Choosing a daycare is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as a parent. You’re not just selecting a place where your child will spend their time—you’re choosing an environment that will help shape their early development, safety, and sense of comfort.
Whether you’re touring centers or interviewing in-home providers, knowing the right questions to ask daycare can help you find the best fit for your family.
To make your search easier, we’ve created a complete list of must-ask questions across all the key categories—plus tips on what to look for in their answers.
General Information
Start with the basics to get a sense of the daycare’s operations.
- What are your hours of operation?
- Do you offer part-time, full-time, or flexible scheduling?
- What ages do you accept?
- What is the child-to-staff ratio?
- How many children are in each classroom?
Why it matters: The structure and size of the program should align with your child’s needs and your family’s schedule.
Licensing and Accreditation
Make sure the daycare meets the proper legal and professional standards.
- Are you licensed by the state?
- Do you have any additional certifications or accreditations (e.g., NAEYC)?
- How often are inspections conducted, and can I see the latest report?
- Are background checks conducted on all staff?
Why it matters: Licensing ensures the daycare is following minimum safety and quality regulations. Accreditation adds an extra layer of trust.
Staff Qualifications and Training
You want to know who’s caring for your child—and how well they’re trained to handle the job.
- What are your staff qualifications and experience levels?
- What is your staff turnover rate?
- Are teachers trained in CPR and first aid?
- Do staff receive ongoing professional development or training?
- How do you support staff in managing stress or burnout?
Why it matters: A consistent, well-trained staff creates a safer, more nurturing environment.
Curriculum and Learning Approach
Even in the infant and toddler years, learning and stimulation are key.
- What is your daily schedule like?
- Do you follow a specific educational philosophy (e.g., Montessori, Reggio Emilia, play-based)?
- How do you support emotional and social development?
- Are there structured learning times and free play?
- Do you provide outdoor time daily?
Why it matters: A good daycare should offer a balance of structure, stimulation, and free exploration tailored to your child’s age.
Communication With Parents
Clear, open communication can make the difference between peace of mind and constant worry.
- How do you communicate with parents—email, app, in-person updates?
- Will I receive daily reports about my child’s day?
- Do you send photos or videos?
- How do you notify parents in case of an emergency?
Why it matters: You want to stay connected without feeling like you’re in the dark about your child’s experience.
Safety and Health Policies
This is non-negotiable. You need to know how they protect your child.
- What are your check-in and check-out procedures?
- How do you handle injuries or medical emergencies?
- What’s your illness policy?
- Are children required to be vaccinated?
- How often are toys and surfaces cleaned and sanitized?
Why it matters: You’re trusting them with your child’s well-being—there should be clear, enforced policies in place.
Meals and Snacks
Whether they provide food or you bring your own, it’s good to know how it all works.
- Do you provide meals and snacks, or should we bring our own?
- What kinds of foods are served?
- Do you accommodate allergies or dietary restrictions?
- Can I see a sample menu?
- How do you handle bottle-feeding or breast milk storage for infants?
Why it matters: Nutrition, allergies, and food handling are critical to your child’s health and comfort.
Discipline and Conflict Resolution
Understand how the daycare manages behavior in a nurturing, developmentally appropriate way.
- What is your discipline policy?
- How do you handle tantrums or hitting?
- Do you use time-outs or another method?
- How do you help children resolve conflict?
Why it matters: Their approach to discipline should align with your parenting values and focus on teaching, not punishing.
Naps and Sleep Schedules
Sleep is crucial for young children, so ask how the daycare handles rest.
- Do you have a designated nap time?
- Are cribs or nap mats provided?
- Can you accommodate my child’s sleep routine?
- Is the nap area supervised at all times?
Why it matters: Your child’s mood and development are closely tied to quality rest.
Transition and Trial Period
A thoughtful transition makes the process easier for both parent and child.
- Do you offer a trial period?
- Can I stay with my child for the first few days?
- How do you help children adjust to daycare?
Why it matters: A smooth, supported transition builds trust and confidence in your new routine.
Cost and Payment
Get clear on the financial side to avoid surprises later.
- What is your weekly or monthly tuition rate?
- Are there registration or supply fees?
- What is your vacation or sick day policy?
- Is there a sibling discount?
- What payment methods do you accept?
Why it matters: Daycare is a major expense—knowing the full picture helps you plan ahead.
Questions to Ask Yourself After the Visit
Once your tour or interview is over, reflect on how you felt.
- Was the space clean, organized, and welcoming?
- Were the children happy and engaged?
- Did the caregivers seem kind and attentive?
- Would I feel comfortable leaving my child here every day?
Trust your gut. First impressions, tone, and warmth matter just as much as policies.
Final Thoughts on Questions to Ask Daycare
Choosing a daycare is a deeply personal decision, and every family has different priorities. The most important thing is to feel confident that your child will be safe, loved, and encouraged to learn and grow.
This list of questions to ask daycare gives you the tools to evaluate centers with clarity—so you can make a choice that fits your needs and feels right for your child.
Whether you’re weeks away from returning to work or just starting the search, asking the right questions now leads to more peace of mind later.
