Questions to Ask When Touring a Daycare: the complete list (from a mom of three)

Updated: April 2026

Written by Meg — mom of three (ages 5, 3, and 1) in Atlanta. I've been through the daycare search three times, including a deep dive into Montessori options. This is the list I wish I'd had.

About to start touring daycares and not sure what to ask? This is the complete list of questions I put together — covering daily routine, health and safety, staff qualifications, environment and philosophy, parent communication, logistics, and costs. Take what's useful, leave what's not. And remember: the in-person tour is everything. Your mama gut will tell you what you need to know. Does it feel clean? Do the kids look happy? Is it chaotic or calm? You'll know.

Here are some questions you can take for inspiration for those initial conversations. Some of this will likely be answered for you in the initial materials you receive from the school as well (a good sign!).

Do your research, make your best choice and see how it goes Mama. You're doing a beautiful job 🫶

Daily Routine & Baby’s Care

• How do you communicate with parents about daily activities like naps, feeding, diaper changes, and mood?

• What does a typical day look like for an infant here?

• How do you handle feeding—do you follow our schedule or your own?

• Do you support breastmilk, formula, and solid food preferences?

• How are naps managed—are they on a schedule or baby-led?

Health & Safety

• What are your illness and sick child policies?

• How do you handle emergencies (e.g., allergic reactions, injuries)?

• Are staff trained in infant CPR and first aid?

• What is your procedure for administering medication?

• What security measures do you have for drop-off/pick-up?

Staff Qualifications & Ratios

• What are the qualifications and experience of the caregivers?

• What is your caregiver-to-infant ratio?

• How do you vet, screen, and train staff members?

• Is there ongoing professional development or training for staff?

Environment & Philosophy

• What is your approach to infant development and play?

• How do you handle crying or fussy babies?

• Do you follow any specific childcare philosophies (Montessori, play-based, etc.)?

• Can I tour the classroom or facility my baby would be in?

Parent Communication & Involvement

• How do you share updates—daily app, written reports, photos, texts?

• Is there a way to communicate directly with my child’s caregiver?

• Do you host parent-teacher conferences or check-ins?

Logistics & Policies

• What are your hours and policies around late pick-up?

• What is the vacation/holiday schedule?

• What is your policy for transitioning babies into daycare for the first time?

• How flexible are you with scheduling (e.g., part-time or drop-in care)?

• What supplies do we need to bring vs. what you provide?

Costs & Enrollment

• What is the cost of care and what’s included?

• Are there any enrollment or annual fees?

• What’s the notice period for withdrawal?

FAQ

What should I look for when touring a daycare? Beyond the questions, trust your gut on the visit. Is it clean? Do the kids look happy and engaged? Is the staff warm and responsive? Is it chaotic or calm? Does the director answer your questions confidently and transparently? I've toured places where everything looked good on paper but something just felt off — and places that immediately felt right. Your mama gut is a real thing.

What is a good caregiver-to-infant ratio at daycare? For infants, look for a ratio of 1:3 or 1:4 (one caregiver to three or four babies). State licensing sets minimums but you want to know what they actually maintain day to day, especially during peak drop-off and pick-up windows. Ask specifically what happens when a caregiver is sick or on vacation.

What questions should I ask about illness policies at daycare? Ask what symptoms require a child to stay home (and for how long), how quickly they'll contact you if your child gets sick during the day, and what their procedure is for managing things like lice, hand foot and mouth, or RSV outbreaks. Also ask how they communicate illness notifications to all parents — do you get a group notice when something is going around?

What is the difference between Montessori and traditional daycare? Montessori programs follow a child-led philosophy focused on independence, hands-on learning, and mixed-age groupings. Traditional or play-based programs tend to be more structured with age-grouped classrooms. Neither is objectively better — it really comes down to your child's temperament and your family's values. Ask any daycare you're touring to explain their philosophy and give you examples of what a typical day looks like.

When should I start looking for daycare? Much earlier than you think — especially in competitive markets. Many Atlanta daycares have waitlists of 6-12 months or more for infant spots. I'd start researching as soon as you're pregnant, tour in your second trimester if possible, and get on waitlists early even if you're not 100% decided. You can always decline a spot; you can't always get one when you need it.

What should I bring to a daycare tour? Just yourself and this list of questions! I'd also bring a notepad to jot down impressions while they're fresh. If possible, visit during a busy time of day (morning drop-off or after lunch) so you see the facility in real operation, not at its quietest. And if you're bringing your toddler along, know that they'll probably be distracted — consider a second visit just with your partner to ask the harder questions without chaos.

→ See my tips for protecting your newborn from daycare germs once you've made your choice here

→ See my full baby registry checklist for everything to have ready before baby arrives here

Your friendly reminder that this blog is not medical advice. All opinions are my own based on personal experience.

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