So, you’re in the market for daycare. First of all, I see you. You’re juggling so many things right now, and this decision? It feels huge. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and it doesn’t have to be a shot in the dark. The key to finding the right daycare is all in the questions you ask.

I know you’ve probably got a million things on your mind, but trust me, these 5 questions will make sure you walk into that daycare tour with confidence. No more guessing. No more settling. Just clarity.

Let’s dive in.

1. What’s the caregiver-to-child ratio, and why does it matter?

First things first: you need to know how many kids your child will be sharing their space with. This is a BIG one because it impacts everything—from safety to the personal attention your child will get.

Here’s the deal: If you’re touring a daycare that’s got an overwhelming number of kids for each caregiver, that’s a red flag. You want a place where your child can thrive, not just exist in the background of a busy classroom. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) recommends lower ratios—especially for infants and toddlers—so that each child can get the personalized attention they deserve.

For infants, a good rule of thumb is one caregiver for every four kids. This ratio ensures your little one gets the love, attention, and development they need to blossom.

2. What’s the daycare’s approach to learning?

Now, we’re talking! It’s not just about babysitting. You want a daycare that’s actually helping your child learn. And I mean really learn. Ask about their philosophy on early childhood education.

Is it play-based? Is it structured? Are they focusing on emotional intelligence, motor skills, and language development? A solid daycare program will have an answer to this question, and it should feel aligned with your own parenting philosophy.

For example, play-based learning isn’t just “free time.” It’s when kids explore, imagine, and make connections. Zero to Three, an early childhood resource site, notes that play is essential for your child’s growth. It teaches them everything from problem-solving to collaboration. This is what you want—your child to thrive, not just get by. It’s also probably most aligned with the elementary school curriculum they’ll be taught in kindergarten.

3. Do they really take safety seriously?

Okay, this one’s non-negotiable. You need to know the daycare’s safety protocols inside and out. It’s not just about making sure the place is physically safe (though that’s a big part of it). You want to know about:

• Supervision during playtime (especially outside)
• Have they made investments in safety- like real investments- such as security cameras
• Emergency procedures
• How they handle sick children
• Does the daycare support staff speaking up? Do they have whistleblower support resources posted around the building?
• What health standards they follow
• Whether the staff is trained in CPR and first aid

Look, accidents happen, and kids are curious little creatures, but you want to make sure the daycare has systems in place to keep them as safe as possible. There’s no such thing as “too much information” when it comes to safety.‍

4. How are teachers trained?

‍Now, let’s talk about the people who will be taking care of your child. You want to know: How long have the staff been with this daycare? High turnover can lead to instability, which can affect your child’s emotional development. Stability is key, so if the staff has been there for a while, that’s a good sign.Also, ask about staff training. Are they just “babysitters” or are they trained in child development? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, high-quality care requires caregivers to have formal education and experience in early childhood development. This ensures that your child isn’t just looked after, they’re actively engaged in learning.

‍5. How does the daycare communicate with parents?

‍You want to be in the loop, right? Ask about how the daycare keeps you updated on your child’s day-to-day. Are they sending home daily reports? How do they handle communication if there’s a problem? Is there an app, or can you get in touch with caregivers easily?Good communication between you and your daycare providers means you’ll always know how your child is doing. You’ll feel confident about the care they’re receiving. Plus, you won’t be left wondering, “Did they have a good nap today?” (Trust me, you want to know!)

‍Why These Questions Matter

‍Look, I get it—tours can feel like a whirlwind. You’re trying to catch everything, jot down notes, make mental checklists. But if you ask these 5 questions, you’ll leave that daycare tour knowing whether it’s the right fit for your child. No more second-guessing. No more uncertainty. Just confidence that you’re making the best choice for your kid.This isn’t just about finding a place for your child to hang out while you’re at work. It’s about choosing a place that will nurture their growth, support their development, and make them feel safe and loved.So go ahead, ask the questions. You’ve got this!