As a parent, finding the right daycare for your little one is one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make.
It’s where they’ll spend a big chunk of their day, learning, playing, and growing.
You want a place that feels like a second home – warm, nurturing, and safe. A place that will set the stage for their future success.
But with so many options out there, how do you choose?
It’s not just about the location or the price tag.
You’ve got to dig deeper, ask the right questions, and trust your gut.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through 10 important questions to ask when you’re scoping out daycares.
These questions will help you:
- Get a feel for the daycare’s philosophy and approach to childcare
- Ensure your child will be well-cared for and stimulated
- Make sure the daycare meets your practical needs as a family
- Give you peace of mind that you’re making the best choice
So grab a notepad, put on your detective hat, and let’s dive in!
By the end of this article, you’ll be armed with the knowledge you need to find the perfect home-away-from-home for your little one.
Important Questions to Ask Daycare
What is your educational philosophy?
Before anything else, you need to know what the daycare’s approach to early childhood education is. Do they believe in play-based learning or are they more academically focused? Do they follow a particular curriculum or philosophy like Montessori or Reggio Emilia?
You could say something like, “I’m curious about your educational philosophy. Can you tell me a bit about your approach and what a typical day looks like for the kids?” Listen closely to their response. Do they seem passionate and knowledgeable or vague and disinterested?
Their educational philosophy should align with your values and beliefs about how young children learn best. If you believe strongly in free play and creativity, a highly structured, worksheet-based program probably isn’t going to be a good fit.
On the other hand, if kindergarten readiness is a top priority for you, a play-based program may not give you the academic focus you’re looking for. There’s no right answer, but there needs to be a match between your family and the daycare.
Don’t be afraid to ask for specific examples of how they put their philosophy into practice. If they say they believe in hands-on learning, ask them to describe a recent project the kids worked on. If they emphasize social-emotional development, ask how they support children in resolving conflicts or expressing their feelings.
A daycare with a well-articulated educational philosophy that they’re passionate about is a good sign. It shows they’re intentional about their work with children and have a cohesive vision for the kind of early learning experience they want to provide.
What are the qualifications and experience of your staff?
Now that you know their overall approach, you’ll want to get a sense of who will be caring for your child day-to-day. The quality of the staff is arguably the most important factor in your child’s experience at daycare.
Start by asking about the qualifications they require of their teachers. Do they need to have a degree in early childhood education or a related field? Are there ongoing professional development requirements to keep teachers up-to-date on best practices?
Experience matters too. Ask how long the current teachers have been at the center and what the overall staff turnover rate is like. High turnover can be a red flag, as it disrupts the relationships children have with their caregivers.
You might say, “What kind of qualifications and experience do you look for when hiring teachers? And can you tell me a bit about your current staff and how long they’ve been with the center?”
Ideally, you want to hear that the lead teachers have relevant education, like a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or a degree in early childhood education, and at least a few years of experience working with young children.
It’s a great sign if many of the teachers have been at the center for several years, as it shows they’re satisfied with their jobs and have had time to get to know the children and families they work with.
But beyond formal qualifications, you also want to get a sense of the less tangible qualities the staff bring to their work. Do they seem warm, patient, and genuinely enthusiastic about working with children? Do they communicate clearly and openly?
If possible, ask if you can meet some of the teachers or observe a classroom in action. Seeing how the staff interact with the children will give you valuable insight into the emotional tone of the daycare.
You want your child to be greeted with smiles, laughter, and lots of eye contact. A skilled teacher will be down on the children’s level, engaging them in conversation and expanding on their play. They’ll be attentive to each child’s unique needs and quick to offer comfort if someone is upset.
Trusting your child to relative strangers is a leap of faith. But when you know they’re in the hands of qualified, caring professionals, it makes that leap a whole lot easier.
How do you keep parents informed about their child’s day?
Dropping your little one off at daycare can feel like sending them into a mysterious black hole sometimes. You kiss them goodbye, head off to work, and poof – you don’t see them again for hours! It’s normal to wonder what exactly they’re up to all day.
That’s why good communication between daycare and home is so crucial. You should feel like you’re getting regular updates and insights into your child’s experiences, development, and well-being.
Ask the daycare how they typically keep parents in the loop. You could say something like, “As a working parent, I value feeling connected to what my child is doing during the day. What systems do you have in place to share information with families?”
