Top Questions to Ask During a Childcare Tour

A childcare tour is your golden opportunity to get clarity, peace of mind, and answers to all the questions on your mind. Whether you’re visiting Just Children or comparing centers, asking the right things can make all the difference.

To help you prepare, we’ve put together this parent-friendly guide packed with the top questions to ask at a daycare tour. Think of it as your personal childcare tour checklist—everything you need to feel confident and informed.

Why Asking the Right Questions Matters

A daycare tour isn’t just about observing classrooms and play areas. It’s about getting a real sense of how your child will be cared for each day. These questions for daycare tours will help you understand everything from safety policies to daily routines.

1. What does a typical day look like for my child’s age group?

Ask how the day is structured, including meals, naps, playtime, and learning activities. Daily routines tell you how the center balances fun and education.

Sample Questions to Ask:

• “What is the schedule for meals, naps, playtime, and learning activities?”
• “How do you balance fun and education throughout the day?”

Why It Matters: A predictable schedule helps children feel secure. It also gives you insight into how engaged your child will be throughout the theme day.

2. What’s your teacher-to-child ratio?

This is one of the top questions to ask during a childcare tour. The lower the ratio, the more individual attention your child receives.

Sample Questions to Ask:

• “What is your teacher-to-child ratio?”
• “How do you ensure each child gets individual attention?”
• “Are there different ratios for infants, toddlers, and older children?”
• “How do you handle situations where a child needs extra support or care?”

Why It Matters: Lower ratios mean more personalized care and attention, which is especially important for infants and toddlers who need extra hands-on support.

3. What qualifications and training do your teachers have?

Find out if caregivers have degrees in early childhood education, certifications, or ongoing professional development.

Sample Questions to ask:

• “Do you conduct background checks and CPR/first-aid training for all staff?”
• “What qualifications do your teachers hold?”
• “Are your teachers certified in early childhood education or a related field?”
• “How do you ensure your teachers are up-to-date with best practices in education?”

Why It Matters: Qualified teachers are better equipped to support your child’s learning and handle developmental needs

4. What safety and security measures do you follow?

This is a must-have on your checklist for touring daycare centers. Ask about building access, visitor check-ins, emergency drills, and supervision protocols.

Sample Questions to Ask:

• “How are drop-offs and pickups managed?”
• “Are doors secured throughout the day?”
• “Do you have a procedure for emergencies?”

Why It Matters: Knowing your child is safe throughout the day provides peace of mind and ensures the center prioritizes health, security, and emergency readiness.

5. What curriculum or learning philosophy do you use?

Ask how the center approaches learning, whether it’s play-based, structured, or a blend of both.

Sample Questions to Ask:

• Do you follow a specific curriculum?
• How do you support emotional, social, and cognitive development?

Why It Matters: The center’s educational approach should align with your values and goals for your child’s development.

6. How do you handle discipline and conflict resolution?

This is one of those essential questions for childcare tours that gives insight into how your child will be guided and supported. Look for centers that use positive reinforcement, redirection, or age-appropriate strategies.

Sample Questions to Ask:

• “Can you walk me through how your teachers respond when children have behavioral challenges or disagreements with peers?”
• “What steps do you take to ensure discipline methods are consistent across all staff members?”
• “What is your approach to helping children develop social and emotional skills?”
• “Do you use time-outs or other forms of punishment? How do you approach discipline in these situations?”

Why It Matters: Understanding the discipline approach helps ensure your child is nurtured with respect and consistency in their social-emotional development.

7. What are your policies around sick children and cleanliness?

Health and hygiene have never been more important for keeping your children safe.

Sample Questions to Ask:

• “How do you handle illness during the day?”
• “How often do you sanitize toys and surfaces?”
• “What is your exclusion policy is for sick kids?”
• “What are your cleaning procedures for toys, surfaces, and common areas?”

Why It Matters: Clean environments and health-conscious policies reduce the spread of germs and illnesses, especially in group settings.

8. Do you provide meals and snacks?

Ask what’s included, how menus are planned, and how they accommodate allergies or dietary restrictions.

Sample Questions to Ask:

• “What types of meals and snacks do you serve?”
• “Can you accommodate food allergies or special diets?”

Why It Matters: Good nutrition supports healthy growth and learning. Plus, knowing meals are covered makes daily prep easier for you.

9. How do you communicate with parents?

Find out how the center shares updates—whether through a daily app, written reports, photos, or regular conferences. When there is an emergency closure how are you notified?

Sample Questions to Ask:

• “Do you use an app or a daily report system?”
• “How often can I expect progress updates?”

Why It Matters: Open communication builds trust and keeps you connected to your child’s daily experiences, challenges, and milestones.

10. Can parents drop in or visit during the day?

Ask about visiting policies, parental involvement, and whether drop-in visits are welcome.

Sample Questions to Ask:

• “Are parents allowed to visit during the day?”
• “Do you host family events or open houses?”

Why It Matters: Transparency is a sign of a trustworthy center. A place that encourages parent involvement shows they value family connection.

Schedule Your Tour Today

At Just Children, with trusted locations across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, we invite you to bring your list of the top questions to ask at a daycare tour and see why so many families choose us. Our team is here to provide clear answers, a warm welcome, and the quality care your child deserves. Contact us today to schedule your tour!