How to Choose a Preschool or Daycare Centre: Essential Questions to Ask for Parents

Choosing a preschool or daycare centre means matching your child’s developmental needs, safety requirements, and your family’s practical constraints with a program that delivers consistent care and learning. This guide shows what to look for on tours, which questions reliably reveal quality, and how to compare programs on staffing, curriculum, safety, communication, and cost. Many parents worry about supervision, hygienic practices, and whether a program will support social-emotional and cognitive milestones; asking targeted questions uncovers how the centre operates and what daily life will feel like for your child. By the end of this article you will have a structured checklist you can use during visits, clear criteria for curriculum philosophies, and sample questions for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. The following sections cover staff qualifications and ratios, curriculum and learning philosophies, health and safety, communication and parental involvement, fees and enrollment policies, and age-specific considerations to help you choose confidently.

What Are the Most Important Questions to Ask About Staff Qualifications and Ratios?

Staff qualifications and staff-to-child ratios shape both safety and learningquality because trained caregivers provide developmentally appropriate interactions while ratios determine supervision levels. Begin your tour by asking about hiring procedures, background checks, and whether staff hold early childhood credentials or certifications like CDA equivalents and CPR/First Aid training. Equally important is turnover: frequent staff changes disrupt attachments and classroom routines, so ask about average tenure and retention supports. Finally, observe interactions on the visit—staff who engage in calm, responsive conversation signal higher-quality caregiving and purposeful supervision.

When evaluating staff, these specific questions quickly reveal practice and oversight:

1. Do all staff undergo background checks and ongoing criminal-record monitoring?

2. Which certifications or degrees do lead teachers hold and how often is professional development provided?

3. Are all staff current in CPR and pediatric first aid, and how is that documented?

4. What are the staff-to-child ratios by age group and how do you handle absences?

5. How do you measure staff performance and support retention (coaching, mentoring, pay)?

6. Can I see sample staff schedules and daily staffing rosters for my child’s room?

7. How do you manage substitute coverage and continuity of care?

8. What are the center’s policies on staff qualifications for specialized needs or medical care?

These questions help parents spot red flags like vague answers about training or inconsistent ratios, and they naturally lead to checking documentation and observing classrooms for the promised staffing patterns.

What Qualifications and Credentials Should Preschool and Daycare Staff Have?

Typical credentials for early childhood staff vary, but quality programs employ a mix of specialized training and ongoing professional development to support child outcomes. Look for lead teachers with an early childhood credential or degree, assistants with formal coursework or a Child Development Associate (CDA)-type credential, and center-wide policies requiring CPR and pediatric first aid certification. Verify that the center documents background checks, immunization records for staff as applicable, and continuing education plans that include workshops on child development, behavior guidance, and inclusion practices. Ask to see proof of credentials or a staff directory indicating roles and qualifications so you can confirm that advertised credentials match reality.

Transitioning from credentials to ratios, clear documentation and visible application of both training and staffing levels strengthen your confidence that the center can deliver consistent, developmentally appropriate care and supervision.

How Do Staff-to-Child Ratios Affect Childcare Quality and Safety?

Staff-to-child ratios directly influence supervision, individualized attention, and opportunities for language-rich interactions that drive social-emotional and cognitive milestones. Recommended guideline ratios tighten for younger ages because infants need one-to-one care while preschoolers can be in slightly larger groups; centers that exceed minimal ratio standards provide more individualized interactions and safer environments. During a tour, observe whether staff can respond promptly to children, whether transitions are calm, and whether group sizes match posted or stated ratios; signs of crowding, unattended children, or constant redirection signal problematic ratios. Ask how the centre covers staff absences and whether float staff receive specific room-level orientation to maintain continuity and safety throughout the day.

A practical follow-up is to request current classroom rosters and sample daily schedules to confirm how staffing levels enable planned learning activities and supervision, which connects directly to classroom quality and child outcomes.

This staff table clarifies expected credentials and documentation you should request on a visit, helping you compare centres objectively and spot omissions or inconsistencies.

How Can I Evaluate the Curriculum and Learning Philosophy of a Preschool or Daycare?

Evaluating curriculum and learning philosophy requires understanding each approach’s teacher role, materials, assessment methods, and how daily activities align with developmental goals. Ask directors to describe their philosophy, observe the learning environment for predictable routines and purposeful materials, and request examples of child portfolios or assessment samples that show how learning is monitored. Look for evidence that the program intentionally supports social-emotional development, language growth, and foundational cognitive skills rather than merely supervising play; credible programs articulate learning goals and share progress reports with families.

