Questions to Ask When Touring a Childcare Center

I still remember my first childcare tour.

I had my list, my baby on my hip, and my heart pounding so loud I could barely hear the director talking. I knew this was important. And I was about to trust strangers with the little human I loved more than anything.

On the drive over, I’d googled Questions to Ask When Touring a Childcare Center (about 17 times 🙃), but when I walked in and heard babies crying and phones ringing, my brain just… froze. I smiled, nodded, and went home realizing I’d barely asked anything that mattered.

If you’re in that place right now—torn between needing childcare and wanting to keep your baby in a bubble forever—you’re not alone. I’ve been there, too.

The good news? You don’t have to wing it. With a simple list of smart, practical questions, you can walk into a tour feeling prepared, confident, and clear on what you’re looking for.

In this post, we’ll walk through the essential questions to ask in each area—safety, staff, routine, health, discipline, communication, and more—plus what to look for and how to trust your gut.

Take a deep breath, grab a notebook (or screenshot this), and let’s do this together. 💛

1. Before You Go : Get Clear on What Matters to You

Before you even step inside a center, it helps to know your own priorities. Childcare experts often remind parents that the “right” choice is about matching a program to your child’s needs, your values, and your reality—not just picking the fanciest building.

Ask yourself :

• What’s our budget range ?
• How far are we willing to drive ?
• Do we care more about structure, or a more relaxed, play-based vibe ?
• Do we need extended hours or strict drop-off/pickup times ?
• What feels non-negotiable for safety and cleanliness ?

Bring :

• A printed list or notes app with your questions
• Space to jot down answers and impressions
• A friend/partner if possible (two sets of eyes help)

Now, let’s dive into your question checklist.

2. Safety & Licensing : Non-Negotiables

This is the “no compromise” category. A center can have cute art on the walls and sweet teachers, but if safety isn’t solid, it’s a no.

Key Questions to Ask

1. “Are you licensed? Can I see your license?”
   • Ask who regulates them (state, local agency) and if they’ve had recent violations. Many countries/states let you look up inspection reports online.
2. “Is someone trained in pediatric first aid and CPR on-site at all times?”
   • Ideally, multiple staff are trained, not just one.
3. “What are your security measures for entry and exit?”
   • Is there keypad entry, sign-in/sign-out, photo ID checks for new pickups, etc.?
4. “Do you have written emergency plans and drills?”
   • Ask about fire, severe weather, lockdowns, and how they’d reach you in an emergency.
5. “How do you supervise children throughout the day?”
   • Can staff always see the kids? What about bathroom trips, naps, and outdoor play? Quality checklists suggest making sure classrooms are laid out so children are always visible.

What to Look For

• Doors/gates securely latched
• Outlets covered, cords out of reach
• Outdoor area fenced and safe
• Cleaning supplies and medications locked away

If something feels off (unlocked doors, cluttered exits, no clear emergency plan), it’s okay to say, “Thank you,” and keep looking.

3. Staff, Ratios & Turnover : Who’s With Your Child All Day?

The people caring for your child matter more than the toys, the decor, or the price.

Key Questions to Ask

1. “What is your child-to-teacher ratio for my child’s age?”
   • Lower ratios = more attention. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests small groups and low ratios—for example, around 3:1 for infants and gradually higher as children get older.
2. “What qualifications or training do your teachers have?”
   • Look for early childhood education training, ongoing professional development, and CPR/first aid.
3. “How long have your teachers worked here?”
   • High turnover can be a red flag. AAP notes that low staff turnover and keeping children with the same caregiver as long as possible supports secure attachments.
4. “Do you run background checks—and how often?”
   • Ask whether they include criminal checks, references, and, where applicable, fingerprinting.
5. “How do you support teachers so they don’t burn out?”
   • This might sound “extra,” but good programs know their staff are human and have systems in place for breaks, training, and support. Calm adults = calmer kids.

What to Observe

• Do teachers get down at children’s eye level?
• Are they speaking kindly and respectfully—even when redirecting behavior?
• Do the kids seem comfortable approaching them?

I remember one tour where the director had great answers, but in the classroom, I heard a teacher snap, “Stop crying, you’re fine.” That told me more than any brochure ever could.

4. Daily Routine & Curriculum : What Will Your Child Actually Do All Day?

You want to know what a typical day looks like—not just the “special event” days.

Key Questions to Ask

1. “Can you walk me through a typical day for this age group?”

Listen for things like :

• Free play
• Outdoor time
• Meals and snacks
• Naps or quiet time
• Stories, music, or art
• Small-group activities

2. “Do you follow a specific philosophy or curriculum?”

Some centers are :

• play-based
• Montessori-inspired
• academic-leaning
• a blend

You don’t need to memorize all the educational philosophies—but you do want to hear that activities are intentional, age-appropriate, and focused on play and exploration, not drilling worksheets.

3. “How do you support learning through play?”

Research shows high-quality early care includes rich play, language, and responsive interactions—all of which support later learning.

4. “What is your policy on screen time?”

For babies and young toddlers, many parents prefer little to no screen time in group care. Ask if TVs, tablets, or movies are used, and how often.

5. “How do you adapt schedules for infants or very young toddlers?”

Infants shouldn’t be on a strict group schedule. You want to hear that caregivers follow your baby’s cues for feeding and sleeping as much as possible.

5. Health, Cleanliness & Illness Policies

Because nothing says “welcome to childcare” like your first week of daycare germs, right? 😅

Key Questions to Ask

1. “How often are toys and high-touch surfaces cleaned?”

