The Ultimate Child Care Checklist: What to Look for on Every Tour

Choosing the right daycare or preschool is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as a parent. Touring a program can feel exciting — but also overwhelming. What questions should you ask? What should you watch for?

There are so many things to think of it is hard to remember in the moment. Consider what things will matter most for your child’s safety, growth, education and happiness.

Licensing & Safety

A high-quality program meets or exceeds your state’s licensing requirements. Did you know that licensed child care facilities and preschool inspections are posted online for you look over? You can look these up ahead of time to help you narrow down the schools with no (or very few) citations that you would like to schedule tours at.

Once you're at the school, look for: 

✅ Ask to see the current license and check expiration dates. 

✅ Look for posted emergency procedures, exit routes and safety rules. 

✅ Check for secure entry/exit systems and ask what their sign-in/out processes look like.

A properly licensed program signals compliance with health, safety, and staffing regulations.

Staff Qualifications & Ratios

The teachers and caregivers set the tone for your child’s experience.  Did you know that your state or county has laws requiring a certain amount of teachers to be with a classroom? You can look these up online ahead of your tour, and see if the school or child care facility is in ratio when you're visiting.

Once you're at the school, look for:

✅ Ask about teacher education and training (especially in early childhood education programs and CPR/first aid). 

✅ Confirm teacher-to-child ratios and class sizes (how many children are legally allowed to be in the classroom?). 

✅ Watch how staff interact with children — warm, patient, and attentive is key.

Cleanliness & Health Policies

Clean spaces help keep kids healthy. Preschools and daycare centers should be kept clean and sanitized.

Once you're at the school, look for:

✅ Restrooms and changing areas should be tidy and well-stocked. You should see teachers wearing gloves and sanitizing after each use (diaper changing table).

✅ Ask about cleaning routines, hand-washing policies, and sick-day guidelines. 

✅ Make sure they have a clear illness and medication policy.

Learning Environment & Curriculum

Young children learn best through exploration and play. Children should be happy and participating, and teachers should be helping and engaging.

Once you're at the school, look for:

✅ Look for spaces with age-appropriate toys, books, and hands-on materials. 

✅ Ask about their curriculum — is it play-based, academic, or a blend? 

✅ Check for a balance of indoor and outdoor play.

Communication with Parents

You deserve to know what happens during your child’s day. Most children with working parents attend preschool or daycare 8+ hours a day. That's a long time to be away from your child, so you need to be informed about their day.

Once you're at the school, look for:

✅ Ask how the school shares daily updates (apps, emails, photos, or in-person). 

✅ Find out how often they hold parent-teacher conferences, and how to request one if you want one. 

✅ Look for a warm, welcoming approach that values parent input.

Atmosphere & Culture

A visit should give you a good feeling. I always tell parents to "go with your gut". Visit as many schools as you can, and one will stand out to you.

Once you're at the school, look for:

✅ Observe how teachers talk to children — are they patient and respectful? 

✅ Notice if the environment feels calm, cheerful, and inclusive. 

✅ Ask about parent involvement opportunities.

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