What are the best questions to ask at a daycare tour?

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The 15 questions I'd prioritize

Safety & supervision

1. What is the child-to-teacher ratio in my child's classroom? Ask what the ratio is during the entire day, including opening/closing and breaks.
2. Who will actually be caring for my child, and what are their qualifications and experience?
3. Have all staff members had background checks, CPR/first-aid training, and required safety training?Childcare.gov+1
4. How do you handle emergencies—fire, earthquake, lockdown, medical emergency, etc.?
5. Can parents drop in or visit while their child is there? Also ask whether you'll be notified if the classroom teacher changes.

Your child's day

1. Can you walk me through a typical day for my child's age group?
2. How much time do children spend outside? What happens when the weather is bad?
3. How do you handle naps and sleep? Especially important for infants—ask specifically about safe-sleep practices.
4. How do you handle crying, separation anxiety, biting, hitting, or other challenging behavior? Ask for a specific example, rather than accepting "we use positive discipline." ChildCare.gov recommends asking how challenging behavior and conflicts are handled.Childcare.gov

Illness & medical needs

1. What is your sick-child policy, and when would you call me to pick up my child?
2. What happens if my child gets sick while here?
3. How do you handle medications, allergies, and emergencies?Childcare.gov

Communication & relationship

1. How will I know how my child did each day? Ask whether they provide updates about eating, naps, diapers/toileting, mood, activities, etc.
2. How do teachers communicate with parents if there's a concern about my child?
3. What's your staff turnover like? How long have the teachers in this classroom been here? This is a particularly useful question because the person giving the tour may not tell you unless you ask directly. ChildCare.gov specifically suggests asking about staff turnover.Childcare.gov

Don't forget the practical questions

Before you leave, get clear answers on:

• Tuition and all additional fees
• Registration/deposit and whether it's refundable
• Hours and late-pickup fees
• Holidays and daycare closures—and whether you still pay
• Vacation/sick-day policies
• Minimum notice for leaving the daycare
• Drop-off and pickup procedures
• Who is allowed to pick up your child
• Meals/snacks and what you need to provide
• Diapers/wipes/formula, if applicable
• Potty-training expectations
• How much screen time, if any
• Whether there is a waitlist and how a spot is secured

ChildCare.gov recommends getting the daycare's handbook and written policies and reviewing fees, closures, pickup, emergencies, illness, discipline, transportation, and termination policies before enrolling.Childcare.gov

What to watch for during the tour

Some of the most important information isn't in their answers.

Look at:

• Do teachers get down to the children's level and interact warmly?
• Do children seem engaged, comfortable, and supervised?
• Can teachers see the children easily from where they are?
• Are toys and equipment clean and in good repair?
• Does the classroom smell reasonably clean?
• Are there obvious safety hazards?
• Do you see teachers constantly distracted by phones or other tasks?

Listen to:

• How teachers speak to children
• Whether the tone is warm and patient
• Whether children are crying continuously without someone responding
• Whether teachers know the children's names and individual needs

ChildCare.gov similarly recommends observing how teachers interact with children, classroom organization, cleanliness, supervision, and the overall tone of the environment.Childcare.gov

One question that can be surprisingly revealing

Ask:

"What's something that parents sometimes find challenging about your program?" Then let them answer without filling the silence.

A candid answer can tell you much more than a polished description of the daycare.

Also, check the daycare's licensing/inspection and complaint history yourself, rather than relying solely on what the daycare tells you. States are required to make monitoring and inspection information available to families.Childcare.gov

If you tell me your child's age (infant, 1-year-old, 2-year-old, preschool, etc.), I can make you a one-page daycare tour checklist with the 10–15 questions that matter most for that age, including red flags to watch for.

• Staff credentials: Are all staff certified in CPR and pediatric first aid, and how often is training renewed?
• Cleaning protocols: How often are high-touch surfaces and toys disinfected, and is there a dedicated cleaning staff?
• Sick policies: What is the exact protocol if a child runs a fever or develops symptoms during the day, and how long must they stay home?
• Security measures: What does building security look like? Are doors locked, and what is your ID-check policy for authorized pickups?
• Emergency readiness: How often do you practice fire, severe weather, or lockdown drills?

