Daycare Tour Checklist: 50 Questions to Ask

A daycare tour is your chance to see a facility in action and get straight answers. This checklist covers 50 questions organized by category. Print it, bring it with you, and don't be shy about asking every one.

Before your tour, check the facility's inspection history on DaycareCheck. Knowing the safety grade and any past violations gives you specific things to ask about.

Safety Questions (1-10)

1. What is your emergency evacuation plan?
2. How often do you run fire drills? Lockdown drills?
3. Are all exits clearly marked and unblocked?
4. Is the outdoor play area fully fenced with locked gates?
5. How do you handle building security? Who can enter?
6. Are cleaning supplies and chemicals stored out of children's reach?
7. What is your safe sleep policy for infants? (Back to sleep, no loose bedding)
8. Are outlets covered, cords secured, and furniture anchored?
9. Do you have security cameras? Can parents access footage?
10. When was your last fire inspection and safety audit?

Green flags: Staff can describe the evacuation plan in detail. Drill logs are posted or available. Security cameras are visible. The provider proactively shows you safety features.

Red flags: Vague answers about emergency procedures. Blocked exits or cluttered hallways. No visible fire extinguishers or smoke detectors. The facility seems defensive about safety questions.

Staffing Questions (11-20)

11. What are your staff-to-child ratios for each age group?
12. How do you maintain ratios during breaks, lunch, and transitions?
13. What qualifications do your lead teachers have?
14. Are all staff CPR and first aid certified?
15. What is your background check process?
16. How long has your current staff been working here?
17. What is your annual staff turnover rate?
18. How do you handle staff absences? Who fills in?
19. What ongoing training do staff receive each year?
20. Are substitutes background-checked and trained?

Green flags: Ratios that meet or beat state minimums. Lead teachers with degrees or CDA credentials. Low turnover (staff who have been there 2+ years). The director knows exact ratios off the top of their head.

Red flags: The director cannot state ratios without checking. High turnover ("we're always hiring"). Substitutes who are not background-checked. No ongoing training beyond the state minimum.

Health and Hygiene Questions (21-30)

21. What is your illness policy? When must a child stay home?
22. How do you handle a child who gets sick during the day?
23. Where are sick children isolated while waiting for pickup?
24. How are medications stored and administered? Who is authorized?
25. What are your hand-washing protocols?
26. How often are toys and surfaces sanitized?
27. How do you handle diaper changes? (Gloves? Dedicated changing area?)
28. What is your food allergy management policy?
29. Are meals and snacks prepared on-site or brought in?
30. Do you require children to be up to date on vaccinations?

Green flags: A written illness policy that specifies symptoms and exclusion periods. A dedicated sick isolation area. Hand-washing sinks at child height in each room. A clear medication log system.

Red flags: No written illness policy. Medications stored without a log. No hand-washing stations in classrooms. Staff who cannot explain allergy management.

Curriculum and Activities (31-38)

31. What curriculum do you follow? (e.g., Creative Curriculum, Montessori)
32. What does a typical daily schedule look like?
33. How much outdoor play time do children get?
34. How much screen time, if any, is included?
35. How do you handle different developmental levels in the same age group?
36. What is your approach to discipline and behavior management?
37. How do you support children with special needs?
38. How do you prepare older children for kindergarten?

Green flags: A specific, named curriculum. A posted daily schedule in each room. At least 60 minutes of outdoor play. Little or no screen time for children under 2. A discipline policy based on positive guidance, not punishment.

Red flags: No structured daily schedule. TV or tablets used as babysitters. "Time-out" as the primary discipline method. Staff who cannot explain the curriculum.

Communication and Policies (39-45)

39. How and when will I receive updates about my child?
40. What app or system do you use for daily reports?
41. Can I visit unannounced during operating hours?
42. How do you handle parent concerns or complaints?
43. What is your drop-off and pick-up procedure?
44. What is your policy on late pick-up? What are the fees?
45. How much notice is required to withdraw?

Green flags: Daily photo/activity reports through an app. Open-door policy for parents. A clear, written complaint process. Transparent fee schedule with no hidden costs.

Red flags: Parents not allowed to visit unannounced. No daily communication system. Defensive or dismissive response when you ask about complaints.

Logistics and Cost (46-50)

46. What are your hours? Do you offer early drop-off or late pick-up?
47. What is the monthly tuition? What is included (meals, supplies, diapers)?
48. Are there registration fees, supply fees, or other one-time charges?
49. Do you offer sibling discounts or scholarship programs?
50. Do you accept childcare subsidies or vouchers?

Green flags: A clear fee schedule provided in writing. Meals included in tuition. Acceptance of childcare subsidies. No surprise fees after enrollment.

Red flags: Vague or verbal-only pricing. Many add-on fees that inflate the real cost. Refusal to accept subsidies (this alone is not disqualifying, but combined with high prices it limits accessibility).

After the Tour

When you get home, rate each facility on three things:

1. Safety and cleanliness. Did the facility look well-maintained? Were safety measures visible and real, not just talked about?
2. Staff quality. Did caregivers seem engaged with the children? Were they warm and patient? Could the director answer your questions directly?
3. Your gut. Would your child be happy here? Did it feel like a place where kids thrive?

Cross-reference your impressions with the facility's inspection data on DaycareCheck. Use our comparison tool to view your top choices side by side.

Frequently Asked Questions