Below is a comparison table to help translate philosophy differences into observable features during a tour.

This EAV-style comparison summarizes how each philosophy looks in practice so you can match a program to your child’s temperament and your family’s educational values. After comparing philosophies, a logical next step is to examine daily schedules and see how theory translates into predictable routines that support child development.

What Are the Differences Between Play-Based, Montessori, and Reggio Emilia Curricula?

Each curriculum emphasizes different teacher roles, materials, and assessment styles that are visible in the classroom environment. Play-based programs prioritize child-initiated exploration and social play with teachers facilitating language and problem-solving, while Montessori classrooms use structured, sequential materials that promote independence and mastery through individual tasks. Reggio Emilia emphasizes project-based, emergent curriculum with strong documentation practices and creative studio spaces; teachers act as partners who observe and extend children’s ideas. When visiting, ask how learning progress is recorded, request sample lesson plans or project portfolios, and observe whether materials invite hands-on exploration aligned with the stated philosophy.

Understanding these differences helps parents choose a program that supports their child’s learning style and family priorities, and it sets the expectation for what daily interactions and assessments will look like.

Research indicates that play-based learning is particularly effective in developing crucial social and emotional skills in young children.

Play-Based Learning Enhances Social and Emotional Skills in Preschool ABSTRACT: AbstractThis action research study was driven by the researcher’s interest in play-based learning. This action research investigates if social and emotional skills develop through play in a preschool classroom setting. This action research answered the question: Can social and emotional skills develop through play-based learning? Preschool students were engaged in developmental learning play-based learning centers that helped them academically, socially, and emotionally. Teachers were more intentional with interactions with students. Teachers were more present with students, encouraging engagement with learning opportunities. This research study was conducted throughout the 2021 – 2022 academic school year. Data was collected throughout two Teaching Strategies GOLD checkpoints in the school year. Social and Emotional Skills Develop Through Play-Based Learning, 2021

How Is the Daily Schedule Structured to Support Child Development?

A well-structured daily schedule balances active play, guided learning, rest, meals, and outdoor time to support social, motor, and cognitive development through predictable routines. Look for a rhythm that includes large-group times for social skills, small-group or individualized activities for targeted learning, and uninterrupted free play that promotes creativity and self-regulation. Schedules should adapt by age—infants need frequent feeding and rest windows while preschoolers benefit from longer guided activities and transition support—so ask for sample schedules for your child’s age group. Routines that include outdoor play and sensory experiences provide essential physical development and resilience, and documentation of how teachers scaffold transitions indicates thoughtful planning.

After checking schedules, parents should confirm how teachers individualize routines to accommodate feeding, sleep, or special needs, which connects schedule design to staff qualifications and ratios.

What Questions Should I Ask About Health, Safety, and the Facility Environment?

Health and safety policies protect children from common risks and create predictable responses to emergencies; therefore, verify background checks, staff medical trainings, and posted emergency plans before enrolling. Inspect hygiene practices like diapering and handwashing stations, review illness and medication policies, and ask how allergies and chronic conditions are managed with written care plans. Facilities should have secure entry systems, visible first-aid supplies, and well-maintained outdoor equipment; any visible hazards, rust, or clutter are red flags that warrant follow-up questions.

Practical safety checks and clear policies demonstrate a center’s commitment to protective routines, and evidence of drills and posted procedures increases confidence that staff can act quickly and appropriately when needed.

How Are Safety Protocols Like CPR Training and Emergency Plans Implemented?

Safety protocols are implemented through documented staff training schedules, posted emergency procedures, and regular drills that include staff and children when age-appropriate. Ask how often staff renew CPR and pediatric first aid certifications and whether the center conducts scheduled fire, lock-down, and evacuation drills with records available for review. Request to see the written emergency plan that outlines roles, communication trees, and reunification procedures, and ask how the center coordinates with local emergency services. Observing training logs and how staff explain procedures demonstrates whether protocols are active and practiced rather than merely written policy.

Knowing how protocols are tested and reinforced gives insight into how prepared staff are to keep children safe in real incidents and how the center maintains compliance with health and safety standards.

What Are the Cleanliness, Childproofing, and Outdoor Play Space Standards?