Many daycares send home daily written reports detailing things like what your child ate, how long they napped, and any notable activities or milestones from the day. Some may even include photos!
If that’s the case, ask to see an example of a daily report. Is it detailed and personalized or generic and sparse? A great daily report will help you feel like you have a window into your child’s day and equip you with specific conversation starters for the evening. (“I heard you painted a giant rainbow at school today – that sounds amazing!”)
In addition to daily communication, the daycare should have regular opportunities for deeper conversations with parents. These could be formal parent-teacher conferences a few times a year or more casual chats at drop-off and pick-up. Some may also use apps, email newsletters, or social media to share classroom updates and photos.
The method of communication is less important than the overall approach – you want to feel like the daycare values parents as partners and is committed to keeping you actively engaged in your child’s early learning journey.
If the daycare seems dismissive of your questions or doesn’t have any clear communication systems in place, that’s concerning. It could signal a lack of professionalism or a view of parents as peripheral rather than integral to their work.
On the other hand, a daycare that prioritizes parent communication and seeks out your input and collaboration is one you can feel good about. When you’re well informed about your child’s daycare experience, you’re better equipped to support their development at home and advocate for their needs. No more mysterious black holes – just a supportive partnership focused on helping your child thrive.
What is your policy on discipline and behavior management?
Tantrums over sharing toys, hitting when angry, glorious meltdowns at drop-off time – navigating tricky behaviors is a huge part of life with little ones. And since your child will likely spend more waking hours at daycare than at home, you must be on the same page about how to respond to challenging moments.
Ask the daycare to explain their approach to discipline and behavior management. You might say, “I’m sure difficult behaviors come up sometimes in a group of young children. Can you walk me through how you typically handle those situations?”
Listen for an approach that emphasizes positive guidance, emotional coaching, and problem-solving over punishment and shame. A good daycare will view challenging behaviors as opportunities to teach children important skills like emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and empathy.
For example, if two children are fighting over a toy, a teacher might get down at their level and say, “I see you both want to play with the truck. How can we solve this problem together?” They might suggest taking turns, finding another truck to share, or negotiating a trade.
The goal is to empower children to work through tricky situations in a way that’s respectful to everyone involved. Punitive approaches like timeouts, yelling, or taking away privileges might temporarily stop the behavior but they don’t teach children anything useful for next time.
Ask the daycare if they have a formal discipline policy you can review. It should outline specific strategies they use to prevent challenging behaviors (like having clear routines and expectations) as well as how they respond when problems arise.
See if the policy aligns with your values and approach to parenting. If you use positive parenting techniques at home, you probably want to see those reflected at daycare. If the daycare spells out specific consequences for misbehavior that makes you uncomfortable (like putting soap in a child’s mouth for saying a bad word – yikes!), that’s a red flag.
It’s also worth asking how they partner with parents when behavior challenges persist. A great daycare will keep you in the loop, ask for your input, and collaborate on a consistent plan to support your child at school and home. Avoid any daycare that seems to place blame on the child or parents when difficulties arise.
Knowing your child will be treated with compassion, respect, and kindness as they navigate learning to be a good friend and community member will give you immense peace of mind. And when daycare and home present a united front in guiding children’s behavior, it’s a powerful recipe for raising emotionally healthy, socially skilled kiddos.
What are your health and safety policies?
Your child’s physical well-being is paramount and their daycare should be an environment that protects and promotes their health and safety at every turn. Don’t feel awkward about asking detailed questions in this area – a quality program will be happy to share the specifics of how they keep kids safe.
You might start with a general question like, “I know keeping children healthy and safe is a huge priority. Can you tell me about your policies and procedures in this area?” Then follow up with more targeted questions based on their response.
Some key health and safety topics to inquire about:
- Illness policies: What symptoms preclude a child from attending? How long must they be symptom-free before returning? Are staff required to stay home when sick too?
- Communicable disease prevention: Are children and staff required to be up-to-date on vaccinations? How often are toys sanitized? What’s the handwashing protocol?
- Medication administration: Are staff trained in dispensing medication? How are medications stored and documented?
- Emergency preparedness: Is there a plan for fires, natural disasters, or other emergencies? How often do they practice drills?
- Child supervision: What is the child-to-staff ratio? How do they ensure children are adequately supervised during all activities, including naps and bathroom breaks?
