25 Essential Questions to Ask on a Daycare Tour
Don't forget to ask these crucial questions when touring daycare facilities. Our comprehensive checklist ensures you gather all the information needed to make the right choice.
Touring a daycare can feel overwhelming. There's so much to observe and evaluate, and it's easy to forget important questions in the moment. This checklist ensures you gather all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Before the Tour
Call ahead and ask:
- What ages do you serve?
- Do you have current openings for my child's age group?
- What are your hours of operation?
- What is your monthly tuition?
If the basics work, schedule an in-person tour during operating hours so you can see the facility in action.
Licensing & Accreditation
1. "Can I see your current state license?" It should be displayed and up to date.
2. "Are there any current or recent violations on your record?" Ask how they were addressed.
3. "Are you accredited by NAEYC or another organization?" Accreditation indicates commitment to higher standards.
4. "Can I see recent inspection reports?" These reveal any issues the state has identified.
Staff & Ratios
5. "What is your child-to-staff ratio for each age group?" Compare to your state's requirements—meeting the minimum isn't always enough.
6. "What qualifications do your teachers have?" Look for early childhood education degrees or certifications.
7. "What ongoing training do staff receive?" Quality programs invest in professional development.
8. "What is your staff turnover rate?" High turnover disrupts children and may indicate management problems.
9. "How long has the lead teacher in my child's room been here?" Consistency matters for children.
Safety & Security
10. "What is your sign-in/sign-out procedure?" Understand how they verify who picks up your child.
11. "How do you handle emergencies?" Ask about fire drills, lockdown procedures, and emergency contacts.
12. "Are all staff trained in CPR and first aid?" This should be a requirement, not optional.
13. "How do you handle medical emergencies?" What's the protocol if a child is injured or becomes ill?
14. "Can parents drop in unannounced?" A "no" is a red flag. Quality programs welcome parent visits.
Daily Care & Curriculum
15. "Can I see a sample daily schedule?" Look for a balance of structured activities, free play, and outdoor time.
16. "What curriculum or educational approach do you use?" Understand their philosophy—play-based, Montessori, structured academics, etc.
17. "How much outdoor time do children get?" Weather permitting, daily outdoor play is important.
18. "How do you handle naptime for children who don't sleep?" This varies significantly between programs.
19. "What is your approach to discipline?" Ensure it aligns with your values. Redirection and positive guidance are best practices.
Feeding & Health
20. "What is your sick child policy?" Know when you'll need to keep your child home and pick them up.
21. "How do you handle food allergies?" If relevant, this is critical to understand thoroughly.
22. "Are meals provided? What's a typical menu?" Ask about nutrition standards and how dietary restrictions are handled.
23. "What is your diapering/potty training approach?" Understand their procedures and how they'll partner with you.
Communication & Policies
24. "How do you communicate with parents during the day?" Apps, photos, daily reports, and availability for calls vary.
25. "What is your vacation/holiday schedule?" Understand which days they're closed and your payment obligations.
Bonus Questions
- What happens if I'm late for pickup?
- Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- What is your transition/adjustment period for new children?
- Can I speak with current parents for references?
- What's your policy on bringing items from home?
During the Tour: What to Observe
Beyond asking questions, pay attention to:
- Children's engagement: Do they seem happy and involved?
- Staff interactions: Warm and responsive, or distracted?
- Cleanliness: Clean but not sterile—children should be playing
- Noise level: Busy and happy, not chaotic or silent
- Display of children's work: Original creations, not just templates
- Your gut feeling: Trust your instincts
After the Tour
Take notes immediately while details are fresh. Compare facilities on:
- Cost and what's included
- Location and convenience
- Your overall impression
- How your questions were answered
Read our complete guide on how to choose the right daycare for more guidance on making your final decision.