The best questions to ask on a daycare tour cover licensing, staffing, the daily routine, meals, safety and how the centre keeps you informed. Visit at the hour you would really drop off — it shows you the real day.
Licensing
- Is the centre licensed, and by whom?
- Where can I see the license?
In Arizona, licensed centres are public record on AZ Care Check.
Staffing
- What is the staff-to-child ratio in my child's room?
- Are staff CPR certified and background checked?
Arizona sets the ratio by age for every licensed centre.
The day
- ✓What does a typical day look like for my child's age?
- ✓Are meals provided?
- ✓When is nap, and can I pick up during it?
Safety and access
- Who can come through the door?
- Can parents come in during hours of care?
- What happens if my child gets hurt or ill?
Communication
- ✓How will I hear about my child's day?
- ✓Who do I call with a question, and in what language?
- ✓How are schedule changes handled?
Trust your eyes
In practice
Watch how staff speak to the children, whether the rooms are calm, and whether children look comfortable. A tour at drop-off time shows you all three.
Schedules and language
See how Nana's answers each one: daycare in Glendale, AZ.
daycare in Glendale, AZ →- Which days and hours are you open?
- Is there evening, weekend or drop-in care?
- Can I talk to the desk in my home language?
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to tour a daycare?
At the hour you would really be dropping off — it shows you the real routine and the real staff.