Daycare Virtual Tours Guide 2026: What to Look For Online
Complete guide to daycare virtual tours in 2026. How to evaluate programs remotely, questions to ask, and following up with in-person visits.
Virtual tours allow you to evaluate daycares from anywhere, saving time in your search. Whether due to distance, scheduling, or preference, knowing what to look for online helps narrow your options effectively.
Table of Contents
Types of Virtual Tours
Tour Formats
| Format | What to Expect | |--------|----------------| | Live video tour | Real-time walk-through | | Pre-recorded tour | Watch anytime | | Video call Q&A | Talk with director | | Photo galleries | Static images | | 360° views | Self-guided virtual |
What Works Best
| Format | Best For | |--------|----------| | Live tour | Asking questions, seeing real-time | | Recorded | Initial screening, convenience | | Video call | Discussion, relationship | | Combination | Most thorough |
What to Evaluate
During Virtual Tours
| Element | What to Look For | |---------|------------------| | Space | Clean, organized, inviting | | Materials | Age-appropriate, accessible | | Outdoor area | Size, safety, equipment | | Staff interactions | Warm, engaged (if visible) | | Children | Happy, busy (if visible) |
Ask to See
| Area | Why It Matters | |------|----------------| | Classrooms | Where your child will be | | Outdoor space | Daily play area | | Nap area | Rest environment | | Bathrooms | Cleanliness, accessibility | | Kitchen | Meal preparation |
Red Flags
| Concern | Why It's Problematic | |---------|---------------------| | Won't show certain areas | What are they hiding? | | Very brief tour | Not thorough | | No questions allowed | Lack of transparency | | Defensive responses | Poor communication |
Questions to Ask
About Daily Life
- What does a typical day look like?
- How do you communicate with parents?
- What is your curriculum approach?
- How do you handle discipline?
- What are meal and nap schedules?
About Program
- What are your ratios and group sizes?
- What are teacher qualifications?
- What is your staff turnover?
- Are you licensed and accredited?
- What are your hours and holidays?
About Enrollment
- What is your current availability?
- What is the waitlist timeline?
- What are your rates?
- What is required to enroll?
Following Up
After Virtual Tour
| Step | Purpose | |------|---------| | Review notes | Capture impressions | | Research | Check licensing, reviews | | Compare | Against other tours | | Schedule in-person | If interested |
In-Person Follow-Up
| Why Visit in Person | What You'll Gain | |---------------------|------------------| | See reality | Unfiltered view | | Meet staff | Personal connection | | Observe children | How they're doing | | Feel environment | Trust your instincts |
Virtual Tour Checklist
Before
| Task | Done | |------|------| | Prepare questions | ☐ | | Review website | ☐ | | Test technology | ☐ | | Have notes ready | ☐ |
During
| Task | Done | |------|------| | Take notes | ☐ | | Ask questions | ☐ | | Request additional info | ☐ | | Get next steps | ☐ |
After
| Task | Done | |------|------| | Review notes | ☐ | | Discuss with partner | ☐ | | Follow up | ☐ | | Schedule in-person | ☐ |
Resources
Last updated: December 2025