Daily Routine and Curriculum

• Ratios and group size: What is the ratio of teachers to children in this room, and what is the maximum group size?
• Staff retention: What is the average tenure of the teachers here? (High turnover can impact a child's sense of stability.)
• Discipline approach: How do teachers handle challenging behaviors, biting, or tantrums, and how is this communicated to parents?
• Daily schedule: Can I see a sample daily schedule? How much independent play, structured learning, and outdoor time is included?
• Nap and feeding transition: How do you handle individual nap schedules for infants versus a unified schedule for older toddlers?

Logistics and Communication

• Parent communication: How do you share updates throughout the day? (Do you use an app, daily paper sheets, or verbal drop-off notes?)
• Open-door policy: Can parents drop in unannounced or visit to breastfeed during the day?
• Food and allergies: Do you provide meals and snacks, and how do you strictly manage severe food allergies?
• Tuition and extra costs: What is the tuition schedule, and are diapers, wipes, or formula included, or do parents supply them?
• Vacation and closures: How many days per year is the center closed for holidays, staff training, or inclement weather, and do tuition rates adjust?

If you want, let me know:

• What age group you are shopping for (infant, toddler, preschooler)
• Any specific priorities you have (like organic meals, second-language exposure, or strict budget limits)

I can help you narrow down or tailor this list further!

Daily Routine & Curriculum

• Schedule: What does a typical daily schedule look like for this age group (balance of structure, free play, and rest)?
• Screen Time: Is any screen time used, and if so, how much and for what purpose?
• Discipline: What is your philosophy on behavior management and redirection when a child acts out or bites?
• Potty Training: How do you partner with parents when it's time to start potty training?

Logistics & Operations

• Meals/Snacks: Are meals and snacks provided, or do I need to pack them? How do you handle severe food allergies in the room?
• Fees & Policies: What is the tuition schedule, and what are the late-pickup fees or vacation/sick day policies?
• Closures: On average, how many days per year is the center closed for holidays, staff training, or inclement weather?

If you'd like, let me know:

• The age of your child
• What your biggest priority or concern is (e.g., budget, safety, learning philosophy)

I can help you prioritize these questions or tailor them to your specific situation.

The most important questions to ask

👶 Your child's daily experience

• What does a typical day look like for my child's age group?
• How much time is spent outside?
• How much is structured activity versus free play?
• How do you handle naps and different sleep schedules?
• How do you comfort a child who is crying or having a hard time separating from their parent?
• How do you handle a child who doesn't want to participate in an activity?
• How often do children change classrooms or teachers?

👩‍🏫 Teachers & supervision

• What is the child-to-teacher ratio in my child's classroom?
• Is that ratio maintained throughout the entire day, including opening, closing, lunch, and nap time?
• What are the teachers' qualifications and experience?
• Are all staff trained in CPR and first aid?
• How long have the teachers in this classroom been here?
• What is your staff turnover like?
• Who covers the classroom when the regular teacher is absent?

Staff background checks and ongoing health/safety training are important areas to verify; licensed programs are subject to requirements around both.Child Care.gov+1

🛡️ Safety & emergencies

• How are children supervised at all times, including during naps and diaper changes?
• What happens if there is a medical emergency?
• What is your procedure for fire, severe weather, lockdowns, or other emergencies?
• Who is authorized to pick up my child?
• How do you verify someone's identity at pickup?
• Can parents drop in or visit during the day?
• Are there security cameras, and who can access them?
• How do you handle allergies and food allergies?
• What happens if my child gets injured?

Licensed programs have requirements covering sanitation, safe sleep, medication, emergency planning, and building/playground safety, but it's still worth asking the center to explain exactly how it handles these things.Child Care.gov

🤒 Illness & medication

• What is your sick-child policy?
• At what temperature or with what symptoms do you send a child home?
• What happens if my child develops a fever during the day?
• How long does a child have to be symptom-free before returning?
• How do you administer prescription or over-the-counter medication?
• How do you notify parents about contagious illnesses in the classroom?
• How do you clean toys, changing areas, and classrooms?

❤️ Discipline & behavior

This is a big one.

• How do you handle biting, hitting, tantrums, or other challenging behavior?
• What discipline techniques do you use?
• What would you do if my child repeatedly hit another child?
• Do you ever use time-outs?
• Under what circumstances would a child be removed from the program?
• How do you communicate behavioral concerns to parents?

You want a concrete answer here—not just "we use positive discipline." Ask for an actual example.

🍎 Food, diapers & basic care

Especially important for infants and toddlers:

• Do you provide meals and snacks?
• Can you accommodate allergies or dietary restrictions?
• How often are diapers checked and changed?
• Do you provide diapers/wipes, or do parents?
• How do you handle potty training?
• How do you handle feeding and bottles?
• How are breast milk/formula bottles stored and labeled?
• How do you communicate feeding, diapering, naps, and mood to parents?

