Questions to Ask on a Daycare Tour: A Parent’s Checklist

By CKA Executive Leadership Team · Published September 2026

A daycare tour is your best chance to see what your child’s days would really look like. Websites and brochures can only tell you so much. Walking the halls, watching a classroom in action and asking the right questions will tell you far more about whether a center is the right fit for your family.

But tours go by quickly, and it’s easy to leave and realize you forgot to ask something important. That’s why we put together this checklist. Bring it along, use the questions that matter most to you, and don’t be shy about asking follow-ups. A good center will be happy to answer every one.

Before You Go

• Plan for about 20 minutes. That’s enough time to see a few classrooms and ask your questions without feeling rushed.
• Bring your child if you can. Watching how teachers greet and engage with your child tells you a lot, and it gives your child a first look at a new place.
• Visit while children are there. A mid-morning tour lets you see classrooms in action.
• Know your must-haves. Location, schedule, age group and budget will narrow your list before you even walk in.

Questions About Teachers and Staff

The people caring for your child matter more than anything else on the tour. These questions help you understand who they are and how long they stay.

• How long have the lead teachers in my child’s age group been here?
• What training do teachers have, and what ongoing training do they receive?
• What is the teacher-to-child ratio and group size in this classroom?
• Who cares for the class when a teacher is out sick or on vacation?
• How do teachers get to know a new child and help them settle in?

Questions About Curriculum and Learning

Many parents want to know whether a center simply supervises children or actively helps them learn. These questions get to the heart of that.

• What curriculum do you use, and what does it look like on a typical day?
• How do you balance play with structured learning?
• What enrichment do children get, such as STEM, language or movement? Is it included in tuition?
• How do you track my child’s progress, and how will you share it with me?
• How do you help children get ready for kindergarten?

Questions About the Daily Routine

• What does a typical day look like, from drop-off to pickup?
• How much time do children spend outside, and what happens in bad weather?
• How do naps and rest time work?
• Are meals and snacks provided? How do you handle allergies and dietary needs?
• How do you support potty training?

Questions About Safety and Health

• How do families and visitors enter the building?
• How do you make sure only approved adults can pick up my child?
• What is your sick policy, and when would my child need to stay home?
• How are medications handled?
• What emergency plans are in place, and how often do you practice them?

Our article on safety and security at CKA walks through what families can expect every day.

Questions About Communication

• How will I hear about my child’s day? Do you use an app?
• How often will I get updates, photos or progress reports?
• How can I reach my child’s teacher or the center director?
• How do you handle challenging behavior, and how will you involve me?

Questions About Cost and Enrollment

• What is included in tuition, and are there any additional fees?
• Do you have openings in my child’s age group, or is there a waitlist?
• Do you accept child care assistance, such as CCAP or scholarships?
• Are there any current enrollment specials?
• What does the first week look like for a new family?

If you’re wondering about child care assistance, our guide to Minnesota’s CCAP program covers who qualifies and how to apply.

What to Watch For While You’re There

Some of the most useful information on a tour won’t come from anything you ask. Keep an eye out for:

• How teachers talk with children. Do they get down to eye level, speak warmly and listen?
• How children seem. Are they busy, engaged and comfortable with their teachers?
• The classroom itself. Is it clean, organized and filled with children’s own artwork rather than only store-bought decorations?
• How you’re welcomed. Does the staff seem glad to show you around and answer questions?

And trust your instincts. If a place feels warm and right, that feeling usually means something.

Your Quick Tour Checklist

Short on time? These are the questions we’d ask first:

• How long have the teachers in my child’s room been here?
• What is the ratio and group size in this classroom?
• What curriculum do you use, and what does a typical day look like?
• What enrichment is included in tuition?
• Are meals and snacks provided?
• How will I hear about my child’s day?
• How do you keep the building secure?

How We Answer These Questions at Creative Kids Academy

We love when families come ready with questions. Here are a few answers you’ll hear on a tour at any of our 13 Twin Cities centers:

• Curriculum: Our preschoolers learn through Learning Beyond Paper, a hands-on, STEAM-focused curriculum built around purposeful play.
• Enrichment: Activities such as music, yoga, dance, Spanish, karate, science and theater are included in tuition. Offerings vary by location.
• Quality: We are NAEYC-accredited and hold a 4-Star Parent Aware Rating.
• Meals: Meals and snacks are included. Learn more about nutrition at CKA.
• Communication: Families get real-time updates, photos and highlights through the Procare app.
• Affordability: We accept CCAP and Early Learning Scholarships at all 13 of our centers.

Once you’ve chosen a center, our guide to starting daycare or preschool can help make the first few weeks easier for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a daycare tour take?

Most daycare tours take about 20 minutes. That gives you enough time to see a few classrooms, meet some of the staff and ask your most important questions.

Should I bring my child on a daycare tour?

Yes, if you can. Seeing how teachers greet and interact with your child is one of the best ways to judge whether a center is a good fit, and it gives your child a chance to see the new space.

What is the most important question to ask on a daycare tour?

Ask how long the teachers in your child’s age group have been at the center. Consistent, experienced teachers help children feel secure and build the relationships that support learning.

Ready to see a CKA classroom for yourself? Schedule a tour at the center nearest you.