It cannot be echoed enough that sweatpants or yoga pants are NEVER appropriate for work unless you are employed as a gym teacher or at a fitness center.

 

[SnowFuries]

You need to dress not only for comfort but respect. You are essentially an educator in these environments, even when dealing in non structure programs. You will need to communicate with parents regularly and ultimately you will have to address concerns about their children. From behavior problems, accidents, illnesses etc. Being seen with credibility is invaluable in these instances.

This is an industry that is frequently undervalued. Do not contribute to this stigma by dressing "messy." I am not calling you messy but it is an unfortunate label inevitability if you choose to go down a too casual clothing road. Trust me, you will save yourself a lot of woe by dressing with an air of professionalism and sacrificing a morsel of comfort, even if the dress code allows. You do not want to be treated like a second rate servant (and believe me there are parents that are more than keen to treat you like dirt).

 

[Iowajes]

I was a lead teacher in an infant room of a daycare. I worked in jeans and a t-shirt everyday. I got thrown up on alot, so I often would bring a change of clothes with me.

Many of the assistant teachers (i.e., minimum wage college students who worked part time) wore sweats, usually those "PINK" branded ones that are capris. They probably cost more than my outfit did.

I don't recall any of the other full time teachers wearing sweats though.

Jeans are really easy to get on the floor and in the dirt wearing, and they give off an air of business casual a bit more.

 

[luvsJack]

I was a lead teacher in an infant room of a daycare. I worked in jeans and a t-shirt everyday. I got thrown up on alot, so I often would bring a change of clothes with me.

Many of the assistant teachers (i.e., minimum wage college students who worked part time) wore sweats, usually those "PINK" branded ones that are capris. They probably cost more than my outfit did.

I don't recall any of the other full time teachers wearing sweats though.

Jeans are really easy to get on the floor and in the dirt wearing, and they give off an air of business casual a bit more.

Now see, I HATED jeans on our infant room workers. I wanted them to be able to always hold a baby and jeans can be scratchy. We had a few infants that loved to be held across the caregivers lap and rocked (especially when they had a tummy ache). I think scrubs would be better for that.

Too many places seem to care more about how they look than the comfort, love and enjoyment of the children.

I would never say that anyone should dress sloppily, but I would rather see my two year old's teacher sitting on the ground outside playing with the children in sweats than sitting daintly in a chair not wanting to get her clothes dirty.

 

[Iowajes]

Now see, I HATED jeans on our infant room workers. I wanted them to be able to always hold a baby and jeans can be scratchy. We had a few infants that loved to be held across the caregivers lap and rocked (especially when they had a tummy ache). I think scrubs would be better for that.

I never had a baby fuss being held in jeans. At work, or in my non-work life. Jeans are pretty common Mom wear too.

Maybe it is regional, but I've never seen a daycare worker in scrubs. I've worked in quite a few of them, and interviewed in even more, in a few areas of Texas and in Iowa.
I don't have a problem with scrubs, but I would have never thought to wear them.

 

[luvsJack]

I never had a baby fuss being held in jeans. At work, or in my non-work life. Jeans are pretty common Mom wear too.

Maybe it is regional, but I've never seen a daycare worker in scrubs. I've worked in quite a few of them, and interviewed in even more, in a few areas of Texas and in Iowa.
I don't have a problem with scrubs, but I would have never thought to wear them.

Never had a baby fuss, just one with red cheeks from rubbing them back and forth across jeans. Scrubs are just easy. Their cheap, easy to clean and comfortable.

A lot of infant rooms here require them. And allow them in the other areas.

 

[sam_gordon]

Never had a baby fuss, just one with red cheeks from rubbing them back and forth across jeans. Scrubs are just easy. Their cheap, easy to clean and comfortable.

A lot of infant rooms here require them. And allow them in the other areas.

How in the world is anyone holding a baby that the infant's cheeks are being rubbed back and forth across jeans? Are they putting the baby's face between their legs? Are they holding them on their side, rubbing one cheek, then turning them over to rub the other side?

 

[Ceila]

Now see, I HATED jeans on our infant room workers. I wanted them to be able to always hold a baby and jeans can be scratchy. We had a few infants that loved to be held across the caregivers lap and rocked (especially when they had a tummy ache). I think scrubs would be better for that.