📱 Communication with parents

• How will I know how my child's day went?
• Do you use an app, daily report, photos, or notes?
• Will teachers tell me if my child had a difficult day?
• How quickly will I be contacted if something happens?
• How do parents communicate with the teacher?
• How often do you have parent-teacher conferences?

💰 Money & logistics

Get this in writing.

• What is the weekly/monthly tuition?
• Are there registration, supply, activity, or other additional fees?
• Do I pay for weeks when my child is absent?
• What holidays/closures do you have?
• Do you charge during vacation weeks?
• What happens if I arrive late for pickup?
• What is the notice required to withdraw?
• Is there a waitlist, and how does it work?
• Is there a tuition increase schedule?

ChildCare.gov recommends reviewing the provider's written policies for rates, fees, closures, pickup procedures, emergencies, discipline, and termination.Child Care.gov

🚩 Questions where the answer matters less than how they answer

Pay particular attention if they:

• Won't give you their child-to-teacher ratio.
• Are vague about staff turnover.
• Don't want to provide their handbook/policies.
• Discourage parents from visiting.
• Can't clearly explain what happens during an emergency.
• Give you a vague answer about discipline.
• Seem irritated by reasonable questions.
• Have teachers who appear stressed, disengaged, or consistently speak harshly to children.

And while you're touring, watch the kids and teachers rather than just the facility. Are the children engaged? Do teachers get down at their level? Do you hear a calm, nurturing tone? Is the environment clean and in good repair? Those observations can tell you a lot.Child Care.gov

⭐ If you only have time for 10 questions

I'd ask these:

1. What is the child-to-teacher ratio, and does it stay that way all day?
2. What is your staff turnover like?
3. What happens when my child is crying and can't be consoled?
4. How do you handle biting, hitting, tantrums, and other difficult behavior?
5. What happens if my child gets sick or injured?
6. How do you handle allergies, medications, and emergencies?
7. How do you communicate with parents about their child's day?
8. What does a typical day look like for this age group?
9. What are all the fees, closures, and pickup/late policies?
10. Can I see your licensing/inspection history and parent handbook?

It's also worth checking the center's licensing and inspection/complaint history independently rather than relying solely on what the daycare tells you; states are required to make monitoring and inspection information available to families.Child Care.gov

If you tell me your child's age (infant, 1-year-old, 2-year-old, etc.), I can also give you a daycare-tour checklist specifically for that age, including the questions that matter most for naps, feeding, potty training, and development.

Detailed guides are available from resources like Babylist's Top 20 Questions for Your Tour and Happiest Baby's Daycare Tour Guide . Key questions to ask are organized below by category:

Safety and Security

• What is your security and check-in/check-out procedure? Ask who is authorized to pick up your child, how identity is verified, and whether doors remain locked during the day.
• What are your staff qualifications regarding CPR and first aid? Are all teachers certified, or just select staff members? Do they practice regular safety and emergency drills?
• What is your strict policy on staff cell phones and personal devices? Many top-tier facilities enforce a strict no-phone/no-device policy on the floor to ensure teachers are 100% engaged.

Health and Illness

• What is your sick-child policy? Ask for specific timelines—how many hours fever-free or vomiting-free must a child be before returning?
• How do you handle food allergies and dietary restrictions? If they serve food, ask how cross-contamination is prevented. If you pack food, ask about storage and warming guidelines.
• How often and how are toys and high-touch surfaces cleaned/sanitized?

Staff and Ratios

• What is your staff-to-child ratio in this room, and what is the maximum group size? (Compare this against state licensing minimums to see if they keep ratios lower).
• What is your staff turnover rate? How long have the lead teachers in this specific room been with the center? Low turnover is one of the best indicators of a healthy environment.
• How do you handle ongoing professional development or training for staff?

Discipline and Daily Routine

• What is your written discipline policy? Ask how they handle biting, tantrums, or hitting, and what redirection techniques they use.
• What does a typical daily schedule look like? Balance of structure vs. free play, outdoor time, and nap schedules.
• How do you ease separation anxiety for new enrollees on their first days?

Communication and Logistics

• How do you communicate with parents throughout the day? Do they use an app for real-time updates, photos, and diaper/feeding logs, or a paper daily sheet?
• Can parents drop by unannounced or visit to breastfeed anytime? An open-door policy is a strong sign of transparency.
• What are your tuition rates, late-pickup fees, and vacation/illness policies regarding payment?

