10 Questions I'd ask on a daycare tour
A beautiful space looks great, but cute decor won't tell you if your child is safe or supported. When you walk through the door, you're really looking for answers on four core areas: safety, the people, the daily rhythm, and clear communication.
Looking back at our first round of daycare visits, the single question I wish I’d prioritized was about staff continuity. A shiny room looks great on paper, but seeing calm, familiar faces every morning (teachers who truly know and comfort your child) is what actually gives you peace of mind when you walk out of the door. If I were starting the search all over again tomorrow, here is exactly how I'd approach it.
Before the tour
1. Walk around the neighbourhood, ideally around drop-off or pickup time, to understand:
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Where the kids go for outdoor play and/or stroller walks. How safe the streets feel,
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What the parking situation looks like at pickup and drop-off. You don't want to be looking for parking during the busy morning and/or evening hours, especially when it's raining or snowing. Not driving? Try the walk or the bus route at the same time of day.
2. Know your must-haves. Before you walk in, write down the two or three things you won't compromise on. For some families it's the hours, for others it's distance or a language.
3. Ask other parents. Post a quick "Anyone have experience with [Daycare Name]?" in your neighbourhood parent whatsapp or facebook group. Parents who've been there will tell you things no website will.
The 10 questions I'd ask
Safety
1. How does every educator here know about my child's allergies or medications?
You want to see photo-matched allergy lists posted discreetly in the room and kitchen, plus a physical medication log. And it shouldn't only be the lead teacher who knows. The substitutes need to know too.
2. What are your exact class sizes and teacher-to-child ratios?
They should answer without pausing. In BC, licensing limits are strict:
- Under 36 months: Max 12 toddlers (1 educator per 4 kids)
- 2½ to school age: Max 25 kids (1 educator per 8 kids)
- Licensed Family Child Care: Max 7 kids total
3. What happens in an emergency, like a fire, an earthquake or a child getting hurt?
They should share how often they practise drills, who has first aid training, and exactly how they'd reach you.
The people
4. How long have the educators in my child's room worked here?
This is the one I wish I'd asked first. If they talk about teachers by name and say "she's been with us for years," that's a really good sign.
5. Who covers when an educator is sick or on vacation?
Ideally, a small group of regular substitutes who already know the kids, not a different stranger every time.
A day in their care
6. What does a typical day look like?
A steady routine and time outside every day. In Vancouver, that means in the rain too!
7. How do you handle naps, feeding and diaper changes for my child's own schedule?
Little ones don't run on a timetable. They should acknowledge that babies follow their own rhythm, diapers get checked regularly and changed whenever needed, and they ask you about your routine at home.
Communication and policies
8. How will I hear about my child's day?
You'll want a daily update on food, sleep and mood, whether that's through an app, a written note or a quick chat at pickup.
9. If I have a concern, who do I talk to, and how quickly will I hear back?
You should leave knowing a name, an email address and a phone number,. Regular check-ins on how your child is doing are a big plus.
10. Can I drop in unannounced, and how does settling in work?
Parents should be welcome any time. And ask about gradual entry: a good centre will ease your child in over the first week or two.
What to look at while you're there
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The educators. Are they down at the kids' level, talking and playing with them, or chatting with each other?
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The room. Clean and safe, but lived-in. I love seeing the kids' own artwork on the walls.
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The door. Is the entrance secure, or could someone walk straight into the toddler room unnoticed?
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Your gut. If something feels off or chaotic, honor that feeling. It’s okay to keep looking.
What I'd tell a friend
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Talk to the room educator directly, not just the tour guide or director.
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Tour at least two places, even if you fall in love with the first one.
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Trust the feeling you had the second you walk out of the door.