Make Your Tour Count
Touring a daycare is one of those things that feels simple until you're standing there, your toddler is grabbing things off a shelf, and you realize you can't remember a single thing you wanted to ask.
That's why you need a list. Not to interrogate the provider — this isn't a job interview — but to make sure you cover the things that actually matter. The questions below are organized by category so you can focus on what's most important to your family.
Tip: Bring this list on your phone or print it out. Jot down answers as you go. When you're comparing three or four providers later that week, you'll be glad you did.
Safety and Supervision
1. How is the building secured during the day? You want to know about locked doors, entry codes, and who can get in. A good provider has a system — not just an unlocked front door.
2. What's your visitor policy? Who's allowed in? Do visitors need to check in? Are parents welcome to drop by unannounced? (The answer to that last one should be yes.)
3. What's your emergency plan? Ask about fire drills, severe weather procedures, lockdowns, and medical emergencies. They should have a written plan and be able to explain it clearly.
4. How is outdoor play supervised? What's the adult-to-child ratio outside? Is the play area fenced? How do they handle different age groups on the playground at the same time?
5. What's your pickup and drop-off policy? Who's authorized to pick up your child? What ID do they need? What happens if someone not on the list shows up?
Staff and Ratios
6. What are your staff-to-child ratios for my child's age group? This is one of the most important numbers you'll hear. States set minimum ratios, but good programs often exceed them. For infants, look for no worse than 1:4. For toddlers, 1:6 or better. For preschoolers, 1:10 or better.
7. What qualifications and training do your staff have? Ask about education requirements (CDA, associate's, bachelor's), CPR/first aid certification, and ongoing training hours. You're not looking for perfection — you're looking for whether they invest in their people.
8. Are all staff background-checked? The answer should be an immediate yes. Ask what the background check covers and how often it's renewed.
9. What's your staff turnover rate? This is the question a lot of providers don't love, but it matters enormously. High turnover means your child keeps losing the adults they've bonded with. Ask directly: how long has the lead teacher in your child's room been there?
10. What happens when a teacher is absent? Is there a regular substitute? Does another teacher cover? Or does the ratio just get worse for the day?
Daily Routine
11. What does a typical day look like? Ask them to walk you through the schedule. You're looking for a balance of structured activity, free play, outdoor time, meals, and rest. A day that's entirely unstructured is concerning. So is one that's rigidly scheduled with no flexibility.
12. What's your nap and rest policy? Where do children sleep? How long is nap time? What if your child doesn't nap — are they required to lie there quietly for two hours? (Some parents are surprised by this.)
13. How much outdoor time do children get? Look for at least 30-60 minutes of outdoor play per day, weather permitting. Some states mandate it; others don't.
14. What's your policy on screen time? For children under 2, the answer should ideally be none. For older children, ask how much, what they're watching, and whether it's educational or just filling time.
Communication
15. How will I know what my child did today? Some providers send daily reports via an app. Others do a written note. Some do a verbal handoff at pickup. Ask what to expect and how detailed it is.
16. How do you handle parent concerns or complaints? You want to know there's a clear process. Can you talk to the lead teacher directly? Is there a director you can escalate to? How responsive are they?
17. How often are there parent-teacher conferences? Even for infants and toddlers, regular check-ins about your child's development are valuable. Some programs do formal conferences twice a year; others are more informal.
18. Can I see photos or updates during the day? Many providers now use apps like Brightwheel or HiMama to share photos, activity logs, and diaper/feeding updates. If they don't use an app, ask how they keep you in the loop.
Health and Nutrition
19. What meals and snacks are provided, and who plans the menus? Ask to see a sample menu. Find out if meals are prepared on-site or catered. Ask about the balance of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and — let's be honest — how much processed food is involved.
20. How do you handle food allergies and dietary restrictions? If your child has an allergy, this is critical. But even if they don't, the answer tells you a lot about how seriously the provider takes individual needs.
21. What's your sick child policy? When does a child need to stay home? How long after a fever? What about mild colds? This will affect your life more than you think — a strict policy means more days scrambling for backup care, but it also means fewer illnesses spreading through the room.
Discipline and Social-Emotional Approach
22. How do you handle challenging behavior like biting, hitting, or tantrums? This is where philosophy really shows up. Listen for responses that focus on understanding the child's feelings and redirecting behavior — not punishing, shaming, or isolating. Ask what happens if a child repeatedly bites another child. The answer should involve a plan, not just consequences.
23. How do you support children's social and emotional development? Good programs teach children to name their feelings, resolve conflicts, and build empathy. Ask for examples of how they do this day to day — not just what the curriculum guide says.
The Practical Stuff
24. Walk me through the costs — tuition, fees, and what's included. Get the full picture: monthly tuition, registration fee, supply fee, late pickup fees, holiday closures (do you still pay?), and notice period for withdrawal. Ask about sibling discounts and whether rates increase annually.
25. Is there a trial period or adjustment phase? Starting childcare is a transition for your whole family. Ask if they offer a phase-in period where you can stay for part of the day at first, or a trial week with the option to withdraw.
What to Observe (Not Just Ask)
Questions get you information. Observation gets you the truth. While you're touring, pay attention to these things:
Watch the teachers with the children. Are they engaged, warm, and responsive? Do they get down to the children's level? Do they know each child's name? Are they talking with children or at them?
Watch the children. Are they happy? Busy? Curious? Or are they wandering, crying, or zoned out? A room full of engaged children is the best endorsement a provider can have.
Check the cleanliness. It shouldn't look like a hospital — kids make messes — but it should be clean. Check the bathrooms, the diaper-changing area, and the kitchen.
Notice the noise level. A healthy classroom is lively but not chaotic. Dead silence is actually more concerning than happy noise.
Look at the walls. Are children's artwork and projects displayed? That's a sign that kids are actually creating things, not just following worksheets.
Observe drop-off and pickup if you can. How do staff greet children? How do they handle a crying child at separation? This 90-second window tells you a lot.
Trust your gut. After all the questions and observations, ask yourself: would I feel good leaving my child here? If something feels off but you can't name it, that's still valid information.
After the Tour
When you get home, write down your impressions while they're fresh. Rate each provider on the things that matter most to you. Compare notes with your partner. And if you need more information, don't hesitate to ask — a good provider will be happy to follow up.
Ready to find providers to tour? Search licensed childcare near you on KinderScouts — every listing includes license status and inspection history, so you can vet providers before you schedule a visit.