If you'd like, let me know:

• The age of your child
• Any specific priorities you have (like organic meals, a specific educational philosophy, or infant-only care)

I can help tailor or prioritize this list for your specific situation!

👶 If you're touring for an infant

I'd add these:

• How do you handle safe sleep?
• Are babies always placed on their backs in an appropriate crib?
• How often are babies fed, and can you follow our feeding schedule?
• How do you handle breast milk/formula storage and preparation?
• How do you respond when a baby won't stop crying?
• How often are diapers checked/changed?
• Do babies spend time being held and interacted with, or are they primarily in containers?
• How do you transition babies to the next classroom?

Safe-sleep practices are particularly important to observe rather than simply hear about—look at the actual sleeping environment during the tour.DaycareSquare

🧸 If you're touring for a toddler/preschooler

Ask:

• How do you handle biting, hitting, tantrums, and refusing to follow directions?
• How much outdoor time do children get each day?
• How much of the day is structured versus free play?
• Do you use screens? If so, when and how much?
• How do you handle potty training?
• What happens if my child isn't ready when the other children are?
• How do you help a child who is having trouble separating from their parent?
• How do you prepare children for the transition to the next classroom?

👀 Don't just ask—watch

During the tour, pay attention to the children and teachers when nobody is giving the “tour speech.”

Look for:

• Teachers getting down on the children's level and interacting with them.
• Children who generally seem comfortable approaching caregivers.
• Teachers who respond promptly when a child cries or needs help.
• Staff who aren't constantly on their phones.
• Clean but actively used classrooms rather than a space that's merely staged for visitors.
• Whether the number of children and adults you see matches what they told you.
• How staff speak to children when something goes wrong.

A daycare can give you excellent answers while you're there, so the behavior you observe is often just as informative as the answers you receive.DaycareSquare+1

🚩 Answers that would make me pause

I'd be cautious if they:

• Won't show you their license or inspection history.
• Can't give you a clear answer about staffing ratios.
• Are evasive about employee turnover.
• Can't explain what happens when staff call out.
• Give vague answers about discipline.
• Seem annoyed by reasonable questions.
• Won't let you see the classroom where your child would actually spend the day.
• Have policies that aren't provided in writing.

One particularly useful strategy: ask the exact same 10 questions at every daycare you tour and write down the answers immediately afterward. It makes the comparison much easier because the prettiest building or friendliest director can otherwise disproportionately influence your decision.DaycareSquare

If you tell me your child's age (infant, 1-year-old, 2-year-old, preschool, etc.), I can make you a one-page daycare tour checklist you can keep on your phone, including what answers are green flags vs. red flags.

Licensing establishes minimum health and safety standards, including supervision, background checks, emergency planning, sanitation, and staff training.Childcare.gov+1

2. Your child's day

Ask them to walk you through a typical day:

• What time do they eat, nap, play outside, and have structured activities?
• How much time is spent outside?
• How much is free play versus teacher-directed activities?
• How often do children change classrooms or activities?
• How do you handle babies/toddlers who don't follow the scheduled nap or feeding times?

For infants especially:

• How often are diapers checked/changed?
• How do you handle bottles and breast milk?
• What is your safe-sleep procedure?
• Are babies always supervised while sleeping?

3. Discipline & behavior

This is a big one.

Ask:

• How do you handle biting, hitting, tantrums, or other challenging behavior?
• What happens if my child won't follow directions?
• What discipline techniques are not allowed?
• How do teachers help children calm down?
• How do you communicate behavioral concerns to parents?

You're looking for calm, age-appropriate, positive guidance—not yelling, shaming, or punitive discipline. ChildCare.gov specifically recommends asking about how programs handle challenging behaviors and whether they use positive guidance strategies.Childcare.gov

4. Teachers & staff turnover

Don't just ask about the director. Ask about the actual teachers who will care for your child.

• How long have the teachers in this classroom worked here?
• What's your staff turnover like?
• What education/training do teachers have?
• Do teachers receive ongoing training?
• How long do teachers typically stay with the same group of children?
• If my child becomes attached to a teacher who leaves, how do you handle that transition?

High staff turnover can be a meaningful red flag.

5. Illness & cleanliness

• What is your sick-child policy?
• When do you call parents to pick up a sick child?
• When can they return?
• What happens if my child gets sick during the day?
• How often are toys and surfaces sanitized?
• How do you handle diapering/toileting?
• How frequently do children wash their hands?
• What is your policy regarding fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and contagious illnesses?

