50 Essential Questions to Ask on a Daycare Tour (Complete 2025 Checklist)

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. Parents often leave tours wishing they'd asked about specific policies or details that didn't come up.

This comprehensive checklist of 50 questions ensures you gather all the information you need to make an informed decision. We've organized them by category and included notes on what good answers look like versus potential red flags.

Why These Questions Matter

The daycare you choose will be responsible for your child during their most formative years. During those 8-10 hours daily, your child is:

• Developing social and emotional skills
• Building the foundation for future learning
• Forming attachments with caregivers
• Establishing routines and habits

The right questions help you assess whether a facility will provide safe, nurturing, stimulating care—or merely adequate babysitting.

Before the Tour: Pre-Screening Questions

Before investing time in a visit, call ahead to verify basics:

Basic Eligibility

1. "What ages do you serve?"

   • Some centers don't accept infants; others stop at pre-K

2. "Do you have current openings for my child's age group?"

   • If not, ask about the waitlist and typical wait times

3. "What are your hours of operation?"

   • Ensure they align with your work schedule, including potential early/late needs

4. "What is your monthly tuition?"

   • Get the complete picture: registration fees, supply fees, included vs. extra costs

5. "Do you offer part-time or flexible scheduling?"

   • Important if you don't need full-time care

If the basics work, schedule an in-person tour during operating hours so you can see the facility in action. Avoid tours during naptime or transitions—you want to see typical classroom dynamics.

Licensing & Accreditation Questions

These verify the facility meets legal requirements and quality standards.

Essential Questions

1. "Can I see your current state license?"

   • Good answer: License displayed prominently and current
   • Red flag: Hesitation, excuses, or expired license

2. "Are there any current or recent violations on your record?"

   • Good answer: "No, we're in full compliance" or transparent explanation of minor issues and corrections
   • Red flag: Dismissive, defensive, or unaware of their own history

3. "Are you accredited by NAEYC, NAC, or another organization?"

   • Good answer: Yes, or actively working toward accreditation
   • Note: Only ~8% of programs achieve NAEYC accreditation; absence isn't necessarily bad

4. "Can I see your most recent inspection reports?"

   • Good answer: Readily provided or directed to state website
   • Red flag: Resistance or claims that reports aren't available

5. "What is your state quality rating (if your state has a rating system)?"

   • Look up your state's rating system beforehand (Texas Rising Star, Quality First, etc.)

Follow-Up Questions

1. "How often are you inspected by the state?"

2. "What happens when an issue is identified during inspection?"

Staff & Ratios Questions

Staff quality is the single biggest predictor of program quality.

Essential Questions

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

   • Compare to these standards:

   | Age | NAEYC Standard | Many State Requirements | |-----|----------------|------------------------| | Infants | 1:3 | 1:4 to 1:6 | | Toddlers | 1:4 | 1:4 to 1:6 | | Preschool | 1:10 | 1:10 to 1:15 |

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

   • Good answer: CDA, Associate's, or Bachelor's in early childhood education
   • Concerning: No requirements beyond high school diploma

3. "What ongoing training and professional development do staff receive?"

   • Good answer: Specific training topics (child development, CPR/first aid, curriculum, behavior), minimum hours annually
   • Red flag: "Just the state-required minimum" or vague answers

4. "What is your staff turnover rate?"

   • Good answer: Below 20% annually
   • Concerning: Above 40% or evasive answer

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

   • Consistency matters for children's attachment

6. "How do you handle staff absences?"

   • Good answer: Trained substitutes, floating staff, maintained ratios
   • Red flag: "We figure it out" or "ratios might be stretched"

7. "Do staff members have background checks?"

   • Should include criminal, sex offender registry, and often child abuse registry checks

Follow-Up Questions

1. "How are teachers assigned to classrooms?"

2. "What is the turnover rate for classroom aides and assistants?"

3. "How do you recruit and retain quality teachers?"

   • Understanding compensation and culture helps predict stability

Safety & Security Questions

These assess how the facility protects children.

Essential Questions

1. "What is your sign-in/sign-out procedure?"

   • Good answer: Photo ID verification, authorized pickup list, electronic or signed log
   • Red flag: Casual verbal handoffs without verification

2. "How does your security system work?"

   • Look for: keypad/fob entry, cameras, visitor check-in, classroom doors locked

3. "Are all staff trained in CPR and first aid?"

   • Good answer: Yes, all staff in classrooms certified, regularly renewed
   • Concerning: Only some staff or long gaps between trainings

4. "What are your emergency procedures?"

   • Ask specifically about: fire (monthly drills), lockdown, severe weather, medical emergency, evacuation

5. "How would you notify me during an emergency?"

