Questions to Ask at Daycare Tour
Essential questions to help you evaluate daycare facilities, understand policies, and make informed decisions about your child's care.
1What's your approach to child development and learning?
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What's your approach to child development and learning?
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Why this works
Understanding their developmental approach helps you assess if their philosophy aligns with your goals for your child's growth.
2What's the child-to-staff ratio and how do you maintain it?
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What's the child-to-staff ratio and how do you maintain it?
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Why this works
Understanding ratios helps you assess the quality of care and attention your child will receive.
3What's your approach to discipline and behavior management?
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What's your approach to discipline and behavior management?
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Why this works
Understanding their discipline approach helps you see if their methods align with your parenting philosophy.
4What's your policy on sick children and how do you handle illnesses?
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What's your policy on sick children and how do you handle illnesses?
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Why this works
Understanding sick policies helps you know what to expect when your child is ill and how they protect other children.
5What's your approach to nutrition and meal times?
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What's your approach to nutrition and meal times?
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Why this works
Understanding their nutrition approach helps you see if their food policies align with your child's dietary needs.
6What's your policy on naps and rest time?
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What's your policy on naps and rest time?
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Why this works
Understanding nap policies helps you see if their schedule aligns with your child's sleep needs.
7What's your approach to potty training and how do you support it?
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What's your approach to potty training and how do you support it?
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Why this works
Understanding potty training support helps you see if they can help with this important developmental milestone.
8What's your policy on outdoor play and physical activity?
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What's your policy on outdoor play and physical activity?
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Why this works
Understanding outdoor play policies helps you see if your child will get adequate physical activity and fresh air.
9What's your approach to communication with parents?
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What's your approach to communication with parents?
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Why this works
Understanding communication policies helps you know how you'll stay informed about your child's day and progress.
10What's your policy on visitors and family involvement?
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What's your policy on visitors and family involvement?
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Why this works
Understanding visitor policies helps you know what's allowed and how you can be involved in your child's care.
11What's your approach to special needs and accommodations?
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What's your approach to special needs and accommodations?
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Why this works
Understanding special needs support helps you see if they can meet your child's specific requirements.
12What's your policy on emergency procedures and safety?
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What's your policy on emergency procedures and safety?
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Why this works
Understanding emergency procedures helps you know how they handle emergencies and keep your child safe.
13What's your approach to cultural diversity and inclusion?
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What's your approach to cultural diversity and inclusion?
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Why this works
Understanding diversity approach helps you see if they create an inclusive environment for all children.
14What's your policy on holidays and special events?
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What's your policy on holidays and special events?
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Why this works
Understanding holiday policies helps you know what to expect during special occasions and how they celebrate.
15What's your approach to technology and screen time?
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What's your approach to technology and screen time?
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Why this works
Understanding technology policies helps you see if their approach aligns with your views on screen time.
16What's your policy on field trips and outings?
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What's your policy on field trips and outings?
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Why this works
Understanding field trip policies helps you know what activities your child will participate in and what permissions are needed.
17What's your approach to staff training and professional development?
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What's your approach to staff training and professional development?
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Why this works
Understanding staff training helps you see if caregivers are well-prepared and continue to improve their skills.
18What's your policy on late pickups and emergency contacts?
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What's your policy on late pickups and emergency contacts?
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Why this works
Understanding pickup policies helps you know what to expect if you're late and how they handle emergencies.
19What's your approach to conflict resolution between children?
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What's your approach to conflict resolution between children?
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Why this works
Understanding conflict resolution helps you see how they handle disagreements and teach children to resolve problems.
20What's your policy on bringing items from home?
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What's your policy on bringing items from home?
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Why this works
Understanding item policies helps you know what your child can bring and what restrictions exist.
Evaluating Daycare Facilities
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Making the Right Choice
Observe the Environment
Pay attention to the physical environment, cleanliness, safety features, and how children and staff interact.
Ask About Staff
Learn about staff qualifications, training, experience, and how they handle different situations.
Check References
Ask for references from current or former parents to get honest feedback about their experience.