Choosing the right daycare for your child is a big decision, and touring a daycare is the perfect opportunity to ask the questions that matter most. A well-prepared set of questions can help you evaluate whether the daycare meets your family’s needs and provides a safe, nurturing environment for your child. Here are 10 essential questions to guide your daycare tour.
1. What Are the Staff-to-Child Ratios?
Find out how many children each staff member is responsible for. Lower ratios mean more individual attention for your child.
2. What Are the Caregiver Qualifications?
Ask about the training, certifications, and experience of the staff to ensure they are qualified to care for and educate young children.
3. What Is the Daily Schedule?
Understanding the daycare’s routine can help you determine if it aligns with your child’s needs, including naps, meals, and playtime.
4. How Does the Daycare Handle Discipline?
Ask about the daycare’s policies on managing challenging behaviors to ensure they align with your parenting philosophy.
5. What Security Measures Are in Place?
Safety is crucial. Inquire about visitor policies, pickup procedures, and other security measures to ensure your child is in a secure environment.
6. Are Meals and Snacks Provided?
If meals are included, ask about the menu, whether they accommodate dietary restrictions, and if food is prepared onsite.
7. How Does the Daycare Communicate with Parents?
Good communication is key. Ask how often parents receive updates (e.g., daily reports, newsletters) and through which methods (e.g., apps, emails).
8. What Is the Illness Policy?
Understand how the daycare handles sick children, including when they can return after an illness and how illnesses are prevented.
9. What Are the Costs and Fees?
Ask about tuition rates, additional fees (e.g., registration, supplies), and any flexibility for part-time or subsidized care.
10. What Is the Waitlist Process?
If spots are limited, find out how their waitlist works, including any fees or timelines for enrollment.
Bonus Tips
- Observe how staff interact with children during your tour.
- Check the cleanliness and organization of the facility.
- Ask for references from other parents if available.
How Oakville Daycares Can Help
Feeling overwhelmed by the daycare search? At Oakville Daycares, we already have answers to these questions for you through our detailed daycare reports. Sign up now and leave the research to us.