   • Good answer: Specific communication protocol, updated contact info, reunification plan

6. "Can parents drop in unannounced?"

   • Good answer: "Absolutely, we have an open-door policy"
   • Red flag: Restrictions on parent visits or requiring advance notice

7. "Do you have cameras? Can parents access them?"

   • Some parents want access; others prioritize privacy. Know your preference.

8. "How is outdoor playground equipment maintained and inspected?"

Follow-Up Questions

1. "What would happen if an unauthorized person tried to pick up my child?"

2. "How often do you conduct fire and lockdown drills?"

3. "What is your policy if a child goes missing during outdoor play?"

Daily Care & Curriculum Questions

These reveal what your child's daily experience will be like.

Essential Questions

1. "Can I see a sample daily schedule?"

   • Look for: Balance of structured activities, free play, outdoor time, meals, rest
   • Red flag: Excessive screen time or no outdoor play

2. "What curriculum or educational approach do you use?"

   • Common approaches: Creative Curriculum, HighScope, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, play-based
   • Important: Understand their philosophy and whether it aligns with your values

3. "How much outdoor time do children get daily?"

   • Good answer: 60+ minutes daily (weather permitting)
   • Red flag: Minimal outdoor time or outdoor play viewed as optional

4. "What is your screen time policy?"

   • Good answer: Limited or no screen time, especially under age 2
   • Red flag: Screens used as babysitting or for long periods

5. "How do you handle children who don't nap?"

   • Good answer: Quiet activities, rest time without forced sleeping
   • Red flag: Required silence for 2+ hours with nothing to do

6. "What is your approach to discipline and behavior guidance?"

   • Good answer: Positive guidance, redirection, teaching problem-solving, no punitive measures
   • Red flag: Time-outs in isolation, harsh language, physical punishment of any kind

7. "How do you support children with different developmental levels?"

   • Good answer: Individualized approaches, assessment and goal-setting, communication with parents

Follow-Up Questions

1. "What activities happen in a typical day?"

2. "How do you incorporate art, music, and movement?"

3. "How do you handle transitions between activities?"

Feeding & Health Questions

These cover meals, illness policies, and physical care.

Essential Questions

1. "What is your sick child policy?"

   • Ask specifically: What symptoms require staying home? When can they return? Will you be called to pick up?
   • Common exclusion criteria: Fever 100.4°F+, vomiting, diarrhea, contagious conditions

2. "How do you handle food allergies?"

   • Good answer: Detailed allergy action plan, staff training, nut-free policies, separate preparation
   • Critical if relevant to your family

3. "Are meals and snacks provided? What's a typical menu?"

   • Ask about: Nutrition standards, dietary accommodations, family-style vs. individual servings

4. "How is medication administered?"

   • Good answer: Written authorization, locked storage, trained staff, documentation log

5. "What is your diapering/potty training approach?"

   • Good answer: Frequent checks, glove use, handwashing, partnership with parents on timing
   • For potty training: How do they support readiness? What's their approach?

6. "How do you prevent the spread of illness?"

   • Look for: Handwashing protocols, sanitization procedures, sick staff policies

7. "What happens if my child gets injured?"

   • Good answer: First aid administered, incident report completed, parent notified immediately for serious injuries

Follow-Up Questions

• "Can I provide my own food/breastmilk/formula?"
• "How do you handle picky eaters?"
• "What's your policy on sunscreen and outdoor protection?"

Communication & Policies Questions

These clarify ongoing parent-provider relationships.

Essential Questions

1. "How do you communicate with parents during the day?"

   • Options: Apps (Brightwheel, HiMama), daily sheets, photos, direct calls
   • Good answer: Multiple touch points, responsive to parent outreach

2. "How often are parent-teacher conferences held?"

   • Good answer: At least twice yearly, plus as-needed discussions

3. "What is your vacation/holiday schedule?"

   • Know which days they're closed and whether you still pay

4. "Do I pay for days my child is absent?"

   • Most programs charge regardless; some offer vacation credits

5. "What is your late pickup policy and fee?"

   • Typical: $1-5 per minute after closing

6. "What is your withdrawal/notice policy?"

   • Typical: 2-4 weeks written notice required

Follow-Up Questions

1. "How do you handle parent concerns or complaints?"

2. "Can I meet with my child's teacher directly?"

Questions for Specific Situations

If You Have an Infant

1. "What is your safe sleep policy?"

   • Required answer: Back to sleep, bare crib, no blankets/pillows, individual cribs

2. "How do you handle feeding schedules and on-demand feeding?"

3. "Will my child have a primary caregiver?"

4. "How often do you communicate about my baby's day?"

   • Look for detailed reports: feedings, diapers, naps, milestones

If Your Child Has Special Needs

1. "How do you accommodate children with special needs?"

