75 Questions to Ask at a Daycare Tour in 2026

You've scheduled your daycare tour. Now what do you actually ask?

Most parents walk in with a few questions and leave feeling like they forgot something important. This comprehensive list ensures you gather everything you need to make a confident decision.

We've organized 75 essential questions by category, with notes on what answers to look for and red flags to avoid.

Table of Contents

• Safety and Security Questions
• Staff and Caregivers Questions
• Daily Routine and Curriculum Questions
• Health and Hygiene Questions
• Communication Questions
• Policies and Procedures Questions
• Cost and Logistics Questions
• Questions to Ask Current Parents
• How to Evaluate the Answers

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Safety and Security Questions

Start with the non-negotiables. Every daycare should excel in safety.

Licensing and Compliance

1. "Are you currently licensed? Can I see your license?"

• ✓ Good: License posted visibly, current date
• ✗ Red flag: "We're in the process" or can't produce it

2. "When was your last state inspection? Can I see the report?"

• ✓ Good: Readily available, no serious violations
• ✗ Red flag: Reluctance to share, multiple repeat violations

3. "What is your staff-to-child ratio for each age group?"

• ✓ Good: Meets or exceeds state requirements
• ✗ Red flag: Vague answer, doesn't know ratios

4. "Are ratios maintained throughout the day, including during transitions and meals?"

• ✓ Good: Yes, we never go below ratios
• ✗ Red flag: "We try to" or acknowledgment of exceptions

5. "How do you handle it if you're short-staffed?"

• ✓ Good: We have substitute staff on call; we never exceed ratios
• ✗ Red flag: Combine classrooms, exceed ratios temporarily

Physical Security

6. "How is the building secured? Who can enter?"

• ✓ Good: Locked doors, check-in system, cameras, visitor log
• ✗ Red flag: Anyone can walk in, no verification

7. "What is your drop-off and pickup procedure?"

• ✓ Good: Photo ID check, authorized pickup list, sign-in/out
• ✗ Red flag: No verification process

8. "Are background checks conducted on all staff?"

• ✓ Good: Yes, all employees, including substitutes and volunteers
• ✗ Red flag: Only lead teachers, or "I think so"

9. "What happens if someone unauthorized tries to pick up my child?"

• ✓ Good: Clear refusal policy, contact parent immediately
• ✗ Red flag: Uncertain or vague answer

Emergency Preparedness

10. "What is your emergency evacuation plan?"

• ✓ Good: Written plan, regular drills, posted routes
• ✗ Red flag: Can't explain clearly, no drills

11. "How often do you practice fire drills and lockdown drills?"

• ✓ Good: Monthly fire drills, periodic lockdowns as required
• ✗ Red flag: Rarely or "when we remember"

12. "How would I be contacted in an emergency?"

• ✓ Good: Multiple contact methods, clear protocol
• ✗ Red flag: Uncertain who would call

13. "Are staff trained in CPR and first aid?"

• ✓ Good: All staff certified, regular recertification
• ✗ Red flag: Only some staff, expired certifications

14. "Where is the first aid kit? Can I see it?"

• ✓ Good: Stocked, accessible, current
• ✗ Red flag: Can't locate it, empty or disorganized

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Staff and Caregivers Questions

The people caring for your child are the most important factor in quality.

Qualifications and Training

15. "What qualifications do your lead teachers have?"

• ✓ Good: CDA, associate's, or bachelor's in early childhood
• ✗ Red flag: No requirements, just "experience"

16. "What ongoing training do staff receive?"

• ✓ Good: Annual training hours, specific topics (child development, safety)
• ✗ Red flag: None beyond initial orientation

17. "Do you have teachers who specialize in infant care?"

• ✓ Good: Dedicated infant room staff with specific training
• ✗ Red flag: Same teachers rotate through all ages

Staffing Stability

18. "What is your staff turnover rate?"

