Questions to Ask a New Daycare
Essential questions to evaluate daycare quality, safety, and fit for your child's development and your family's needs.
1What is your staff-to-child ratio and how do you maintain it throughout the day?
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What is your staff-to-child ratio and how do you maintain it throughout the day?
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Why this works
Ensures adequate supervision and individual attention for each child, which is crucial for safety and development.
2What are the qualifications and training requirements for your teachers and caregivers?
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What are the qualifications and training requirements for your teachers and caregivers?
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Why this works
Reveals the educational background and ongoing training of staff who will be caring for your child.
3How do you handle discipline and what is your approach to behavioral guidance?
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How do you handle discipline and what is your approach to behavioral guidance?
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Why this works
Shows their philosophy on child discipline and whether it aligns with your parenting values and approach.
4What is your policy on sick children and how do you prevent illness spread?
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What is your policy on sick children and how do you prevent illness spread?
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Why this works
Protects your child's health and shows their commitment to maintaining a healthy environment for all children.
5How do you communicate with parents about their child's daily activities and progress?
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How do you communicate with parents about their child's daily activities and progress?
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Why this works
Ensures you'll stay informed about your child's day and development through regular, meaningful communication.
6What is your approach to nap time and how do you handle different sleep schedules?
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What is your approach to nap time and how do you handle different sleep schedules?
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Why this works
Shows flexibility in accommodating individual children's needs and whether they respect your child's sleep requirements.
7How do you handle food allergies and dietary restrictions?
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How do you handle food allergies and dietary restrictions?
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Why this works
Ensures your child's safety if they have allergies and shows their ability to accommodate special dietary needs.
8What is your policy on screen time and technology use?
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What is your policy on screen time and technology use?
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Why this works
Reveals their approach to technology and whether it aligns with your preferences for your child's development.
9How do you handle potty training and what support do you provide?
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How do you handle potty training and what support do you provide?
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Why this works
Shows their approach to this important developmental milestone and whether they'll work with your family's timeline.
10What is your outdoor play policy and how much time do children spend outside?
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What is your outdoor play policy and how much time do children spend outside?
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Why this works
Ensures your child gets adequate physical activity and outdoor time, which is important for development and health.
11How do you handle separation anxiety and help children adjust to daycare?
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How do you handle separation anxiety and help children adjust to daycare?
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Why this works
Shows their understanding of this common challenge and their strategies for helping children feel secure.
12What is your approach to learning and what curriculum or activities do you offer?
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What is your approach to learning and what curriculum or activities do you offer?
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Why this works
Reveals their educational philosophy and whether their approach supports your child's learning and development goals.
13How do you handle emergencies and what is your evacuation plan?
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How do you handle emergencies and what is your evacuation plan?
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Why this works
Ensures your child's safety in emergency situations and shows their preparedness for various scenarios.
14What is your policy on visitors and how do you ensure security?
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What is your policy on visitors and how do you ensure security?
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Why this works
Protects your child's safety by showing their approach to facility security and visitor management.
15How do you handle special needs or developmental delays?
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How do you handle special needs or developmental delays?
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Why this works
Shows their ability to accommodate children with different needs and whether they have appropriate resources and training.
16What is your policy on late pickups and how do you handle schedule changes?
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What is your policy on late pickups and how do you handle schedule changes?
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Why this works
Reveals their flexibility and policies for working parents who may need schedule accommodations.
17How do you handle conflicts between children and what is your approach to social development?
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How do you handle conflicts between children and what is your approach to social development?
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Why this works
Shows their approach to teaching social skills and resolving conflicts, which is important for your child's social development.
18What is your approach to cultural diversity and how do you celebrate different backgrounds?
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What is your approach to cultural diversity and how do you celebrate different backgrounds?
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Why this works
Shows their commitment to inclusivity and whether they'll help your child feel valued for their unique background.
19How do you handle transitions between age groups and what is your approach to age-appropriate activities?
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How do you handle transitions between age groups and what is your approach to age-appropriate activities?
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Why this works
Shows their understanding of child development and how they adapt activities to each child's developmental stage.
20What is your policy on parent involvement and how can families participate in the program?
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What is your policy on parent involvement and how can families participate in the program?
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Why this works
Reveals opportunities for you to be involved in your child's daycare experience and stay connected to their daily life.
Best Practices for Daycare Evaluation
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Visit During Active Hours
Schedule visits during normal operating hours to observe how staff interact with children and manage daily activities.
Ask for Specific Examples
Request concrete examples of how they handle common situations rather than accepting general policy statements.
Observe Staff Interactions
Watch how teachers interact with children to assess their warmth, patience, and engagement with the kids.
Question Sequences
The Safety and Security Sequence
The Development and Learning Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Focus Only on Cost
While budget is important, prioritize quality of care and your child's safety and development over finding the cheapest option.
Avoid Rushing the Decision
Take time to visit multiple centers, ask questions, and observe before making a decision that affects your child's daily experience.
Don't Ignore Your Instincts
Pay attention to how you feel about the environment and staff. Your intuition about the fit is often accurate.