2. "Will you work with outside therapists (OT, PT, speech)?"

3. "How do you modify activities for different abilities?"

For Home-Based (Family) Daycare

1. "Who else lives in or visits this home?"

   • All household members should have background checks

2. "What is your backup plan if you're sick?"

3. "Are there any pets? Where are they during care hours?"

4. "How do you handle mixed-age groups?"

What Good Answers vs. Red Flags Look Like

Signs of Quality

• Transparency: Ready answers, willingness to share documentation
• Warmth: Genuine enthusiasm about children and teaching
• Professionalism: Clear policies, organized environment
• Child-centered focus: Answers emphasize what's best for children
• Parent partnership: Values collaboration and communication

Warning Signs

• Defensive responses: Resistance to questions, dismissing concerns
• Vague answers: "We figure it out" instead of specific policies
• Staff disengagement: Teachers on phones, not interacting with children
• Reluctance to share: Won't show license, inspection reports, or policies
• High pressure: Urgency to sign up immediately without time to consider
• Restrictions on visits: Any limitation on parent access

During the Tour: What to Observe

Beyond asking questions, use your senses:

Watch the Children

• Do they seem happy, engaged, and comfortable?
• Are they playing and exploring freely?
• Do they interact positively with each other?
• Are any children isolated, distressed, or ignored?

Watch the Staff

• Are they warm, engaged, and responsive?
• Do they get down to children's level?
• How do they handle challenging moments?
• Are they distracted by phones or adult conversations?
• Do they use children's names?

Observe the Environment

• Is it clean but lived-in (not sterile)?
• Are there age-appropriate materials accessible?
• Is children's artwork displayed (original, not templates)?
• Is outdoor space safe and engaging?
• What's the overall noise level—busy and happy or chaotic?

Trust Your Gut

• Do you feel welcomed and respected?
• Can you imagine your child happy here?
• Did your questions receive genuine attention?

After the Tour: Evaluation Process

Immediately After

• Take detailed notes while impressions are fresh
• Rate each category on a scale
• Note any unanswered questions

Before Deciding

1. Compare facilities on key factors:

   • Cost and what's included
   • Location and convenience
   • Ratios and staff qualifications
   • Overall impression and gut feeling

2. Request references from current parents

   • Ask specifically about communication, problem resolution, and child happiness

3. Review inspection reports online

   • Your state licensing agency publishes these

4. Consider a second visit

   • At a different time of day or with your child

Making the Final Decision

The best daycare:

• Meets your logistical needs (location, hours, cost)
• Provides safe, nurturing care
• Aligns with your parenting values
• Feels right for your specific child

No facility will be perfect on every measure. Prioritize what matters most to your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many daycares should I tour?

Tour at least 3-5 facilities to have good comparison points. Include a mix of centers and home daycares if you're open to both.

Should I bring my child on the tour?

For an initial tour, it's often easier without your child so you can focus on questions and observation. Consider bringing them for a second visit to see how they respond to the environment.

What if my tour is virtual only?

Request a live video tour rather than pre-recorded. Ask to see specific areas (classrooms, outdoor space, bathrooms). Request a follow-up in-person visit before enrolling.

How do I handle a waitlist?

Express genuine interest, ask about typical wait times, inquire about priority policies (siblings, employer partnerships), and follow up regularly (every 4-6 weeks).

What if I can't afford the highest-quality option?

Quality exists at all price points. Home daycares often provide excellent care at lower cost. Look for programs with low turnover and warm, engaged teachers regardless of facilities.

What's the single most important question to ask?

"What is your staff turnover rate?" High turnover (above 30-40% annually) signals problems—low pay, poor management, or difficult working conditions. It also means your child will frequently lose caregivers they've bonded with. Centers with stable, long-tenured staff typically provide more consistent, quality care.

Should I trust online reviews of daycares?

Reviews can provide useful insights, but take them with grain of salt. Very positive or very negative reviews may be outliers. Look for patterns across multiple reviews. Pay attention to how the center responds to negative reviews—defensive or dismissive responses are red flags. Nothing replaces your own tour observations and gut instincts.

Printable Checklist Summary

Before your next tour, focus on these essential questions:

Licensing: License current? Recent violations? Accreditation status?

Staff: Ratios? Qualifications? Turnover? Lead teacher tenure?

Safety: Sign-in procedure? Emergency protocols? CPR training? Open-door policy?

Curriculum: Daily schedule? Outdoor time? Discipline approach? Screen policy?

Health: Sick policy? Allergy management? Meals provided?

Communication: Daily updates? Parent conferences? How to reach teachers?

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Ready to start your search? Browse our daycare directory to find licensed facilities near you, or read our complete guide on how to choose the right daycare for more decision-making guidance.