• ✓ Good: Low turnover, staff have been here years
• ✗ Red flag: High turnover, evasive answer

19. "How long has the teacher in my child's room been here?"

• ✓ Good: Multiple years
• ✗ Red flag: Just started, frequent changes

20. "Who covers when a teacher is absent?"

• ✓ Good: Dedicated substitutes who know the children
• ✗ Red flag: Directors cover, or outside agency temps

21. "Will my child have the same primary caregiver consistently?"

• ✓ Good: Yes, same teacher each day
• ✗ Red flag: Rotating staff, depends on schedule

Teacher Behavior

22. "How do teachers handle challenging behavior?"

• ✓ Good: Redirection, positive guidance, understanding developmental stages
• ✗ Red flag: Time-outs as primary tool, punishment language

23. "What is your discipline policy?"

• ✓ Good: Written policy available, focuses on teaching not punishment
• ✗ Red flag: Corporal punishment, shaming techniques

24. "How do you handle separation anxiety?"

• ✓ Good: Gradual adjustment, comfort techniques, patience
• ✗ Red flag: "They'll get over it" or dismissive attitude

25. "Can teachers discuss my child's development with me?"

• ✓ Good: Regular updates, developmental tracking, conferences
• ✗ Red flag: Teachers too busy, director only contact

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Daily Routine and Curriculum Questions

Understand what your child's day will actually look like.

Daily Schedule

26. "What does a typical day look like for my child's age group?"

• ✓ Good: Detailed schedule with variety, balance of activities
• ✗ Red flag: Vague, lots of free time with no structure

27. "How much time do children spend outdoors each day?"

• ✓ Good: Minimum 30-60 minutes, twice daily
• ✗ Red flag: Only in good weather, minimal time

28. "What is your weather policy for outdoor time?"

• ✓ Good: Go outside in most weather with appropriate gear
• ✗ Red flag: Cancel for any rain, cold, or heat

29. "How long is naptime? What if my child doesn't nap?"

• ✓ Good: Age-appropriate rest time, quiet activities for non-nappers
• ✗ Red flag: Forced to lie down entire time, or no rest period

30. "What happens during transition times (like before lunch)?"

• ✓ Good: Structured transitions, songs, activities
• ✗ Red flag: Long waiting periods, chaos

Learning and Development

31. "What curriculum do you follow?"

• ✓ Good: Named curriculum (Creative Curriculum, HighScope, etc.) or clear philosophy
• ✗ Red flag: "We don't really have one" or vague

32. "How do you approach learning for this age group?"

• ✓ Good: Play-based, hands-on, developmentally appropriate
• ✗ Red flag: Worksheets for toddlers, academic pressure

33. "What learning centers do you have in the classroom?"

• ✓ Good: Blocks, books, dramatic play, art, sensory, science
• ✗ Red flag: Limited options, one-size-fits-all setup

34. "How do you track my child's development?"

• ✓ Good: Regular assessments, portfolios, milestone tracking
• ✗ Red flag: No tracking, only notify if problems

35. "How do you individualize learning for each child?"

• ✓ Good: Observe interests, adapt activities, meet children where they are
• ✗ Red flag: Same activities for everyone regardless of development

Special Programs

36. "Do you offer any special activities (music, art, PE)?"

• ✓ Good: Integrated into curriculum or specialty teachers visit
• ✗ Red flag: Never, or at extra cost

37. "What is your screen time policy?"

• ✓ Good: Limited or none, especially for young children
• ✗ Red flag: Regular screen time as activity

38. "How do you support children who are bilingual or learning English?"

• ✓ Good: Welcome home language, support English development
• ✗ Red flag: English only, no accommodation

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Health and Hygiene Questions

Protecting your child's health is essential.

Illness Policies

39. "What is your sick child policy?"

• ✓ Good: Written policy with specific symptoms requiring exclusion
• ✗ Red flag: Vague or inconsistent enforcement

40. "What symptoms require a child to stay home?"

