Questions to Ask at a Daycare Tour
Essential questions to ask during daycare tours to ensure you find the right care environment for your child.
1What is your philosophy on child development and how do you approach learning?
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What is your philosophy on child development and how do you approach learning?
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Why this works
Understanding their educational philosophy helps you ensure their approach aligns with your values and goals for your child.
2What are your teacher-to-child ratios and how do you ensure adequate supervision?
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What are your teacher-to-child ratios and how do you ensure adequate supervision?
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Why this works
Knowing the ratios helps you understand the level of individual attention your child will receive and safety standards.
3What are your policies on discipline and how do you handle challenging behaviors?
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What are your policies on discipline and how do you handle challenging behaviors?
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Why this works
Understanding their discipline approach helps you ensure their methods align with your parenting philosophy.
4What are your health and safety policies and how do you handle emergencies?
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What are your health and safety policies and how do you handle emergencies?
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Why this works
Knowing their safety procedures helps you feel confident that your child will be protected and cared for properly.
5What are your policies on illness and when should children stay home?
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What are your policies on illness and when should children stay home?
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Why this works
Understanding their illness policies helps you know when to keep your child home and how they protect against spread of disease.
6What are your policies on food and nutrition and how do you handle dietary restrictions?
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What are your policies on food and nutrition and how do you handle dietary restrictions?
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Why this works
Knowing their food policies helps you ensure your child's nutritional needs are met and any restrictions are accommodated.
7What are your policies on naps and rest time and how do you accommodate different sleep needs?
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What are your policies on naps and rest time and how do you accommodate different sleep needs?
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Why this works
Understanding their rest policies helps you ensure your child's sleep needs are met and they can rest comfortably.
8What are your policies on outdoor play and physical activity?
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What are your policies on outdoor play and physical activity?
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Why this works
Knowing their outdoor policies helps you ensure your child gets adequate exercise and fresh air.
9What are your policies on communication and how do you keep parents informed?
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What are your policies on communication and how do you keep parents informed?
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Why this works
Understanding their communication policies helps you know how you'll stay informed about your child's day and progress.
10What are your policies on potty training and how do you support this process?
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What are your policies on potty training and how do you support this process?
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Why this works
Knowing their potty training support helps you understand how they'll help your child with this important milestone.
11What are your policies on special needs and how do you accommodate different abilities?
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What are your policies on special needs and how do you accommodate different abilities?
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Why this works
Understanding their special needs policies helps you ensure your child will receive appropriate support if needed.
12What are your policies on field trips and outings and how do you ensure safety?
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What are your policies on field trips and outings and how do you ensure safety?
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Why this works
Knowing their outing policies helps you understand how they provide enrichment while keeping children safe.
13What are your policies on holidays and celebrations and how do you handle different cultures?
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What are your policies on holidays and celebrations and how do you handle different cultures?
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Why this works
Understanding their celebration policies helps you ensure your child's cultural background is respected and included.
14What are your policies on technology and screen time and how do you balance it?
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What are your policies on technology and screen time and how do you balance it?
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Why this works
Knowing their technology policies helps you understand how they balance digital learning with other activities.
15What are your policies on parent involvement and how can families participate?
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What are your policies on parent involvement and how can families participate?
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Why this works
Understanding their parent involvement policies helps you know how you can stay connected and involved in your child's care.
16What are your policies on staff training and how do you ensure quality care?
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What are your policies on staff training and how do you ensure quality care?
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Why this works
Knowing their training policies helps you understand the qualifications and ongoing development of the staff.
17What are your policies on backup care and what happens when staff are sick?
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What are your policies on backup care and what happens when staff are sick?
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Why this works
Understanding their backup care policies helps you know how they handle staffing challenges and maintain continuity.
18What are your policies on security and how do you protect children from unauthorized access?
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What are your policies on security and how do you protect children from unauthorized access?
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Why this works
Knowing their security policies helps you feel confident that your child is protected from unauthorized visitors.
19What are your policies on fees and payment and what are the costs?
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What are your policies on fees and payment and what are the costs?
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Why this works
Understanding their fee structure helps you budget for childcare costs and avoid unexpected charges.
20What are your policies on transitions and how do you help children adjust to new environments?
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What are your policies on transitions and how do you help children adjust to new environments?
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Why this works
Knowing their transition policies helps you understand how they'll help your child adjust to the new environment.
Choosing the Right Daycare
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Finding Quality Care
Visit Multiple Centers
Tour several daycares to compare options, philosophies, and quality to find the best fit for your child.
Ask About All Policies
Get detailed information about all policies to ensure they align with your values and meet your child's needs.
Trust Your Instincts
Choose a daycare where you feel comfortable and confident that your child will be well cared for.