Health requirements specifically cover sanitation, handwashing, sick children, medication, and related practices.Childcare.gov

6. Food & allergies

• Are meals and snacks included?
• Can I send my own food?
• How do you accommodate food allergies?
• How do you prevent children from sharing food?
• How do you handle bottles/formula/breast milk?
• What happens if my child has a dietary restriction?

7. Communication with parents

• How will I know how my child's day went?
• Do you use an app?
• Will I receive updates/photos?
• How do you communicate incidents or injuries?
• Who should I contact if I have a concern?
• Can parents call or check in during the day?
• Can parents visit or drop in without an appointment?

ChildCare.gov recommends asking how programs communicate with families and whether families are allowed to visit.Childcare.gov

8. Money & logistics

Get the full cost, not just the advertised weekly/monthly tuition.

Ask:

• What's the tuition?
• Is there a registration/enrollment fee?
• Are there supply fees?
• Are meals included?
• Do you charge for holidays or days the daycare is closed?
• What happens if we're on vacation?
• What's the late-pickup fee?
• What's the notice period for leaving?
• Is there a waitlist?
• How much notice do you give for tuition increases?
• What are your hours, and what happens if I'm running late?

Your contract should spell out costs, additional fees, hours, closures, services, and termination policies.Childcare.gov

👀 What to watch for during the tour

Don't just listen to what the director tells you. Watch the room.

Look for:

• Teachers getting down at children's eye level
• Teachers who seem warm, patient, and engaged
• Children who appear comfortable approaching teachers
• Teachers who can see/supervise the children
• Clean, organized classrooms
• Toys and equipment in good condition
• Safe outdoor areas
• Children actually playing and interacting rather than being parked in front of screens
• A generally calm, happy atmosphere

ChildCare.gov recommends paying attention to how teachers interact with children, classroom organization, cleanliness, supervision, toys, outdoor spaces, and even the tone of teachers' voices.Childcare.gov

🚩 Questions that can reveal red flags

I'd specifically ask:

"What's something parents sometimes find challenging about your program?" and

"Why do teachers tend to leave?" and

"Can you tell me about the last time a child had a serious behavioral issue or medical emergency and how you handled it?" You don't necessarily need a perfect answer. You're listening for whether they're transparent, specific, and comfortable answering difficult questions.

Also ask to see their licensing/inspection history and complaint history. States are required to make monitoring and inspection information available, including violations and substantiated complaints.Childcare.gov

Since you're in South Carolina, you can also use the state's child-care resources to check licensing information and other provider details.Childcare.gov

If you only have 10 minutes, ask these 10:

1. What's the child-to-teacher ratio?
2. How long have the teachers in this classroom worked here?
3. What's your staff turnover like?
4. How do you handle biting, hitting, tantrums, and other difficult behaviors?
5. What happens if my child gets sick or injured?
6. What are your emergency procedures?
7. How do you handle naps, meals, diapers/toileting, and outdoor time?
8. How do you communicate with parents during the day?
9. What are all the fees, closures, and late-pickup policies?
10. Can I see your licensing/inspection and complaint history?

And one last thing: trust what you observe. If the answers sound great but the teachers seem stressed, children seem unhappy, or something simply feels off, don't ignore that. Visiting multiple programs and comparing the actual environments is specifically recommended when choosing child care.Childcare.gov

If you tell me your child's age (infant/toddler/preschool), I can make you a one-page daycare tour checklist you can literally keep on your phone and check off during each tour.

Staff & Communication

• Staff Turnover: What is the average tenure of your teachers, and how do you handle staff retention and ongoing training?
• Parent Communication: How do you share updates throughout the day? Do you use an app for photos and reports, or a daily paper sheet, and how often do you hold parent-teacher conferences?
• Open Door Policy: What is your policy on unannounced parental visits during the day?

Logistics & Operations

• Tuition & Fees: What is the tuition schedule, and what does it cover (e.g., diapers, wipes, formula, meals, or special activities)? Are there late-pickup fees or vacation holds?
• Substitutes & Closures: What happens when a lead teacher is sick or on vacation? On what holidays or for what professional development days is the center closed throughout the year?

If you'd like, let me know:

• What age group you are touring for (infant, toddler, preschool)
• If you have any specific priorities (like outdoor play or allergy management)

I can help you tailor or prioritize this list further!