Ask about :

• daily cleaning routines
• deep cleaning
• how they handle mouthed toys

2. “What is your sick child policy?”

Clarify :

• When must a child stay home?
• Fever cutoffs? Vomiting? Contagious rashes?
• When can they return?

3. “Are children required to be up-to-date on immunizations?”

Many checklists recommend that programs keep immunization records on file to protect all children.

4. “Do you provide meals/snacks? Can I see a sample menu?”

Look for balanced options, not just crackers and juice all day. If your child has allergies or dietary restrictions, ask how they handle that.

5. “What safe sleep practices do you follow for infants?”

You want to hear things like :

• Babies placed on their backs
• Firm crib mattresses
• No blankets, bumpers, or stuffed animals in the crib

These align with widely recommended safe sleep guidelines.

What to Observe

• Are the bathrooms and changing areas clean?
• Do staff wash hands (and help kids wash) before eating and after toileting?
• Does the space look tidy and well cared for, or sticky and chaotic?

6. Discipline & Emotional Climate : How Do They Handle Big Feelings?

This part is huge, especially for toddlers and preschoolers.

Key Questions to Ask

1. “How do you handle challenging behaviors like biting, hitting, or tantrums?”

You want to hear about :

• redirection
• teaching skills (using words, taking turns)
• supporting emotional regulation

…and not shaming, yelling, or harsh punishments.

2. “Do you use time-outs? How?”

Some programs use calm-down spaces or “peace corners” instead of traditional time-outs. The key is whether they focus on teaching, connection, and safety—not humiliation.

3. “How do you help kids learn to share and take turns?”

Bonus points if they mention modeling language, simple social rules, and giving kids chances to practice.

4. “What’s your approach to social-emotional learning?”

Many quality programs incorporate activities that help children name feelings, solve problems, and practice empathy—things research links to long-term success just as strongly as academics.

What to Observe

• Do teachers speak to kids with warmth and respect, even when correcting them?
• Are kids comforted when they’re upset—or ignored?
• Do you hear lots of “no, stop, don’t,” or also “let’s try this instead,” “I see you’re upset,” “how can we fix it?”

7. Communication & Partnership With Parents

You’re not just dropping your child off; you’re building a partnership.

Key Questions to Ask

1. “How will you update me about my child’s day?”

Options might include :

• daily paper sheets
• an app with photos and notes
• quick chats at pickup
• regular parent-teacher conferences

2. “Do you have an open-door policy?”

Ask if you can :

• drop in to breastfeed
• visit during the day
• call to check in

Many checklists recommend choosing programs that welcome parent involvement and visits.

3. “How do you handle concerns or conflicts with parents?”

Listen for openness, respect, and a clear process—not defensiveness.

4. “Will I get updates about my child’s development?”

Some centers do periodic developmental checklists or simple progress reports.

5. “Do you provide a parent handbook?”

This should outline policies on everything from illness to holidays to discipline.

8. Logistics, Fees & Policies (The Un-Pretty but Important Stuff)

This is where your daily life and your childcare choice have to align.

Key Questions to Ask

1. “What are your hours? What happens if I’m late?”
2. “What are your tuition and fees?”

Clarify :

• registration fees
• supply or activity fees
• payment schedule
• late fees

3. “What’s your holiday and closure schedule?”

Ask about:

• major holidays
• staff training days
• weather-related closures

4. “What’s your policy if we need to withdraw or change schedules?”

Is there a required notice period? Any penalty?

5. “Do you offer part-time options or flexible schedules?”

If you’re not doing full-time care, this matters a lot.

9. Trusting Your Gut : What to Notice During the Tour

Beyond the questions, your feelings during the tour matter. Experts often remind parents to pay attention to how children are treated and how the environment feels overall, not just what’s written on paper.

Ask yourself :

• Do the children seem generally content and engaged?
• Do you hear more laughter than yelling?
• Does it smell clean (not chemical-heavy, not overly musty)?
• Are there cozy spaces for kids to calm down?
• Do you feel comfortable in your body when you walk around—or tense?

One mom trick I love :

Imagine your child here on a random Tuesday when everything is going wrong—your baby is overtired, your toddler is melting down. Do you feel like these adults would respond with patience and care?

If the answer is “yes,” that’s a really good sign.

Encouragement : You’re Not Alone in This Big Decision 💛

Mama, if your head is spinning from all these questions, take another deep breath.

Choosing childcare is a big deal—of course you’re emotional about it. It means you love your child deeply and want to make a thoughtful choice. That’s a good thing.

Remember :

• You don’t have to find a “perfect” center—just one that’s safe, nurturing, and a good fit right now.
• You’re allowed to ask lots of questions. Good programs expect it and welcome it.
• You’re not locked in forever. If something isn’t working, you can adjust.

You are still the most important person in your child’s life. The right childcare center becomes a partner in what you’re already doing so beautifully at home: loving and caring for your little one.

You’ve got this. Truly. 🌼

Share Your Must-Ask Questions

I’d love to hear from you :

👉 What’s one question you wish you’d asked (or are planning to ask) when touring a childcare center?

Drop it in the comments—your question might help another mom feel more confident on her next tour. 💬

And if you want more gentle, practical support for early childhood decisions (from tantrums to sleep to childcare), be sure to join my email list. We’ll figure this season out together, one big decision—and one little question—at a time. 💌