Questions to Ask Daycare
Essential questions to ask daycare providers to ensure your child receives quality care, is safe, and thrives in their early learning environment.
1What is your approach to early childhood education and how do you support learning?
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What is your approach to early childhood education and how do you support learning?
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Why this works
Understanding their educational philosophy helps you assess if their approach aligns with your values and goals for your child.
2What are your staff qualifications and how do you ensure quality care?
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What are your staff qualifications and how do you ensure quality care?
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Why this works
Learning about staff qualifications helps you assess the quality of care and education your child will receive.
3What is your child-to-staff ratio and how do you maintain it?
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What is your child-to-staff ratio and how do you maintain it?
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Why this works
Understanding ratios helps you assess if your child will receive adequate attention and supervision.
4What are your safety protocols and how do you handle emergencies?
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What are your safety protocols and how do you handle emergencies?
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Why this works
Learning about safety measures helps you ensure your child will be protected and cared for in emergency situations.
5What is your approach to discipline and how do you handle behavioral issues?
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What is your approach to discipline and how do you handle behavioral issues?
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Why this works
Understanding their discipline approach helps you assess if their methods align with your parenting values.
6What are your policies on illness and how do you handle sick children?
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What are your policies on illness and how do you handle sick children?
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Why this works
Learning about illness policies helps you understand how they protect your child's health and manage contagious situations.
7What are your communication practices and how often will I receive updates?
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What are your communication practices and how often will I receive updates?
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Why this works
Understanding communication helps you know how often you'll hear about your child's day and development.
8What are your policies on food and nutrition and how do you handle dietary needs?
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What are your policies on food and nutrition and how do you handle dietary needs?
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Why this works
Learning about nutrition policies helps you ensure your child's dietary needs are met and they receive healthy meals.
9What are your policies on naps and rest time and how do you handle sleep schedules?
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What are your policies on naps and rest time and how do you handle sleep schedules?
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Why this works
Understanding rest policies helps you ensure your child's sleep needs are met and their schedule is respected.
10What 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
Learning about physical activity helps you ensure your child gets adequate exercise and outdoor time.
11What are your policies on parent involvement and how can I participate?
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What are your policies on parent involvement and how can I participate?
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Why this works
Understanding parent involvement helps you know how you can stay connected and participate in your child's care.
12What are your policies on field trips and special activities?
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What are your policies on field trips and special activities?
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Why this works
Learning about special activities helps you understand what experiences your child will have and how they're supervised.
13What are your policies on holidays and special events?
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What are your policies on holidays and special events?
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Why this works
Understanding holiday policies helps you know how they handle celebrations and what activities your child will participate in.
14What are your policies on potty training and how do you support this milestone?
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What are your policies on potty training and how do you support this milestone?
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Why this works
Learning about potty training support helps you understand how they'll help your child through this important developmental stage.
15What are your policies on technology and screen time?
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What are your policies on technology and screen time?
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Why this works
Understanding technology policies helps you know how they handle screen time and what technology your child will be exposed to.
16What 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
Learning about special needs support helps you understand how they'll accommodate your child's unique needs and abilities.
17What are your policies on transitions and how do you help children adjust?
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What are your policies on transitions and how do you help children adjust?
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Why this works
Understanding transition support helps you know how they'll help your child adjust to new situations and changes.
18What are your policies on confidentiality and how do you protect family privacy?
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What are your policies on confidentiality and how do you protect family privacy?
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Why this works
Learning about confidentiality helps you understand how they protect your family's privacy and personal information.
19What are your policies on fees and payments and what is included in the cost?
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What are your policies on fees and payments and what is included in the cost?
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Why this works
Understanding fee policies helps you budget for childcare and know what services are included in your payment.
20What are your policies on termination and how do you handle ending care?
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What are your policies on termination and how do you handle ending care?
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Why this works
Learning about termination policies helps you understand your rights and options if you need to end care.
Choosing the Right Daycare
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Evaluating Daycare Options
Visit the Facility
Schedule a visit to see the facility, meet the staff, and observe the environment to assess if it's right for your child.
Ask for References
Request references from other parents to understand their experiences and satisfaction with the daycare.
Trust Your Instincts
Pay attention to your gut feelings about the facility, staff, and environment to ensure you feel comfortable leaving your child there.