Making the Most of Your Daycare Visit
Choosing a daycare is an important decision for any parent. A daycare tour gives you the opportunity to see the environment, meet educators, understand the daily routine, and get a better feeling for whether the centre is right for your child.
It is easy to forget what you wanted to ask once you’re there. Having a list of daycare tour questions prepared beforehand can help you make the most of your visit and compare your options with confidence.
Here are 15 questions every parent should consider asking during a daycare tour.
1. What Does a Typical Day Look Like?
Ask about the daily schedule from arrival to pickup.
Find out when children have time for:
- Learning activities
- Free play
- Outdoor play
- Meals and snacks
- Rest or quiet time
- Group activities
- Creative activities
A consistent but flexible routine can help children feel comfortable and know what to expect each day.
2. What Programs Are Available for My Child’s Age?
Daycare programs can vary depending on a child’s age and developmental stage.
Ask which program your child would join and what activities are included. You can also ask how the program supports your child’s social, emotional, physical, and early learning development.
At CityKidz Daycare, families can learn more about our Infant, Toddler, Preschool, and Before & After School Care programs.
3. What Are Your Safety and Supervision Practices?
Your child’s safety should always be a priority.
Ask how children are supervised throughout the day and what procedures are followed for emergencies, injuries, illness, and unexpected situations.
You can also ask how visitors enter the centre and how children are released to authorized adults.
4. Who Will Be Caring for My Child?
Take the opportunity to meet the educators who may be working with your child.
Ask about their experience, training, and approach to working with young children.
It is also helpful to observe how educators interact with children during your visit. Are they patient, attentive, encouraging, and engaged?
5. How Do You Handle Separation and Difficult Drop-Offs?
Starting daycare can be an emotional experience for children and parents.
Ask how educators support children who cry or feel nervous during drop-off. Find out whether there is a consistent approach for helping children become comfortable in their new environment.
A caring transition can make a big difference during the first few days and weeks.
6. How Do You Communicate With Parents?
Good communication helps parents stay connected with their child’s day.
Ask how you will receive updates about your child.
For example, does the centre communicate about:
- Meals
- Naps
- Activities
- Mood or behaviour
- Important announcements
- Developmental progress
- Incidents or concerns
Also ask who you should contact if you have questions.
7. What Meals and Snacks Are Provided?
If meals or snacks are provided, ask what children typically eat during the day.
You may also want to ask about:
- Allergies
- Food restrictions
- Special dietary requirements
- Meal schedules
- Snacks
- Drinking water
Understanding the food routine can help you prepare your child and coordinate meals at home.
8. How Much Outdoor Play Do Children Get?
Outdoor play gives children opportunities to move, explore, and develop physical skills.
Ask whether children have outdoor play every day when weather permits and what type of outdoor activities are available.
You can also ask what happens on days when outdoor play isn’t possible.
9. How Do You Support Children’s Learning Through Play?
Young children learn through everyday experiences, exploration, and play.
Ask what types of activities educators use to encourage:
- Creativity
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Social skills
- Motor development
- Independence
- Curiosity
This can give you a better understanding of the learning environment your child will experience.
10. What Happens During Rest or Nap Time?
Rest requirements can vary depending on a child’s age.
Ask when rest time takes place, how long it usually lasts, and how educators support children who have different sleep needs.
If your child has a specific sleep routine, share that information during the tour.
11. How Do You Handle Behaviour and Conflicts?
Children are still learning how to communicate their feelings and interact with others.
Ask how educators respond when children disagree, become frustrated, or have difficulty following expectations.
Look for an approach that focuses on patience, guidance, communication, and helping children learn appropriate behaviours.
12. What Should My Child Bring Each Day?
Every daycare has different requirements.
Ask whether your child needs:
- Extra clothing
- Indoor or outdoor shoes
- Diapers and wipes
- A comfort item
- Bottles or feeding supplies
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Other personal items
You can also ask how belongings should be labelled.
13. What Are the Fees and Registration Requirements?
It’s important to understand the complete cost before making a decision.
Ask about:
- Registration requirements
- Monthly or weekly fees
- Payment schedules
- Available funding or subsidies
- Additional costs
- Notice requirements
- Registration or waitlist procedures
Having clear information about fees can help you plan ahead.
For CityKidz families, you can also visit our Fees & Registration page for more information.
14. What Happens If My Child Becomes Sick?
Ask about the centre’s illness policy before enrolling.
Find out:
- When children need to stay home
- What happens if your child becomes sick during the day
- When parents are contacted
- When a child can return
- How medications are handled, if applicable
Understanding the policy ahead of time can prevent confusion later.
15. What Should I Look for During the Tour?
Don’t just focus on the answers you receive. Take a moment to observe the environment.
Look at:
- How educators interact with children
- Whether children appear comfortable and engaged
- Cleanliness and organization
- Available learning materials
- Indoor and outdoor spaces
- Safety features
- The overall atmosphere
Most importantly, think about how the environment feels for your child.
A Simple Daycare Tour Checklist
Before your visit, save these five areas so you don’t forget the essentials:
Safety:
Is the environment safe and well supervised?
Educators:
Do the educators seem caring, patient, and engaged?
Daily Routine:
Does the schedule suit your child’s needs?
Learning & Play:
Are children given opportunities to learn, explore, create, and socialize?
Communication:
Will you feel comfortable communicating with the daycare team?
Choosing a Daycare That Feels Right for Your Family
There is no single daycare that is perfect for every family. The right choice depends on your child’s age, personality, needs, your family’s schedule, and what matters most to you.
A daycare tour gives you the chance to ask questions, observe the environment, and understand how the centre supports children throughout the day.
Take your time, write down your questions before visiting, and don’t be afraid to ask for clarification. Choosing a daycare is an important decision, and you should feel comfortable with your choice.
Ready to Learn More About CityKidz Daycare?
If you’re looking for a caring environment where children can learn, play, build confidence, and develop new skills, learn more about the programs available at CityKidz Daycare in Edmonton.
You can explore our programs, review fees and registration information, learn more through our Parent Information resources, or book a tour to see the environment for yourself.