Questions to Ask New Daycare

Ensures adequate supervision and individual attention for each child's developmental needs.

Verifies staff training in early childhood education, first aid, and child development.

Reveals their approach to guidance and whether it aligns with your parenting philosophy.

Shows structure, balance of activities, and whether routines support development and transitions.

Establishes expectations for updates, photos, incident reports, and parent-teacher communication.

Clarifies when children must stay home and how illnesses are managed to protect all children.

Ensures nutritional needs are met and allergies are taken seriously with proper protocols.

Shows collaboration with parents on major transitions and consistency between home and daycare.

Verifies locked entry systems, visitor protocols, emergency plans, and background checks.

Confirms regulatory compliance and reveals any citations or areas of concern.

Physical activity and outdoor play are crucial for development and energy release.

Low turnover indicates job satisfaction and stable relationships for children.

Ensures preparedness for fires, severe weather, medical emergencies, and lockdowns.

Reveals whether they use play-based, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, or other educational philosophies.

Open-door policies suggest transparency and confidence in care quality.

Shows understanding of separation anxiety and strategies to ease the adjustment.

Ensures alignment with your values about media exposure for young children.

Reveals approach to social-emotional learning and conflict resolution skills.

Clarifies authorized person lists, late pickup fees, and safety protocols.

Direct feedback from other parents offers real-world insight into daily operations.