Questions to Ask New Daycare
Essential questions to ensure your child's safety, development, and happiness when choosing a new daycare provider.
1What is your staff-to-child ratio for each age group?
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What is your staff-to-child ratio for each age group?
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Why this works
Ensures adequate supervision and individual attention for each child's developmental needs.
2What are the qualifications and experience of your caregivers?
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What are the qualifications and experience of your caregivers?
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Why this works
Verifies staff training in early childhood education, first aid, and child development.
3How do you handle discipline and behavioral issues?
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How do you handle discipline and behavioral issues?
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Why this works
Reveals their approach to guidance and whether it aligns with your parenting philosophy.
4What does a typical daily schedule look like?
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What does a typical daily schedule look like?
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Why this works
Shows structure, balance of activities, and whether routines support development and transitions.
5How do you communicate with parents about their child's day?
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How do you communicate with parents about their child's day?
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Why this works
Establishes expectations for updates, photos, incident reports, and parent-teacher communication.
6What is your sick child policy?
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What is your sick child policy?
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Why this works
Clarifies when children must stay home and how illnesses are managed to protect all children.
7What meals and snacks do you provide, and can you accommodate allergies?
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What meals and snacks do you provide, and can you accommodate allergies?
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Why this works
Ensures nutritional needs are met and allergies are taken seriously with proper protocols.
8How do you support potty training or other developmental milestones?
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How do you support potty training or other developmental milestones?
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Why this works
Shows collaboration with parents on major transitions and consistency between home and daycare.
9What safety and security measures are in place?
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What safety and security measures are in place?
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Why this works
Verifies locked entry systems, visitor protocols, emergency plans, and background checks.
10Are you licensed, and when was your last inspection?
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Are you licensed, and when was your last inspection?
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Why this works
Confirms regulatory compliance and reveals any citations or areas of concern.
11How much outdoor time do children get each day?
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How much outdoor time do children get each day?
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Why this works
Physical activity and outdoor play are crucial for development and energy release.
12What is your staff turnover rate?
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What is your staff turnover rate?
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Why this works
Low turnover indicates job satisfaction and stable relationships for children.
13How 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 preparedness for fires, severe weather, medical emergencies, and lockdowns.
14What curriculum or educational approach do you follow?
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What curriculum or educational approach do you follow?
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Why this works
Reveals whether they use play-based, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, or other educational philosophies.
15Can I visit or drop in unannounced?
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Can I visit or drop in unannounced?
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Why this works
Open-door policies suggest transparency and confidence in care quality.
16How do you help new children adjust during the transition period?
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How do you help new children adjust during the transition period?
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Why this works
Shows understanding of separation anxiety and strategies to ease the adjustment.
17What is your policy on screen time and technology?
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What is your policy on screen time and technology?
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Why this works
Ensures alignment with your values about media exposure for young children.
18How do you handle conflicts between children?
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How do you handle conflicts between children?
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Why this works
Reveals approach to social-emotional learning and conflict resolution skills.
19What are your pickup and drop-off procedures?
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What are your pickup and drop-off procedures?
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Why this works
Clarifies authorized person lists, late pickup fees, and safety protocols.
20Can you provide references from current or former families?
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Can you provide references from current or former families?
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Why this works
Direct feedback from other parents offers real-world insight into daily operations.
How to Use These Questions
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
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