50+ Questions to Ask a Daycare: The Complete Parent Checklist

Choosing daycare is one of the most important decisions parents make. You're entrusting strangers with your child's safety, development, and daily happiness. The right questions during your tour can reveal everything from safety concerns to whether the center is the right fit for your family.

This comprehensive guide provides 50+ questions organized by category, with explanations of what answers to look for and red flags to watch for. Use this as your checklist when touring any daycare center.

Before the Tour

Prepare in Advance

What to bring:

This question list (printed or on phone)
Notepad for answers
Your calendar (for scheduling discussions)
Questions specific to your child's needs

Schedule wisely:

Visit during active hours (mid-morning ideal)
Plan 45-60 minutes for thorough tour
Schedule tours at multiple centers for comparison

Safety and Security Questions

Building Security

1. "How do you handle drop-off and pick-up security?"

Look for: Controlled entry, sign-in/out, ID checks
Red flag: Anyone can walk in without verification

2. "What's your policy on who can pick up my child?"

Look for: Written authorization list, photo ID required
Red flag: Informal system without verification

3. "How do you prevent unauthorized individuals from taking a child?"

Look for: Specific protocols, code words, photo verification
Red flag: Vague answer or "it's never been an issue"

4. "Are all entrances and exits secured during operating hours?"

Look for: Locked doors, cameras, staff monitoring
Red flag: Unlocked exterior doors, easy access

5. "Do you have security cameras? Where are they located?"

Look for: Cameras in common areas (not bathrooms)
Note: Some parents like cameras; others have privacy concerns

Emergency Preparedness

6. "What's your emergency evacuation plan?"

Look for: Written plan, posted routes, regular drills
Red flag: Hesitation or no clear plan

7. "How often do you practice emergency drills?"

Look for: Monthly fire drills, periodic lockdown drills
Red flag: Rare or no drills

8. "What's your plan for severe weather or lockdowns?"

Look for: Designated safe areas, communication plan
Red flag: No specific protocols

9. "Where would you relocate if you needed to evacuate the building?"

Look for: Specific secondary location identified
Red flag: "We'd figure it out"

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

Look for: Multiple contact methods, immediate notification
Red flag: No clear communication plan

Health and Medical Safety

11. "What's your sick child policy?"

Look for: Clear symptoms that require staying home (fever, vomiting, etc.)
Red flag: Too strict (misses many days) or too lax (contagious kids attending)

12. "How do you handle medication administration?"

Look for: Written authorization, locked storage, trained staff
Red flag: Casual approach to medication

13. "What training do staff have in first aid and CPR?"

Look for: All staff certified, regular recertification
Red flag: Only some staff trained

14. "How do you handle allergies, especially food allergies?"

Look for: Allergy action plans, epi-pen training, nut-free policies if applicable
Red flag: Dismissive about allergy severity

15. "What are your cleaning and sanitization procedures?"

Look for: Regular disinfection, toy cleaning, hand hygiene
Red flag: Visibly dirty facility, vague procedures

Staff Questions

Qualifications and Training

16. "What qualifications do you require for teachers?"

Look for: CDA credential, early childhood education, experience
Red flag: No minimum requirements

17. "Are all staff background checked?"

Look for: FBI fingerprint background checks, annual rechecks
Red flag: Hesitation or "most" staff checked

18. "What ongoing training do staff receive?"

Look for: Regular professional development, annual training hours
Red flag: No ongoing training after hiring

19. "What's your staff turnover rate?"

Look for: Low turnover, staff who've been there years
Red flag: High turnover, constantly new faces

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

Look for: Experienced teachers who stay
Red flag: Lead teacher just started

Ratios and Supervision

21. "What are your staff-to-child ratios by age group?"

Look for: Meets or exceeds state requirements

| Age | Standard Ratio | |-----|----------------| | Infant | 1:3 or 1:4 | | Toddler | 1:4 to 1:6 | | Preschool | 1:8 to 1:10 |

Red flag: Exceeds state maximum ratios

22. "How do you maintain ratios during lunch breaks and staff absences?"

Look for: Floater staff, staggered breaks, substitutes
Red flag: Ratios slip during transitions

23. "How are children supervised during nap time?"

Look for: Active monitoring, safe sleep practices
Red flag: Staff leave room or do paperwork instead of watching

24. "What happens during outdoor play? How is supervision handled?"

Look for: Same ratios outside, eyes on all children
Red flag: Relaxed supervision outside

Daily Program Questions

Curriculum and Activities

25. "What's your curriculum or educational philosophy?"