Cleanliness and childproofing are visible through sanitary diapering and feeding areas, routine surface disinfection, and secure storage of cleaning supplies and medications. Look for secure entry systems, locked storage for hazardous items, outlet covers, and gates where needed; outdoor play spaces should have age-appropriate surfacing, maintained equipment, and shade. Ask about cleaning schedules, policies for laundering sleep items, and how the center inspects playground equipment for wear or damage. Documented maintenance logs and visible sanitation stations indicate a program that treats hygiene and equipment safety as daily priorities rather than occasional tasks.

A follow-up question about allergy management and food-handling procedures helps confirm whether cleanliness and safety extend into meal times and individual care plans.

How Do I Assess Communication and Parental Involvement Policies?

Transparent, timely communication builds trust and supports consistent caregiving between home and center, so ask what channels are used for daily updates, incident reporting, and developmental feedback. Centers may use digital apps, printed daily sheets, or in-person conversations; important content includes meals, naps, activities, and any incidents or health concerns. Clarify the frequency of formal parent-teacher meetings, how portfolios or assessments are shared, and whether there are parent committees or volunteer opportunities that align with your availability. Strong communication practices reduce misunderstandings and help centers partner with families on behavior strategies and developmental goals.

After exploring communication tools, consider how the center balances privacy and inclusion when involving parents, and ask how feedback from families is collected and acted upon to continuously improve the program.

What Communication Channels and Updates Should I Expect from the Center?

Expect clear, consistent updates about your child’s day including meals, naps, activities, diapering or toileting, and any incidents, delivered through a reliable channel suited to the centre’s size and your preferences. Digital apps often provide photos and time-stamped notes, printed sheets deliver a quick summary, and scheduled emails or meetings share developmental progress; ask which combination the center uses and how quickly staff respond to incident reports. When evaluating channels, probe for escalation paths for urgent issues and how the centre documents and follows up on parent concerns. Ask for examples of recent communication to understand frequency and transparency and to ensure the style matches your expectations for partnership.

Good communication practices enhance trust and supportive co-parenting between families and teachers, which naturally influences child outcomes and minimizes disputes.

Briefly, some centers use purpose-built communication tools and administrative systems that streamline incident reporting and family updates; these solutions can also reduce administrative errors and disputes that affect operating margins, improving both transparency for families and operational efficiency for centers.

How Can Parents Participate in the Preschool or Daycare Community?

Parent participation options range from occasional classroom volunteering to structured committees that advise on events and policies; centers should clearly outline volunteer requirements, background-check procedures, and expectations for involvement. Ask what boundaries exist to protect child privacy and how parent contributions are integrated without disrupting routines, and inquire whether there are formal feedback mechanisms such as surveys or scheduled review meetings. For working parents or those with limited time, ask about family events, newsletters, or remote ways to support the center’s curriculum at home. When parents are meaningfully engaged, centers often experience stronger community buy-in and clearer communication loops.

Strong structures for participation protect child privacy while creating constructive channels for family input, which supports continuous program improvement and community trust.

What Should I Know About Fees, Enrollment, and Center Policies?

Understanding tuition, extra fees, and policies prevents unexpected costs and clarifies contractual obligations before enrollment; ask for a fee schedule that defines what tuition covers and what counts as additional charges. Common hidden fees include registration or supply fees, late pickup penalties, activity fees, and charges for special services; request examples and sample invoices to compare net costs across programs. Also verify enrollment steps, required documentation, immunization or medical forms, notice periods for withdrawal, and refund policies so you can plan financially and legally for your child’s placement.

A clear fee structure and transparent policies reflect efficient administration and reduce conflicts; the way a center documents and enforces its financial policies often correlates with administrative competence and reliability.

What Are the Typical Tuition Costs and Are There Any Hidden Fees?

Tuition varies widely by region, age group, and program type, but you should expect center-provided documentation breaking down monthly tuition, deposit requirements, registration fees, and any optional service charges. Ask specifically about supply or activity fees, snack or meal costs, holiday closures with no tuition adjustment, and penalties such as late pickup charges; these items materially affect your monthly budget and should be clearly itemized. Request a sample invoice or a written fee schedule and clarify refund policies for holidays, illness, or extended absences. Having exact, written cost breakdowns prevents surprises and supports straightforward cost comparisons between centres.

When centers streamline administrative practices—such as clear automated billing, documented fee policies, and transparent refund rules—they reduce administrative overhead and hidden costs that can affect tuition levels and family satisfaction.

This fee table makes it easier to compare offerings and identify hidden costs to discuss with administrators during enrollment conversations.