Too many places seem to care more about how they look than the comfort, love and enjoyment of the children.

I would never say that anyone should dress sloppily, but I would rather see my two year old's teacher sitting on the ground outside playing with the children in sweats than sitting daintly in a chair not wanting to get her clothes dirty.

Add me to this list of people who don't see jeans in an infant room as a problem. And yes, I worked in one when I was in college. Just toss a receiving blanket over your jeans if it's really an issue.

 

[Tarheel girl 1975]

Each day center is different. I worked at center that had a very lax dress code and people wore jeans, yoga pants, sweat pants, etc as long as they weren't inappropriate. We were a very high quality center and stressed learning through play. We often planned messy activities (art, coming, or sensory play.) At another center I worked at we had to war khaki pants and center specific polos. My interview always included a tour of the center which gave me the opportunity to see what other staff were wearing. I also think it's okay to ask if they have a uniform.

 

[htmom]

I have a funny story about the old center I worked in. I was a head teacher for the three year old classroom. We always wore jeans and polos. We kept extra polos in the closet so at anytime we could change and most brought extra jeans as well.
We got a new director one year, she was a sweet woman, very educated, and she loved changing policies. Well she decided that we weren't to wear jeans anymore. Khaki pants would be required, she said anything else made the teachers look underdressed. She also chose the type of khakis we were to wear, the brand and color. Well about a week after the new policy was put in place she came into my room for a review. My kids were painting and I'm sure you see where this is going. They are all standing at their little easels painting. My rambunctious "joey" put his hand directly into is painting and made the most perfect handprint on the directors butt. (How he made the print so clear I will never know, he sure couldn't do it on his mother's day card lol)

Well when Monday rolled around we all received an email that jeans were now ok to wear.

 

[nkereina]

My sister in law has worked in various daycares for years. She never wore sweats, but usually jeans or some nice looking yoga type pants - the kind that could border as dress pants, but had an elastic waistband.

I think it's appropriate to ask what the dress code is in the interview, but if they give you a general answer, I wouldn't press it any further. Unless not being permitted to wear sweatpants is a deal breaker for you.

 

[luvsJack]

How in the world is anyone holding a baby that the infant's cheeks are being rubbed back and forth across jeans? Are they putting the baby's face between their legs? Are they holding them on their side, rubbing one cheek, then turning them over to rub the other side?

The baby liked being held across the caregivers lap. So she sat in the rocking chair and the baby laid across her legs. The baby turned her head back and forth and her little cheeks were all red. The caregiver felt awful but never realized it would happen.

I never said I have an issue with jeans in a center. We just chose scrubs. Only the infant room wore scrubs other areas wore jeans. Just pointing out that all centers are different and the OP should ask.

 

[Divah]

When you go in take a quick glance at the others and what they are wearing.

My center I have my girls wear scrub tops that have our name on them ( we have bright colored tops with kid patterns with stitched centers name ) and comfy pants that are not indecent....some like leggings or yoga pants.....no sweats.....jeans are ok but make sure you can move freely cause you need to be able to keep up with any age.

I would go a few minutes early scout out what they are wearing. I make a point to tell new hires what attire I expect. We also provide 3 shirts free anything over that you can purchase yourself.

Good luck and stay positive

 

[disney world dreamer]

i feel like everyone has a very different view from mine as to what sweatpants are.

when i say sweatpants i don't mean huge baggy thick sweatpants that cuff at the ankle like old school wore when i was 5 sweatpants.

i'm thinking of something that is a relaxed fit so they aren't all tight on my butt/thighs but not huge either and something that is a smooth knit fabric.
something more like this in grey or black.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Danskin-N...i-More-Core-Relaxed-Fit-Workout-Pant/19524192

so to anyone that says only jeans or nicer now that you know what my view of sweatpants is do you feel any differently?

and for those who said yoga pants and leggings would be fine but not sweatpants now that you've seen my take on what sweatpants are do you still feel they are a no no but yoga pants and leggings are still fine?

 

[nkereina]

i feel like everyone has a very different view from mine as to what sweatpants are.

when i say sweatpants i don't mean huge baggy thick sweatpants that cuff at the ankle like old school wore when i was 5 sweatpants.

i'm thinking of something that is a relaxed fit so they aren't all tight on my butt/thighs but not huge either and something that is a smooth knit fabric.
something more like this in grey or black.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Danskin-N...i-More-Core-Relaxed-Fit-Workout-Pant/19524192

so to anyone that says only jeans or nicer now that you know what my view of sweatpants is do you feel any differently?

and for those who said yoga pants and leggings would be fine but not sweatpants now that you've seen my take on what sweatpants are do you still feel they are a no no but yoga pants and leggings are still fine?