Look for: Structured approach (play-based, Montessori, etc.), age-appropriate goals
Red flag: "We just play" with no educational intent

26. "Can you walk me through a typical day?"

Look for: Balanced schedule—active play, learning, rest, outdoor time
Red flag: No structure or too rigid/school-like for young children

27. "How much outdoor time do children get?"

Look for: At least 60-90 minutes daily, weather-permitting policies
Red flag: Little or no outdoor time

28. "How do you balance structured activities with free play?"

Look for: Mix of both, child-led exploration encouraged
Red flag: All structured or all free play

29. "How do you support developmental milestones?"

Look for: Tracking development, activities targeting skills
Red flag: No attention to individual development

Meals and Nutrition

30. "Do you provide meals and snacks, or do I send food?"

Know your preference and budget implications
Look for: Healthy menus if provided, accommodation for sent food

31. "Can I see a sample menu?"

Look for: Nutritious, varied foods appropriate for age
Red flag: Lots of processed foods, few fruits/vegetables

32. "How do you handle food allergies?"

Look for: Specific protocols, separate prep/eating areas if needed
Red flag: Casual approach

33. "How are bottles and breast milk handled?"

Look for: Labeled storage, proper warming, feeding records
Red flag: No clear protocols

Naps and Rest

34. "Where do children nap? What's the setup?"

Look for: Appropriate sleep furniture, safe sleep practices for infants
Red flag: Infants in swings/bouncers, unsafe crib conditions

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

Look for: Quiet activities, rest time still offered
Red flag: Forced to lie still for hours

36. "What are your safe sleep practices for infants?"

Look for: Back to sleep, no blankets/bumpers, direct supervision
Red flag: Any deviation from safe sleep guidelines

Behavior and Discipline

37. "What's your discipline philosophy?"

Look for: Positive guidance, redirection, age-appropriate expectations
Red flag: Punitive approach, time-outs for toddlers

38. "How do you handle biting, hitting, or aggressive behavior?"

Look for: Understanding of developmental norms, intervention without shaming
Red flag: Harsh punishment, expulsion for normal toddler behavior

39. "What behaviors would result in a child being asked to leave?"

Look for: Reasonable policies, efforts before expulsion
Red flag: Quick to expel, no support for challenging behaviors

40. "How do you handle conflicts between children?"

Look for: Teaching problem-solving, age-appropriate mediation
Red flag: Ignoring conflicts or punishing without teaching

Communication and Partnership

41. "How will you communicate with me about my child's day?"

Look for: Daily reports (written or app), regular conversations
Red flag: "You can ask at pickup" with no proactive communication

42. "What parent communication app or system do you use?"

Look for: Modern systems (Brightwheel, HiMama, Procare, etc.)
Red flag: No system, paper only

43. "How often do you provide progress reports or parent conferences?"

Look for: Regular updates (quarterly minimum), open door for discussions
Red flag: "Only if there's a problem"

44. "How can I reach someone during the day if I have concerns?"

Look for: Direct line to classroom or director, responsive communication
Red flag: Difficult to reach anyone

45. "Do you welcome parent involvement or visits?"

Look for: Open door policy, opportunities to participate
Red flag: Discouraging visits, closed door

Business and Logistics

Costs and Contracts

46. "What's the tuition and what does it include?"

Get specific: Is food included? Diapers? Sunscreen? Activities?
Know all costs upfront

47. "Are there additional fees I should know about?"

Look for: Registration fees, supply fees, late pickup fees
Red flag: Hidden fees that appear later

48. "What's your payment schedule and late payment policy?"

Know when payment is due and consequences for late payment
Look for: Reasonable flexibility for genuine issues

49. "What's your contract term? Is there a notice period to withdraw?"

Look for: Reasonable terms (2-4 weeks notice typical)
Red flag: Long-term contracts with harsh penalties

50. "Do you offer sibling discounts or other discounts?"

Ask even if not mentioned—many places offer them

Policies

51. "What are your hours of operation?"

Ensure they fit your schedule
Ask about early drop-off/late pickup options if needed

52. "What holidays are you closed?"

Know closures to plan backup care
Look for: Reasonable number of closures (10-15 days/year typical)

53. "What happens if you close unexpectedly (weather, emergency)?"

Look for: Communication protocols, make-up days or credits
Red flag: No refunds or credits for closures

54. "What's your vacation/absence policy for tuition?"

Look for: Some flexibility for extended absences
Note: Many centers charge regardless of attendance

55. "What's the enrollment/waitlist process?"