What Are the Enrollment Process and Policies on Illness, Discipline, and Potty Training?

Enrollment typically requires completed forms, signed policies, medical records, and emergency contact information; verify required immunizations and how allergies or chronic conditions are documented and accommodated. Illness and exclusion policies should be explicit about symptoms that require home care and the documentation needed to return, and medication administration procedures must require parent authorization and trained staff. Ask about the center’s discipline philosophy—how teachers guide behavior, whether positive guidance is used, and how parents are informed about recurring behavior issues. For potty training, review expectations, support strategies, and whether individualized plans are created to coordinate home and center approaches.

Clear enrollment and health policies protect children and set expectations for consistent care while helping families understand operational procedures before starting care.

What Specific Questions Should I Ask for Different Age Groups Like Infants and Toddlers?

Different age groups require focused questions because infants need individualized caregiving while toddlers benefit from routines that support language and social development. For infants, prioritize caregiver consistency, safe sleep practices, feeding and diapering logs, and staff familiarity with medical care protocols. For toddlers, look at transition supports, language-rich activities, and strategies for social-emotional learning and potty training. Asking age-specific questions ensures the program’s daily routines and staffing can meet developmental needs during these critical early months and years.

After assessing age-specific practices, confirm how the center manages room transitions and readiness assessments to support children moving between age groups, which affects continuity and placement timing.

What Are the Key Considerations for Infant Daycare Programs?

Infant programs should emphasize small, consistent caregiver teams so infants form secure attachments and receive individualized feeding, sleep, and comfort care. Insist on written logs for feedings, naps, diaper changes, and health notes that are shared with families daily, and verify that sleep practices meet current safe-sleep guidelines. Ask how many primary caregivers each infant has, how transitions between caregivers are handled, and how the center trains staff in infant-specific medical needs such as reflux or food intolerances. Low turnover, clear documentation, and visible responsive caregiving are concrete signs of high-quality infant care.

These infant-specific measures build the predictable environment infants need to develop securely and help parents verify the program’s attention to individualized care.

How Do Toddler Programs Support Development and Transition?

Toddler programs focus on language development, motor skills, socialization, and emerging self-help skills, using short, predictable routines and scaffolded activities to support independence. Quality toddler rooms provide language-rich interactions, sensory play, small-group activities to practice sharing, and teacher-led transitions that reduce stress during routine changes. Transition planning includes parent communication about readiness for the next classroom, guided visits to the new room, and individualized pacing based on developmental milestones rather than strict age cutoffs. Supporting families with home strategies and consistent expectations helps toddlers generalize skills across settings.

Consistent routines, purposeful activities, and teacher scaffolding in toddler programs promote steady progress toward preschool readiness and reduce transition-related disruptions.

Research further supports the notion that play-based curricula are instrumental in nurturing self-regulation skills in young children.

Play-Based Curriculum Fosters Social-Emotional Self-Regulation in Early Childhood ABSTRACT: AbstractPlay is an essential aspect in the early childhood years, especially during the years of preschool and kindergarten when children’s social and emotional skills are developing rapidly (Denham et al., 2012; Kangas et al., 2015; Kroll, 2017). Even though play is an essential part, allowing children to partake in pretend play during school hours has decreased tremendously due to the push of academics within the school (Aras, 2015). With the rising importance of play as part of the curriculum, there have been previous studies and research explaining the why and the benefits of play and how play has allowed children to develop self-regulation skills needed for later school and life success (Aras, 2016; Ashiabi, 2005; Kroll, 2017). Lifter et al. (2011) pointed out that allowing children to partake in pretend or symbolic play, allowed children different opportunities to develop self-regulation skills. More researchers have concluded, that play has shown improvement in the development o How can a play-based curriculum foster social and emotional self-regulation skills in early childhood classrooms?, 2022

For childcare centre owners and operators seeking to strengthen administrative controls and staffing processes, a focused approach to operational systems can improve both care quality and financial stability. Systems that streamline scheduling, documentation, and communication reduce errors and administrative burden, improving operational efficiency and helping protect profit margins.

Provide useful information about profit protection and operational efficiency, and lead businesses to book a consultation or demo for their services.

For a tailored discussion about how operational efficiency, staffing optimization, and parent-communication tools can reduce hidden costs and improve retention, consider scheduling a consultation or demo to explore practical solutions designed for childcare providers. These sessions can show specific ways to align staffing models with developmental goals while tightening administrative workflows to protect both quality and margins.