Questions to Ask on a Child Care Tour

A practical question list grouped by topic, from ratios and staffing to health, safety, discipline, and cost. Ask the same questions everywhere.

Updated 2026

This guide is informational and is not professional advice.

Category: touring-and-evaluation · Updated 2026

If you let the tour set the tone, the conversation stays pleasant and tells you little. The questions that expose how a program actually runs are specific: they ask for a number or an example instead of a reassurance. Ask the same list everywhere so answers line up side by side, jot down what you hear, and put important claims in writing. For the observational half of a visit, see the Daycare Tour Checklist.

Staffing and ratios

What is the ratio and maximum group size for my child's age?
How many teachers have worked here more than a year?
Who covers when a teacher is sick or on break?
What training and background checks do staff complete?

Health, safety, and guidance

What is the illness policy, and when must I pick up my child?
How are medications and allergies handled?
What is the approach to behavior such as biting?
How do you handle emergencies and evacuation drills?

Daily life and communication

What does a typical day look like, including naps and outdoor time?
How do you share updates with families?
How do you help a child settle in during the first weeks?
What is the screen-time policy?

Cost, contract, and licensing

What is the full cost, including registration and late pickup?
Is tuition charged during closures and absences?
What is the notice period to withdraw a child?
May I see your license and most recent inspection report?

Sources: ChildCare.gov; state child care licensing agencies.

Related guides

Frequently asked questions

How many questions should I bring?

Bring a written list and a pen. Ten to fifteen focused questions is plenty, and taking notes keeps the answers comparable across providers.

Should I ask about staff pay?

It is reasonable to ask how the program retains teachers. Stable, fairly paid staff are a strong sign for the children in their care.

What is a good answer about ratios?

A specific number for your child's age, plus a description of how the ratio is kept at busy times. Vague reassurance is not enough.

Can I ask to speak with other families?

Some programs arrange this and some do not. If they decline, ask about family meetings and how feedback is handled.

Data sources

ChildCare.gov · ChildCare.gov state licensing directory. This guide is informational and is not professional advice. Data as of 2026-10-07.

Required disclosures

For general information only. This website shares public data and general information about child care providers. It does not offer professional advice, and it cannot replace a visit to a provider, a review of public licensing records, or a conversation with the people you trust.

Independent and unaffiliated. DaycareFacilities.org is a private, independently run directory. It is not affiliated with, nor endorsed or operated by, any government agency, child care licensing authority, or child care provider. Government agencies have not reviewed or endorsed this site.

Confirm details before acting. Provider records come from public datasets and may lag or contain errors. Always verify current licensing status, hours, availability, capacity, and costs directly with the provider and with your state or territory licensing agency.

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