• ✓ Good: Fever (100.4+), vomiting, diarrhea, contagious conditions
• ✗ Red flag: No clear guidelines

41. "How do you handle a child who gets sick during the day?"

• ✓ Good: Isolate from others, contact parent immediately, comfort child
• ✗ Red flag: Keep in classroom until pickup

42. "When can my child return after being sick?"

• ✓ Good: 24 hours fever-free without medication, or per illness guidelines
• ✗ Red flag: Come back whenever, no guidelines

Medication and Health

43. "How do you handle medication administration?"

• ✓ Good: Written authorization, locked storage, trained staff, documentation
• ✗ Red flag: Informal, no documentation

44. "How do you manage food allergies?"

• ✓ Good: Allergy action plan, separate prep areas, all staff trained
• ✗ Red flag: "We're careful" with no specific protocol

45. "What immunizations are required for enrollment?"

• ✓ Good: Follow state requirements, clear documentation
• ✗ Red flag: No requirements, or inconsistent enforcement

Hygiene Practices

46. "How often are toys and surfaces cleaned?"

• ✓ Good: Daily cleaning, regular deep sanitization schedule
• ✗ Red flag: When they look dirty, infrequent

47. "What is your diaper changing procedure?"

• ✓ Good: Gloves, sanitization, handwashing, separate from eating areas
• ✗ Red flag: No gloves, minimal sanitation

48. "How do you handle potty training?"

• ✓ Good: Work with parents, follow child's lead, no pressure
• ✗ Red flag: Required before enrollment, punitive approach

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Communication Questions

Staying connected to your child's day matters.

Daily Updates

49. "How will I know what my child did today?"

• ✓ Good: App updates, daily reports, photos, verbal updates
• ✗ Red flag: "You can ask at pickup" with no documentation

50. "What information is included in daily reports?"

• ✓ Good: Meals, naps, diapers, activities, mood, photos
• ✗ Red flag: Minimal information, inconsistent

51. "Do you share photos or videos?"

• ✓ Good: Regular photos through secure app, privacy policies
• ✗ Red flag: No photos, or posted publicly without permission

Parent-Teacher Communication

52. "How can I communicate with my child's teacher?"

• ✓ Good: App messaging, brief chats at pickup, scheduled calls
• ✗ Red flag: Must go through director for everything

53. "Are parent-teacher conferences offered?"

• ✓ Good: Scheduled conferences (2-3 per year), plus as needed
• ✗ Red flag: Never, or only if there's a problem

54. "How quickly can I expect a response to questions or concerns?"

• ✓ Good: Within 24 hours for non-urgent matters
• ✗ Red flag: Days or weeks, or no response

55. "How do you communicate about behavioral issues?"

• ✓ Good: Promptly, privately, collaboratively with solutions
• ✗ Red flag: Only major issues, public or shameful manner

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Policies and Procedures Questions

Understand the rules before you commit.

Enrollment and Contracts

56. "What is included in the registration fee?"

• ✓ Good: Clear explanation, reasonable amount
• ✗ Red flag: Excessive fees, unclear use

57. "What is your cancellation or withdrawal policy?"

• ✓ Good: Reasonable notice period (2-4 weeks), refund policy
• ✗ Red flag: No refunds, long lock-in periods

58. "Is there a waitlist? How long is the typical wait?"

• ✓ Good: Honest estimate, waitlist fee information
• ✗ Red flag: Pressure to decide immediately

Schedule and Attendance

59. "What are your hours of operation?"

• ✓ Good: Match your needs with reasonable flexibility
• ✗ Red flag: Don't match your schedule

60. "What holidays are you closed?"

• ✓ Good: Published calendar, reasonable number (10-15 days)
• ✗ Red flag: Excessive closures, surprises

61. "What is your late pickup fee?"

• ✓ Good: Reasonable fee, grace period, clear policy
• ✗ Red flag: Excessive fees, no flexibility

62. "Do you offer part-time schedules?"

