Daycare Open House Guide 2026: What to Expect
Complete guide to daycare open houses in 2026. How to prepare, what to observe, questions to ask, and making the most of your visit.
Daycare open houses offer a chance to see programs in action and compare options. Making the most of these events helps you find the right fit for your child and family.
Table of Contents
Before the Open House
Preparation Steps
| Task | Why It Matters | |------|----------------| | Research online | Go informed | | List priorities | Know what matters most | | Prepare questions | Don't forget key concerns | | Plan timing | Arrive on time | | Bring notepad | Record impressions |
What to Bring
| Item | Purpose | |------|---------| | List of questions | Cover all concerns | | Notepad/phone | Take notes | | Partner/support | Second perspective | | Child (sometimes) | See their reaction |
What to Observe
Environment
| Element | What to Look For | |---------|------------------| | Cleanliness | Clean but lived-in | | Safety | Secure, age-appropriate | | Organization | Materials accessible | | Lighting | Bright, welcoming | | Outdoor space | Safe, engaging |
Staff Interactions
| Observe | Quality Indicators | |---------|-------------------| | With children | Warm, engaged, at eye level | | With each other | Collaborative, positive | | With you | Welcoming, professional | | During transitions | Calm, organized |
Children
| Observe | What It Tells You | |---------|-------------------| | Engagement | Children actively involved | | Happiness | Generally content, busy | | Behavior | Managed appropriately | | Independence | Age-appropriate autonomy |
Questions to Ask
About Daily Life
- What does a typical day look like?
- How do you handle naps/rest?
- What meals and snacks are provided?
- How much outdoor time?
- What is your potty training approach?
About Staff
- What are staff qualifications?
- What is your turnover rate?
- How do you handle absences?
- What is your teacher-to-child ratio?
About Communication
- How will I hear about my child's day?
- What app/method do you use for updates?
- How do you handle concerns?
- When are parent conferences?
About Policies
- What is your sick child policy?
- What are your hours and holidays?
- What is your discipline approach?
- How do you handle emergencies?
After the Visit
Evaluate Your Visit
| Factor | Rating (1-5) | |--------|--------------| | First impression | ___ | | Staff warmth | ___ | | Environment | ___ | | Philosophy fit | ___ | | Communication | ___ | | Overall feeling | ___ |
Follow-Up Steps
| Step | When | |------|------| | Review notes | Same day | | Discuss with partner | Within 24 hours | | Request additional visit | If interested | | Ask follow-up questions | Within a week | | Make decision | Your timeline |
Red Flags
Concerning Signs
| Red Flag | Why It Matters | |----------|----------------| | Staff seem stressed | May impact care | | Children seem unsupervised | Safety concern | | Director avoids questions | Transparency issue | | Negative talk about children | Attitude problem | | Dirty or unsafe conditions | Health/safety |
Resources
Last updated: December 2025