Staff & safety
- What is the ratio of educators to children in my child's room, and how does it change through the day?
- How long have the educators in that room been here? What is staff turnover like year to year?
- Are educators trained in first aid and infant/child CPR, and how often is it renewed?
- How do you handle drop-off and pick-up security — who is allowed to collect my child?
- What are your procedures for allergies, medication, and a medical emergency?
A typical day
- Can you walk me through a normal day, hour by hour, for my child's age group?
- How much time do children spend outdoors, and what happens in bad weather?
- What does nap time look like, and how do you handle a child who doesn't sleep?
- How much screen time, if any, is part of the day?
- How do you support toilet learning, and what do you expect from us at home?
Health & food
- What is your sick policy — when must a child stay home, and when can they return?
- Are meals and snacks provided, and can you accommodate allergies or dietary needs?
- How are diapering and handwashing routines handled, and how often is the room cleaned?
- What is your policy when there is an outbreak (e.g. hand-foot-mouth, lice, stomach flu)?
Communication & fit
- How will I hear about my child's day — an app, a note, a conversation at pick-up?
- How do you handle behaviour and conflict between children?
- How do you settle a new child in, and what does the first week look like?
- How do you partner with parents when something isn't working?
Logistics
- What are your hours, and what are the late-pick-up and closure/holiday policies?
- What are the fees, what's included, and how do deposits, subsidies, and giving notice work?
After the tour
Trust the room, not the lobby. Were the children engaged and calm? Did educators get down to their level? Did the space feel cared for? A warm, steady room usually tells you more than any brochure.