• ✓ Good: Options available with clear pricing
• ✗ Red flag: Full-time only, no flexibility

63. "What happens if my child misses days?"

• ✓ Good: Tuition still due, but vacation weeks offered
• ✗ Red flag: No vacation time, penalty for absence

Parent Involvement

64. "Can I visit anytime without scheduling?"

• ✓ Good: Yes, open-door policy (with security check-in)
• ✗ Red flag: Visits must be scheduled, or discouraged

65. "How can parents be involved?"

• ✓ Good: Volunteer opportunities, events, committees welcome
• ✗ Red flag: No parent involvement wanted

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Cost and Logistics Questions

Make sure it works practically.

Pricing

66. "What is the monthly tuition for my child's age group?"

• ✓ Good: Clear, written pricing
• ✗ Red flag: Vague, changes frequently

67. "What additional fees should I expect?"

• ✓ Good: Transparent list (registration, supplies, activities)
• ✗ Red flag: Hidden fees, frequent extras

68. "Do you offer sibling discounts?"

• ✓ Good: Yes, typically 5-15%
• ✗ Red flag: No discounts for families

69. "Do you accept childcare subsidies?"

• ✓ Good: Yes, and they help with paperwork
• ✗ Red flag: No, or complicated process

70. "When and how is payment due?"

• ✓ Good: Clear schedule, multiple payment methods
• ✗ Red flag: Confusing, inflexible

Practical Matters

71. "What does my child need to bring each day?"

• ✓ Good: Clear list, reasonable requirements
• ✗ Red flag: Extensive list, expensive supplies

72. "How do you handle meals and snacks?"

• ✓ Good: Provided and included, or clear policy on packed lunches
• ✗ Red flag: Confusing, extra charges

73. "Is there safe parking for drop-off and pickup?"

• ✓ Good: Adequate parking, safe traffic flow
• ✗ Red flag: Dangerous parking, street parking only

74. "What is the process for transitioning into care?"

• ✓ Good: Gradual phase-in, parent stays initially
• ✗ Red flag: First day is full day, no adjustment period

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Questions to Ask Current Parents

If possible, speak with families currently enrolled.

75. Ask current parents:

• "What do you like most about this daycare?"
• "Is there anything you wish was different?"
• "How has your child developed here?"
• "How is communication with teachers?"
• "Have you had any issues? How were they resolved?"
• "Would you recommend this daycare to friends?"

Note: A reluctance to let you speak with current families is a red flag.

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How to Evaluate the Answers

Not all answers are equal. Here's how to assess what you hear:

Green Light Answers

• Specific, confident responses
• Willingness to show documentation
• Pride in their practices
• Acknowledgment of areas for improvement
• Questions about your child's needs

Yellow Light Answers

• Vague or general responses
• Deferred to director for basic questions
• Inconsistency between staff answers
• "We try to" instead of "We do"

Red Light Answers

• Defensive or evasive responses
• Inability to produce documentation
• Dismissive of your concerns
• Pressure to decide immediately
• Resistance to visits or transparency

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Your Tour Checklist

Before the Tour

• [ ] Write down your top 10 must-ask questions
• [ ] Note your specific concerns or requirements
• [ ] Bring a notepad for observations
• [ ] Plan to arrive a few minutes early

During the Tour

• [ ] Observe children's behavior (happy? engaged?)
• [ ] Watch staff interactions with children
• [ ] Note cleanliness and organization
• [ ] Trust your instincts about the environment

After the Tour

• [ ] Write down impressions immediately
• [ ] Compare notes if touring with partner
• [ ] Follow up on unanswered questions
• [ ] Check online reviews and inspection reports

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Ready to Start Your Search?

Use these questions on your daycare tours to gather the information you need. For a printable version and evaluation form, check our Ultimate Daycare Checklist.

Find licensed daycares to tour in our searchable directory.

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Last updated: December 2025