Know timeline and deposits required
Ask how long the waitlist is

Special Needs and Considerations

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

Look for: Willingness, experience, specific accommodations
Red flag: Reluctance or inability to discuss

57. "What experience do you have with [specific condition/need]?"

Look for: Specific experience or willingness to learn
Red flag: Dismissive response

58. "How do you handle potty training?"

Look for: Partnership with parents, no pressure, consistent approach
Red flag: Strict timelines, punishment for accidents

59. "Do you support breastfeeding mothers?"

Look for: Welcomes nursing visits, proper milk handling
Red flag: Discouraging or inconvenient policies

Questions to Ask While Observing

What to Watch During Your Tour

Environment:

Is the space clean but lived-in (too sterile isn't realistic)?
Are children's work and art displayed?
Is it organized and child-friendly?
Are materials accessible to children?

Interactions:

How do staff speak to children (warm? respectful? engaged?)?
Do children seem happy and comfortable?
Is there active engagement or are staff on phones/disengaged?
How are conflicts handled in real time?

Atmosphere:

What's the noise level (joyful activity vs. chaos vs. eerie quiet)?
Do staff seem happy and not overwhelmed?
Is there a sense of warmth and community?

Questions You Won't Need to Ask—Just Observe

Things to notice:

| What to Observe | What It Tells You | |-----------------|-------------------| | Staff-child interactions | Quality of care | | Children's demeanor | How children feel there | | Cleanliness | Standards and attention | | Staff body language | Job satisfaction and culture | | How they interact with YOU | Communication and partnership |

After the Tour

Evaluating Your Visit

Reflection questions:

Did you feel welcome and comfortable?
Were your questions answered thoroughly?
How did children and staff seem?
Did the facility feel safe and nurturing?
Can you see YOUR child happy there?

Red Flags Summary

Major concerns:

[ ] Dismissive about safety questions
[ ] Staff seem overwhelmed or disengaged
[ ] Reluctance to let you observe
[ ] High staff turnover
[ ] Vague answers about credentials/training
[ ] Harsh discipline approach
[ ] Poor communication systems
[ ] Dirty or unsafe conditions
[ ] Your gut says something is wrong

Green Flags Summary

Positive signs:

[ ] Warm, engaged staff interactions
[ ] Clear policies and protocols
[ ] Open, welcoming atmosphere
[ ] Children happy and comfortable
[ ] Strong communication systems
[ ] Low staff turnover
[ ] Positive guidance discipline
[ ] Clean, organized, child-friendly space
[ ] Your gut feels good

Printable Checklist Format

Tour Checklist: [Center Name]

Date: _______________

Safety & Security

[ ] Entry security: _______________
[ ] Emergency plan: _______________
[ ] Staff CPR/First Aid: _______________

Staff

[ ] Qualifications: _______________
[ ] Ratios: Infant _____ Toddler _____ Preschool _____
[ ] Turnover: _______________

Program

[ ] Curriculum: _______________
[ ] Outdoor time: _______________
[ ] Nap setup: _______________

Communication

[ ] Daily updates: _______________
[ ] App/system: _______________
[ ] Parent conferences: _______________

Costs

[ ] Tuition: _______________
[ ] Additional fees: _______________
[ ] Contract terms: _______________

Overall Impression: _______________

Follow-up questions: _______________

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many daycares should I tour?

A: Tour at least 3-5 to compare. You'll understand what's standard versus exceptional, and get a feel for different approaches.

Q: Should I bring my child to the tour?

A: First tour: without child (you can focus). Second visit: bring child to observe their reaction and see how staff interact with them.

Q: What if they can't answer my questions?

A: Some questions may need director follow-up. Concerning if no one can answer basic safety or policy questions.

Q: How important is my gut feeling?

A: Very. While questions and observations matter, your instinct about whether your child would be happy there is valuable information.

Q: What's the most important question to ask?

A: "Can I see the last state inspection report?" This shows transparency and reveals any issues on record.

Conclusion

Touring daycare is about more than checking boxes—it's about finding a place where your child will be safe, happy, and growing. These questions help you gather information, but trust your overall impression too.

Most important takeaways:

Safety first—verify security, emergency plans, and staff qualifications
Watch interactions—how staff treat children tells you everything
Ask about communication—daily updates and partnership matter
Trust your instincts—your gut feeling is real data
Take notes—you'll forget details when comparing centers

The right daycare is out there. These questions will help you find it.

Continue your daycare search with our guides on choosing the right daycare, daycare safety checklist, signs of quality child care, and daycare red flags.