- Safe sleep practices: How are infants put down for naps? (Alone, on their back, in a crib is the gold standard.)
- Playground safety: Is the outdoor play equipment well-maintained and age-appropriate? What’s the process for checking the safety of the grounds each day?
- Food safety: Are there nut-free or other allergy policies? How are meals prepared and served? Are there choking hazards?
The daycare should have clear, written policies in all of these areas that they can walk you through. They should also be able to explain how they train staff on these policies and monitor that they’re being consistently followed.
In addition to policies, take note of the overall safety and cleanliness of the facility. Are the classrooms tidy and free of hazards? Are the entrances secure? Do staff seem vigilant and attentive to the children? Trust your instincts – if something seems “off” it’s worth investigating further.
Of course, even the most conscientious daycares can’t prevent every bump, bruise, or runny nose. But if you’re confident they have strong health and safety systems in place, you can relax knowing they’re doing everything possible to keep your little one protected.
At the end of the day, your child’s daycare should be a place where they’re not only cherished and nurtured but also kept out of harm’s way. Asking smart questions about health and safety will help ensure you’re enrolling them in a program that truly has their best interests at heart.
How do you support children’s social-emotional development?
The early years are a crucial time for children to develop the social and emotional skills that will serve them for life – things like confidence, empathy, self-control, and communication. And since they’re spending so much time at daycare, that environment plays a pivotal role in shaping their growth in this area.
Ask the daycare how they intentionally support children’s social-emotional development. You might say something like, “I know the early years are such an important time for building social-emotional skills. What strategies do you use to help children develop in this area?”
A quality program will be able to speak in detail about the many ways they weave social-emotional learning into the fabric of the day. Some key things to listen for:
- Modeling and encouraging pro-social behaviors: Teachers should be constantly modeling things like kindness, turn-taking, and cooperation. They should also be on the lookout for positive behaviors from the children and pointing them out. “Wow, I saw how you let Jamal have a turn with the truck when he asked. That was friendly of you!”
- Emotion coaching: Teachers should help children identify and express their feelings in healthy ways. If a child is upset, they might say, “I see you’re feeling frustrated right now. It’s okay to feel that way. Let’s take a deep breath together and think about what we can do next.”
- Teaching problem-solving skills: When conflicts arise (as they inevitably will), teachers should guide children in brainstorming solutions rather than imposing their own. They might ask questions like, “How do you think we could solve this problem?” or “What would be a fair way to share the blocks?”
- Fostering a sense of community: The daycare should intentionally build a classroom culture where every child feels valued, respected, and included. This could involve things like daily class meetings, group projects, or “All About Me” posters that celebrate each child’s unique qualities.
- Supporting autonomy and choice: Children should have plenty of opportunities to make age-appropriate choices throughout the day. A teacher might ask, “Would you like to read a book or play with puzzles during quiet time?” Giving children a sense of control supports their growing independence and decision-making skills.
- Partnering with parents: The daycare should see parents as allies in supporting children’s social-emotional development. They should share strategies and insights, and work together to create consistent expectations between home and school.
In addition to hearing about the daycare’s approach, take time to observe the overall emotional climate of the classroom. Do the children seem happy, relaxed, and engaged? Are the teachers warm, patient, and empathetic? Is there an overall feeling of joyful learning and connection?
A daycare that’s actively nurturing children’s social-emotional skills is setting them up for a lifetime of healthy relationships and inner resilience. And that’s truly the greatest gift we can give our little ones as they grow.
What are your policies on nutrition and physical activity?
With childhood obesity on the rise, it’s more important than ever to establish healthy habits from the start. And since many children eat a majority of their meals and snacks at daycare, the food and physical activity policies there can make a big difference in their overall health.
Ask the daycare to outline their approach to nutrition and physical activity. You might say, “I’m really curious about how you incorporate healthy eating and movement into the daily routine. Can you tell me about your policies in those areas?”
On the nutrition front, find out if the daycare provides meals and snacks or if children bring their own from home. If the daycare provides food, ask to see a sample menu. Look for a variety of nutrient-dense whole foods like fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Avoid daycares that rely heavily on processed, sugary, or high-fat foods. Also ask about accommodations for allergies, religious/cultural diets, or other special nutritional needs. A great daycare will work closely with families to ensure every child’s individual needs are met.
