Questions to Ask During Daycare Tour
Essential questions to ask during a daycare tour to ensure you choose the right childcare provider for your child's safety, development, and well-being.
1What is your staff-to-child ratio and how do you ensure adequate supervision?
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What is your staff-to-child ratio and how do you ensure adequate supervision?
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Why this works
Critical for understanding the level of individual attention your child will receive and ensuring proper supervision for safety and development.
2What are your staff qualifications and training requirements?
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What are your staff qualifications and training requirements?
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Why this works
Ensures the staff are properly trained and qualified to care for children, which is essential for your child's safety and development.
3What is your policy on sick children and how do you handle illness?
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What is your policy on sick children and how do you handle illness?
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Why this works
Important for understanding how the daycare protects your child's health and prevents the spread of illness among children.
4How do you handle discipline and what is your approach to behavior management?
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How do you handle discipline and what is your approach to behavior management?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the daycare's philosophy on discipline and whether it aligns with your parenting values and approach.
5What is your daily schedule and how do you structure activities for different age groups?
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What is your daily schedule and how do you structure activities for different age groups?
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Why this works
Shows how the daycare organizes the day and whether the activities are appropriate for your child's age and development level.
6How do you communicate with parents about their child's day and progress?
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How do you communicate with parents about their child's day and progress?
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Why this works
Important for staying informed about your child's activities, development, and any concerns that may arise.
7What 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
Critical for understanding the daycare's security measures and how they protect children from unauthorized access.
8How 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 the daycare is prepared for emergencies and has proper procedures to keep children safe in various situations.
9What is your policy on food and nutrition, and how do you handle allergies?
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What is your policy on food and nutrition, and how do you handle allergies?
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Why this works
Important for understanding how the daycare handles meals, snacks, and any dietary restrictions or allergies your child may have.
10How do you handle nap time and what are your sleep policies?
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How do you handle nap time and what are your sleep policies?
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Why this works
Helps you understand how the daycare accommodates your child's sleep needs and whether their approach aligns with your preferences.
11What is your policy on outdoor play and physical activity?
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What is your policy on outdoor play and physical activity?
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Why this works
Important for ensuring your child gets adequate physical activity and outdoor time, which are essential for healthy development.
12How 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
Important if your child is at the age where potty training is relevant, and helps you understand the daycare's approach to this milestone.
13What is your policy on bringing items from home, such as toys or comfort objects?
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What is your policy on bringing items from home, such as toys or comfort objects?
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Why this works
Helps you understand what items your child can bring to help them feel comfortable and secure in the daycare environment.
14How do you handle transitions and what support do you provide for new children?
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How do you handle transitions and what support do you provide for new children?
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Why this works
Important for understanding how the daycare helps children adjust to the new environment and whether they provide adequate support.
15What is your policy on field trips and outings, and how do you ensure safety?
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What is your policy on field trips and outings, and how do you ensure safety?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the daycare's approach to outings and whether they have proper safety measures in place for these activities.
16How do you handle special needs or developmental concerns?
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How do you handle special needs or developmental concerns?
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Why this works
Important if your child has special needs or if you're concerned about their development, and helps you understand the daycare's support capabilities.
17What is your policy on holidays and closures, and how do you handle backup care?
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What is your policy on holidays and closures, and how do you handle backup care?
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Why this works
Important for planning and understanding when the daycare is closed and what options you have for backup care.
18How do you handle conflicts between children and what is your approach to teaching social skills?
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How do you handle conflicts between children and what is your approach to teaching social skills?
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Why this works
Helps you understand how the daycare teaches children to interact with others and resolve conflicts in a positive way.
19What is your policy on technology and screen time?
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What is your policy on technology and screen time?
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Why this works
Important for understanding the daycare's approach to technology and whether it aligns with your values regarding screen time for children.
20How do you handle parent concerns and what is your process for addressing issues?
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How do you handle parent concerns and what is your process for addressing issues?
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Why this works
Ensures you have a clear way to communicate concerns and that the daycare is responsive to parent feedback and issues.
Choosing the Right Daycare
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Preparing for Your Tour
Research the Daycare
Learn about the daycare's philosophy, programs, and reputation before your tour to ask informed questions.
Prepare Your Questions
Write down your questions beforehand so you don't forget anything important during the tour.
Bring Your Child
If possible, bring your child to see how they interact with the environment and staff.
Take Notes
Take notes during the tour to remember important details and compare different daycares later.
What to Observe During the Tour
Staff Interactions
Observe how staff interact with children and whether they seem engaged, patient, and caring.
Environment Safety
Look for safety features, cleanliness, and whether the environment is appropriate for children.
Children's Behavior
Observe how the children seem to be doing and whether they appear happy and engaged.
Overall Atmosphere
Pay attention to the overall atmosphere and whether it feels welcoming and nurturing.
Making Your Decision
Trust Your Instincts
Pay attention to your gut feelings about the daycare and whether it feels right for your child.
Consider Your Child's Needs
Think about your child's specific needs and whether the daycare can meet them effectively.
Compare Options
Compare different daycares based on your priorities and what matters most to your family.
Check References
Ask for references from other parents and follow up to get their honest opinions about the daycare.