Questions to Ask When Touring Daycare
Essential questions to ask when touring daycare facilities to ensure you choose the best care for your child.
1What is your staff-to-child ratio, and how do you ensure adequate supervision?
Click to see why this works
What is your staff-to-child ratio, and how do you ensure adequate supervision?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding supervision ratios helps you assess whether your child will receive adequate attention and care.
2What are the qualifications and training requirements for your staff?
Click to see why this works
What are the qualifications and training requirements for your staff?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Learning about staff qualifications helps you assess the quality of care and whether staff are properly trained for child development.
3How do you handle discipline and behavior management?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle discipline and behavior management?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding discipline approaches helps you assess whether their methods align with your parenting philosophy and values.
4What is your approach to child development and learning activities?
Click to see why this works
What is your approach to child development and learning activities?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Learning about their development approach helps you assess whether they provide age-appropriate learning and growth opportunities.
5How do you handle meals and snacks, and what is your nutrition policy?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle meals and snacks, and what is your nutrition policy?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding meal policies helps you assess whether your child will receive proper nutrition and if dietary needs are accommodated.
6What are your safety and security measures?
Click to see why this works
What are your safety and security measures?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Learning about safety measures helps you assess whether your child will be protected and secure in the facility.
7How do you handle illness and medical emergencies?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle illness and medical emergencies?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding illness policies helps you know how your child's health will be managed and what procedures are in place.
8What are your communication policies with parents?
Click to see why this works
What are your communication policies with parents?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Learning about communication helps you understand how you'll stay informed about your child's day and any issues that arise.
9How do you handle different learning styles and special needs?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle different learning styles and special needs?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their approach to different needs helps you assess whether they can accommodate your child's specific requirements.
10What are your policies on screen time and technology use?
Click to see why this works
What are your policies on screen time and technology use?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Learning about technology policies helps you assess whether their approach aligns with your values and preferences.
11How do you handle outdoor play and physical activity?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle outdoor play and physical activity?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding outdoor policies helps you assess whether your child will have adequate opportunities for physical activity and play.
12What are your policies on naps and rest time?
Click to see why this works
What are your policies on naps and rest time?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Learning about rest policies helps you understand how your child's sleep needs will be accommodated and managed.
13How do you handle transitions and drop-off/pick-up times?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle transitions and drop-off/pick-up times?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding transition policies helps you know how your child will be supported during difficult times and what to expect.
14What are your policies on visitors and family involvement?
Click to see why this works
What are your policies on visitors and family involvement?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Learning about visitor policies helps you understand how you can be involved in your child's care and what access you'll have.
15How do you handle different cultural and religious backgrounds?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle different cultural and religious backgrounds?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their approach to diversity helps you assess whether they respect and accommodate your family's cultural values.
16What are your policies on toys, materials, and learning resources?
Click to see why this works
What are your policies on toys, materials, and learning resources?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Learning about resources helps you assess whether the facility provides adequate materials for learning and development.
17How do you handle different age groups and developmental stages?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle different age groups and developmental stages?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their approach to different ages helps you assess whether they can meet your child's specific developmental needs.
18What are your policies on field trips and outings?
Click to see why this works
What are your policies on field trips and outings?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Learning about outing policies helps you understand what experiences your child will have and how safety is maintained.
19How do you handle different weather conditions and indoor activities?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle different weather conditions and indoor activities?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding weather policies helps you know how your child's activities will be managed during different seasons.
20What are your policies on holidays and special events?
Click to see why this works
What are your policies on holidays and special events?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Learning about holiday policies helps you understand how special occasions will be celebrated and what traditions are observed.
Choosing the Right Daycare
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Making an Informed Decision
Observe the Environment
Pay attention to the physical space, cleanliness, and overall atmosphere to assess whether it feels safe and welcoming.
Watch Staff Interactions
Observe how staff interact with children to assess their warmth, patience, and engagement with the kids.
Ask About Policies
Get detailed information about all policies and procedures to ensure they align with your values and expectations.