Questions to Ask Child Care Providers
Safety-first, development-aware questions for daycares and nannies—covering ratios, routines, communication, emergencies, and learning philosophy.
1What are your caregiver-to-child ratios by age group?
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What are your caregiver-to-child ratios by age group?
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Why this works
Core safety and attention metric that shapes daily care.
2What training and background checks do staff complete?
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What training and background checks do staff complete?
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Why this works
Confirms screening, CPR/first aid, and ongoing education.
3What is your approach to behavior guidance and regulation?
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What is your approach to behavior guidance and regulation?
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Why this works
Seeks respectful, developmentally appropriate practices.
4How are naps, feeding, and toileting handled and documented?
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How are naps, feeding, and toileting handled and documented?
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Why this works
Ensures routines and communication align with home.
5How do you communicate daily updates and concerns?
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How do you communicate daily updates and concerns?
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Why this works
Sets expectations for transparency and responsiveness.
6What is your illness policy and when should children stay home?
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What is your illness policy and when should children stay home?
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Why this works
Protects community health and reduces confusion.
7What’s your emergency plan for injuries, evacuations, or severe weather?
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What’s your emergency plan for injuries, evacuations, or severe weather?
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Why this works
Assures preparedness and clear protocols.
8How do you handle allergies, medications, and special diets?
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How do you handle allergies, medications, and special diets?
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Why this works
Checks safety for health needs and documentation.
9What is your learning philosophy and daily schedule?
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What is your learning philosophy and daily schedule?
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Why this works
Aligns expectations for play, structure, and enrichment.
10How do you support social-emotional development and conflict?
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How do you support social-emotional development and conflict?
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Why this works
Looks for intentional skill-building and coaching.
11How are new families oriented and children transitioned?
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How are new families oriented and children transitioned?
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Why this works
Plans gentle, supportive starts for the child.
12What is your policy for visitors and pickups?
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What is your policy for visitors and pickups?
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Why this works
Secures entrances and authorized release procedures.
13How do you clean and sanitize toys and classrooms?
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How do you clean and sanitize toys and classrooms?
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Why this works
Reduces illness and demonstrates hygiene standards.
14What is your approach to outdoor time and risky play?
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What is your approach to outdoor time and risky play?
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Why this works
Balances safety with healthy exploration.
15How do you track growth and share assessments with parents?
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How do you track growth and share assessments with parents?
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Why this works
Encourages partnership around milestones and needs.
16What happens if a caregiver is out—who covers the room?
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What happens if a caregiver is out—who covers the room?
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Why this works
Ensures continuity and stable relationships.
17What fees are included, and what additional costs might arise?
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What fees are included, and what additional costs might arise?
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Why this works
Avoids budget surprises and miscommunication.
18Can we observe a class and speak with current families?
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Can we observe a class and speak with current families?
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Why this works
Validates culture and parent satisfaction.
19How do you include families and honor cultural practices?
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How do you include families and honor cultural practices?
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Why this works
Looks for inclusive, welcoming environments.
20What’s one improvement you’re working on this year?
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What’s one improvement you’re working on this year?
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Why this works
Signals reflective practice and continuous improvement.
Choosing Care With Confidence
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Observe, Verify, Align
Watch Transitions
Drop-offs reveal emotional safety and routines.
Ask for Proof
Request certifications, logs, and policies in writing.
Match Philosophy
Choose environments that reflect your family’s values.
Tour Checklist
Checkpoints
Common Pitfalls
Charm Over Systems
Warmth matters—but policies protect your child.
Hidden Fees
Clarify costs for supplies, late pickups, or special events.