Based on the link you provided, those would be more akin to yoga pants in my definition so I would find them acceptable. I'd think polyester/nylon type yoga pants may even be a better option IMO because they look more like "dress" pants. My favorite of these are from Athleta, but Old Navy and Gap have more affordable ones.

 

[sam_gordon]

i feel like everyone has a very different view from mine as to what sweatpants are.

when i say sweatpants i don't mean huge baggy thick sweatpants that cuff at the ankle like old school wore when i was 5 sweatpants.

i'm thinking of something that is a relaxed fit so they aren't all tight on my butt/thighs but not huge either and something that is a smooth knit fabric.
something more like this in grey or black.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Danskin-N...i-More-Core-Relaxed-Fit-Workout-Pant/19524192

so to anyone that says only jeans or nicer now that you know what my view of sweatpants is do you feel any differently?

and for those who said yoga pants and leggings would be fine but not sweatpants now that you've seen my take on what sweatpants are do you still feel they are a no no but yoga pants and leggings are still fine?

I would still consider those "sweatpants".

Just keep in mind, it doesn't matter what anyone here thinks is appropriate. We might all say "those are awful and look terrible", but if your employer is fine with them, who cares what the Dis thinks?

There are two things you should do (IMO):
1) During your tour of the place, take note of how the workers are dressed.
2) During the interview, ask what the dress policy is. Do NOT ask "are sweats (or yoga/workout pants) ok?" Because as you know, people have different definitions of what qualifies.

 

[luvsJack]

i feel like everyone has a very different view from mine as to what sweatpants are.

when i say sweatpants i don't mean huge baggy thick sweatpants that cuff at the ankle like old school wore when i was 5 sweatpants.

i'm thinking of something that is a relaxed fit so they aren't all tight on my butt/thighs but not huge either and something that is a smooth knit fabric.
something more like this in grey or black.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Danskin-N...i-More-Core-Relaxed-Fit-Workout-Pant/19524192

so to anyone that says only jeans or nicer now that you know what my view of sweatpants is do you feel any differently?

and for those who said yoga pants and leggings would be fine but not sweatpants now that you've seen my take on what sweatpants are do you still feel they are a no no but yoga pants and leggings are still fine?

IMHO, those would be fine unless your center specifies khakis or jeans or some kind of uniform. I would really think that they would be just as "dressy" as yoga pants and a really better than leggings when working with kids.

But, again, you will really need to ask. I am not sure why everyone thinks asking specifics would be a bad thing, but just ask what the dress code is. If the answer isn't clear, ask about specifics. Most established centers are going to be able to make it pretty clear what they expect. And there is likely an employee handbook with dress codes spelled out in it anyway.

 

[nkereina]

But, again, you will really need to ask. I am not sure why everyone thinks asking specifics would be a bad thing, but just ask what the dress code is. If the answer isn't clear, ask about specifics.

If I was the interviewer and the interviewee seemed concerned about whether sweatpants were permitted, I'd wonder where their head was at. Asking about dress code is a valid question, but specifically sweatpants just seems odd. The answer probably isn't a make it or break it one for the OP, so what's the difference?

 

[JanaDee]

i feel like everyone has a very different view from mine as to what sweatpants are.

when i say sweatpants i don't mean huge baggy thick sweatpants that cuff at the ankle like old school wore when i was 5 sweatpants.

i'm thinking of something that is a relaxed fit so they aren't all tight on my butt/thighs but not huge either and something that is a smooth knit fabric.
something more like this in grey or black.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Danskin-N...i-More-Core-Relaxed-Fit-Workout-Pant/19524192

so to anyone that says only jeans or nicer now that you know what my view of sweatpants is do you feel any differently?

and for those who said yoga pants and leggings would be fine but not sweatpants now that you've seen my take on what sweatpants are do you still feel they are a no no but yoga pants and leggings are still fine?

That's exactly what I was picturing. No sweats on the job, period, unless you are a gym teacher or some type of coach.