If children bring their food, find out if the daycare has any guidelines around what types of foods are allowed. Some may have policies like no candy, no soda, or no peanuts. Others may provide a list of suggested healthy snacks to guide parents’ choices.
It’s also worth asking how food is presented and served to the children. Family-style meals where children serve themselves can be a great way to encourage autonomy and self-regulation. Teachers sitting down to eat with the children model healthy habits and turn mealtime into a chance for rich social interaction.
On the physical activity side, ask how much time is dedicated to active play each day and what kinds of activities are typically offered. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children in full-day childcare programs get at least 60-90 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day.
Find out if the daycare has a safe, engaging outdoor play space and how often children can access it. Are there climbing structures, tricycles, balls, and other equipment to encourage varied movement? Do they take walks or visit nearby parks? How do they adapt to outdoor play for different weather conditions?
Also, ask about opportunities for physical activity indoors. Things like music and movement activities, yoga, or dance parties are great ways to get children moving even when they can’t go outside.
A quality daycare will understand the importance of daily physical activity for children’s health, development, and learning. They’ll prioritize it as a key part of the curriculum rather than seeing it as expendable “extra” time.
It’s worth noting that healthy eating and physical activity policies are just one part of the equation. The daycare should also be creating a positive overall atmosphere around food and bodies.
Watch out for any comments that could promote disordered eating or body shame (e.g. “You don’t need a second helping, you’ll get fat!”). Instead, teachers should be role-modeling a relaxed, intuitive approach to eating and movement and encouraging children to listen to their own hunger and fullness cues.
Laying the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy habits is one of the greatest gifts a childcare center can give. By partnering with a program that prioritizes nutritious food and joyful movement, you can feel good knowing you’re setting your child on the path to wellness in body and mind.
What is your policy on screen time?
In today’s digital world, many daycares are starting to incorporate technology into the classroom. While some screen time can be beneficial (e.g. researching questions children ask or video chatting with a parent who’s deployed), it’s important that it’s used thoughtfully and doesn’t displace other crucial early learning experiences.
Ask the daycare to explain their approach to screen time. You could say, “I know technology is becoming more common in early childhood settings. What’s your policy on screen time in the classroom? How and when is it used?”
Ideally, screen time should be quite limited for young children. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than 30 minutes per week of high-quality programming for preschoolers in childcare. And for infants and toddlers under 2, it’s best to avoid screens altogether other than video chatting.
If the daycare does use screens, find out how they decide what to show. Educational games, apps that promote creativity, or short videos tied to the current learning theme are more valuable than just popping on a cartoon to fill time.
Ask how screen time is monitored and if there’s a system for ensuring all children have equal access (versus one or two kids monopolizing the iPad all day). Also, find out if there are any non-screen alternatives offered for children who don’t want to participate.
It’s a positive sign if the daycare has a clear, written policy on screen time that they can share with you. It shows they’ve given careful thought to the issue and are committed to using technology responsibly.
Be cautious of any program that relies too heavily on screens or uses them as a substitute for human interaction. For example, if circle time consists of watching a video rather than engaging in discussion and hands-on activities with a teacher, that’s a red flag.
Also, watch out for TVs playing in the background all day or tablets being used as a behavior management tool (e.g. handing a fussy toddler an iPad to quiet them down). While these practices might keep kids occupied in the short term, they don’t support optimal development.
Of course, technology is becoming an increasingly unavoidable part of life. A daycare doesn’t have to be 100% screen-free to be a good choice (and holding them to that standard may not be realistic given the world we live in).
But you do want a program that’s judicious and purposeful in its use of screens. Abundant research shows that young children learn best through real-world exploration, social interaction, and open-ended play – and too much technology can interfere with those crucial experiences.
As with all things in childcare, moderation and intentionality are key. By partnering with a daycare that has a thoughtful approach to screen time, you can set your child up for a healthy relationship with technology as they grow.
Do you have an open-door policy for parent visits?
When you’re entrusting your child to someone else’s care all day, it’s normal to want to check in and see how things are going. A quality childcare center will recognize and respect parents’ needs for ongoing connection and communication.
Ask the daycare if they have an open-door policy for parent visits. You might say, “I’m sure it’s common for parents to want to pop in from time to time and say a quick hello or nurse a baby. What’s your policy on parental visits during the day?”
