Finding the right child care can be a daunting task. But the more questions you ask, the more you will know, and the better decision you will make for your child and family.
So what questions should you ask during a child care tour? Here are the 50 most important child care questions to ask the centre and yourself:
Questions to Ask During a Tour:
- Is the centre licensed?
- Are the educators formally trained in early childhood education and development?
- What are the adult – to – child ratios?
- Will my child receive one on one attention and interaction?
- Is the childcare supervisor experienced in childcare administration?
- Is there a high staff turnover?
- Can I examine all the areas open to my child?
- Do parents have opportunities to be involved in the centre as volunteers?
- Is there a parent advisory board?
- Does the centre offer parenting classes or resources for new parents?
- What supplies are parents responsible for?
- Is there a sanitization policy? May I see it?
- Can I visit any time?
- Is there TV viewing in the centre?
- Is there a discipline policy? May I see it?
- Tell me about your illness policy
- Do educators administer medication if my child is well enough to attend but requires antibiotics?
- Is there an immunization policy? May I see it?
- Are there health requirements for the educators?
- Is there a parent handbook? May I have a copy?
- Who creates the menu? May I have a copy?
- Does a licensed dietician review the menu?
- Is outside food allowed in the centre?
- Are educators provided with professional development opportunities?
- May I speak with parents who are already enrolled in the centre?
- Are visitors welcomed?
- How are visitors identified?
- Will my child be posted on social media?
- What security measures are in place?
- Are the children supervised at all times?
- How do educators and parents engage in daily communication?
- Will I receive a daily report about my child?
- Are there extra curricular and enrichment programs?
- How do I pay the program fees?
- Are the fees paid monthly, weekly, or bi-weekly? Do I have an option?
Questions to Ask Yourself:
- Was I greeted upon arrival?
- Do the children seem happy and engaged?
- Do the educators seem happy and engaged?
- Was the supervisor friendly and knowledgable?
- Do the classrooms look clean and bright?
- Is there enough space for the amount of children present, or does the environement feel and look cluttered and cramped?
- Are the play materials in good condiditon?
- Are there enough play materials for the amount of children present?
- Does each child have their own personal space for their belongings?
- Does each child have their own sleeping equipment?
- Is the food nutritious and healthy?
- Is the playground large enough for all the children enrolled?
- Are the playground materials in good condition, clean, and age appropriate?
- Are the program fees within my budget?
- Do I feel comfortable in this environment, and can I see my child here?
Choosing the right child care is an important decision, and the right one will put your mind at ease, and ensure that your child is in good hands when you are at work. During the tour, don’t feel shy to ask as many questions as you need for clarification. If it is a quality child care centre, they will welcome your questions and concerns.
