50 Essential Questions to Ask Daycare Before You Enroll Your Child (2025 Guide)

Choosing the right daycare is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your child. You’re not just hiring a babysitter — you’re selecting a partner in your child’s development. That’s why knowing the right questions to ask daycare providers is essential.

This guide walks you through exactly what to ask — from infant care to toddler classrooms — and explains why each question matters. By the end, you’ll feel confident walking into any daycare tour or interview, ready to spot the perfect fit.

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Why Asking the Right Daycare Questions Matters

A great daycare offers more than a safe space; it provides structure, nurturing relationships, and learning opportunities that shape your child’s future.

Here’s what happens when you ask targeted questions:

• You uncover hidden differences between centers that look similar on the surface.

• You avoid “surprise” policies that might clash with your parenting style.

• You build trust early, making communication smoother down the road.

• You protect your child’s health and well-being by verifying safety standards.

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Questions to Ask When Touring a Daycare for an Infant

Infants require specialized care — and your questions should reflect that. Babies under one year need constant supervision, gentle handling, and individualized schedules.

Key Infant Daycare Questions

1. What is your caregiver-to-infant ratio?

   • Why it matters: Smaller ratios (1:3 or 1:4) mean more one-on-one time. Ask how they handle ratios during staff breaks.

2. How do you handle feeding schedules?

   • Do they follow your home schedule or have set feeding times? Flexibility supports your baby’s natural rhythm.

3. What is your nap policy for infants?

   • Ask if they follow safe sleep guidelines: babies on their backs, no blankets or pillows, supervised rest.

4. How do you sanitize bottles, toys, and surfaces?

   • Good centers have a strict cleaning schedule, especially during cold and flu season.

5. What training do staff have in infant CPR and first aid?

   • Ideally, all caregivers should be certified — not just one “on duty.”

6. How do you communicate with parents during the day?

   • Many use apps that share feeding times, nap updates, and photos.

7. Do you allow breastmilk, formula, or both?

   • Ask about storage, labeling, and handling to ensure your feeding plan is supported.

8. How do you handle emergencies involving infants?

   • Infant evacuation procedures should be clearly outlined.

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Questions to Ask Daycare for a Toddler

Toddlers are curious, energetic, and sometimes stubborn — which makes the right environment crucial.

Toddler Daycare Questions

1. What is the daily schedule like?

   • Look for a mix of structured learning, free play, outdoor time, meals, and naps.

2. How do you handle tantrums or behavioral challenges?

   • Positive discipline and redirection work better than time-outs at this age.

3. Are meals and snacks provided?

   • If yes, request a weekly menu and check if they accommodate allergies.

4. How much outdoor playtime do toddlers get?

   • At least 30–60 minutes daily is ideal for physical development.

5. Do you work on potty training?

   • Ask how they coordinate with parents to keep training consistent.

6. How do you teach early skills like colors, numbers, and sharing?

   • The best centers weave learning into play.

7. How do you handle nap transitions for toddlers?

   • Some may be phasing out naps; ask about quiet time options.

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Questions to Ask in a Daycare Interview

When meeting with the director or owner, focus on policies, staffing, and operations.

1. What is your educational philosophy?

   • Montessori, Reggio Emilia, play-based — each offers different benefits.

2. How long have your staff members been here?

   • High turnover can mean low morale or management issues.

3. What is your sick policy for children and staff?

   • Clear guidelines protect everyone from frequent illness.

4. How do you handle emergencies and evacuations?

   • They should have documented plans and conduct regular drills.

5. Do you offer flexible or part-time schedules?

   • Some centers require full-time spots only.

6. Are you licensed and accredited?

   • Accreditation (like NAEYC in the U.S.) often means higher standards.

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Questions to Ask Daycare Teachers

Your child will spend more time with teachers than the director — so build that connection.

1. How do you comfort a child who is upset?

2. What activities do you most enjoy doing with the kids?

3. How do you communicate developmental progress?

4. Do you welcome parent visits?

5. What do you love about working here?

These open-ended questions help you hear their passion — or lack of it.

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Daycare Questions and Answers: What to Expect

Knowing “ideal” answers can help you evaluate responses:

• Discipline Approach → Positive reinforcement, clear boundaries, and teaching coping skills.

• Learning Style → Balance of structured and child-led activities.

• Parent Communication → Daily updates, open-door policy, and quick responsiveness.

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Questions Daycare Should Ask Parents

If you’re a provider, asking parents the right questions ensures smoother care:

1. Allergies or medical conditions?

2. Child’s comfort objects?

3. Developmental goals?

4. Home routine?

5. Preferred communication style?

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Pro Parent Tip: Keep a Daycare Tour Checklist

Bring a printed list of your top questions, note answers on the spot, and take photos of spaces (with permission). After multiple tours, you’ll be glad you did.

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FAQ: People Also Ask

1. What are good questions to ask daycare on the first day?
   Ask about drop-off routines, daily updates, and comfort strategies.

2. What should I bring to a daycare tour?
   A written question list, notebook, and child’s needs summary.

3. How do I know if a daycare is high quality?
   Look for engaged staff, clean classrooms, and low turnover.

4. Should I ask about discipline policies?
   Yes — it should align with your approach at home.

5. How many questions should I ask at a daycare interview?
   Aim for 10–15 essentials.

6. Do daycares allow parent drop-ins?
   Many welcome them; it shows transparency.

7. Is it okay to ask about staff turnover?
   Yes, it’s a key quality indicator.

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Your child’s early years are too important to leave to chance. Use this questions to ask daycare checklist to find a place where your child can learn, play, and grow safely. For more parenting insights, explore [Parenting Conversation Starters] and [Questions to Ask a New Teacher].