Ideally, you want to hear that parents are welcome to stop by anytime. Of course, the daycare may have some reasonable guidelines in place to minimize disruption (like asking parents to wait until after a lesson is finished to enter the classroom). But overall, there should be a clear message that your presence is valued and encouraged.
Some specific things you may want to ask about:
- Are there any restrictions on when or how often parents can visit?
- Is there a sign-in procedure for visitors?
- Are there comfortable spaces set aside for nursing/feeding babies or having quiet one-on-one time with your child?
- Can parents join their children for lunch or participate in special activities?
- Are there opportunities for parents to volunteer in the classroom or share a special skill/tradition?
An open-door policy shows that the daycare views parents as partners in their child’s care and education. They’re confident enough in the quality of their program to welcome extra sets of eyes and ears. And they understand that sometimes little ones (and their grownups!) need an extra cuddle or reassuring check-in to get through the day.
On the other hand, a daycare that discourages or severely limits parental visits may be a cause for concern. It could signal a lack of transparency or a “we know best” attitude that sidelines parents’ perspectives.
Of course, there may sometimes be extenuating circumstances like a flooded classroom or lice outbreak that necessitate temporarily restricting visitors. But in general, a daycare should be eager to throw open their doors and showcase the great work they’re doing with your child.
Frequent, positive communication between daycare and home is one of the hallmarks of a strong early childhood program. By choosing a center that welcomes you with open arms, you can maintain a strong sense of connection and involvement in your child’s earliest years of learning and growth.
What are your hours and rates?
Okay, it’s time to dive into the nitty-gritty practical details! While cost and schedule shouldn’t be the only factors in choosing a daycare (quality and safety should always come first), they’re undeniably important for making sure the arrangement is sustainable for your family.
First, ask about the hours of operation. You may say something like, “Can you walk me through your typical daily schedule? What time do you open and close?”
Compare their hours to your own work or school schedule to make sure there’s enough overlap. Keep in mind that you’ll likely want some built-in cushion time for commuting and unexpected delays – racing against the clock at pick-up time every day is a recipe for stress.
Also, ask about their policy on early drop-offs or late pick-ups. Of course, you’ll try to avoid needing those whenever possible, but it’s good to know what your options are if a last-minute work meeting or traffic jam throws a wrench in your plans. Is there an extra fee? A grace period? Flexibility here can make a big difference in your day-to-day stress levels.
Next, inquire about rates and fees. You might say, “What are your standard rates for full-time care? Do you have part-time options as well? Are there any additional fees I should be aware of?”
Get a clear breakdown of the tuition for different enrollment options (half-day vs. full-day, MWF vs. M-F, etc.). Find out when payments are due and what forms of payment are accepted. Ask about things like late payment fees, returned check fees, or annual registration fees so you have a full financial picture.
It’s also important to ask about the vacation and absence policy. Do you still pay full tuition if your child is out sick or your family takes a week off? Is there a limit to how many absences you can have before your spot is forfeited?
If you’ll need care on a variable schedule (like if you’re a nurse who works three 12-hour shifts a week), ask if they’re able to accommodate that. Some centers may offer a discounted “slot reservation” rate for families who only need part-time care but want to hold their space.
Also, find out if they offer any kind of financial assistance or participate in subsidy programs. Many states have childcare voucher programs for low-income families, and some employers offer flexible spending accounts that let you set aside pre-tax dollars for dependent care expenses. The daycare should be able to provide information and resources about any such cost-saving opportunities.
Ultimately, you’ll have to crunch the numbers to figure out what your family can realistically afford. But don’t automatically cross a great daycare off your list just because the rates are a bit higher than you’d hoped. Sometimes it’s worth stretching the budget a little for top-notch care that gives you peace of mind.
By having frank, upfront conversations about logistics and finances, you can ensure that the daycare you choose fits seamlessly into your family’s busy life and allows you to provide the very best for your little one without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
Phew, that was a lot of information! But don’t worry – you’ve got this.
Armed with these 10 key questions, you’re well on your way to finding the perfect daycare for your family.
Remember, at the end of the day, the most important thing is that you feel good about the place that will be your child’s home away from home.
Trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to keep searching until you find a center that checks all the boxes.
With a little bit of research, a lot of love, and maybe a few extra cups of coffee, you’ll find the place that will nurture your child’s mind, body, and spirit as they embark on the great adventure of growing up.
And that’s worth its weight in gold.