Questions to Ask A Child Care Centre

Choosing a childcare provider for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent. The right childcare can provide a safe, nurturing environment that supports your child’s development and learning. However, finding the perfect fit requires careful consideration and thorough questioning. During the interview process, you should focus on several key areas, including general information, qualifications, health and safety, daily routines, nutrition, discipline, communication, fees, philosophy, references, special considerations, and more. Here are some detailed questions to guide you through this process.

General Information

1. What are your hours of operation?
   • Do you offer extended hours or weekend care?
2. What is the caregiver-to-child ratio?
   • How do you ensure individual attention for each child?
3. What ages do you accept?
   • Are there separate programs or rooms for different age groups?
4. What is your policy on holidays and closures?
   • How do you communicate these to parents?

Qualifications and Experience

5. What are the qualifications and experience of your staff?
   • Do they have degrees in early childhood education or related fields?
6. Do you have any certifications or accreditations?
   • Are you a member of any professional organizations?
7. How long have you been in operation?
   • What is your staff turnover rate?

Health and Safety

8. What are your health and safety protocols?
   • How often do you conduct safety drills?
9. What is your policy on sick children?
   • How do you handle contagious illnesses?
10. How do you handle emergencies?
    • What is your procedure for notifying parents?
11. Are staff members trained in CPR and first aid?
    • How frequently is this training updated?
12. What is your process for checking and maintaining the safety of toys and equipment?
    • How often are these items cleaned and inspected?

Daily Routine and Activities

13. Can you describe a typical day at your daycare?
    • How do you balance structured activities and free play?
14. What types of activities do you offer?
    • Are there specific programs for art, music, or physical education?
15. How do you handle nap times?
    • What accommodations do you make for children who don’t nap?
16. What is your approach to outdoor play?
    • How often do children go outside, and what activities are planned?
17. How do you support children’s developmental milestones?
    • Do you have individualized plans for each child?

Nutrition and Meals

18. Do you provide meals and snacks?
    • What is your meal plan, and how do you ensure it is nutritious?
19. What types of food do you serve?
    • Are meals prepared on-site or catered?
20. How do you accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies?
    • What is your policy for managing food allergies?

Discipline and Behavior

21. What is your approach to discipline and behavior management?
    • How do you handle challenging behaviors?
22. How do you handle conflicts between children?
    • What techniques do you use to teach conflict resolution?
23. Do you use time-outs, and if so, how are they implemented?
    • Are there alternative methods you use?

Communication

24. How do you communicate with parents about their child’s day?
    • Is there a daily report or digital communication system?
25. Is there a written daily report or regular parent-teacher meetings?
    • How often do you schedule these meetings?
26. How do you handle parent concerns or complaints?
    • What is your process for addressing issues?

Fees and Policies

27. What are your fees, and what do they include?
    • Are there any additional costs for supplies or activities?
28. What is your payment schedule?
    • Do you offer flexible payment options?
29. Do you offer any sibling discounts or financial assistance?
    • What are the criteria for financial assistance?
30. What is your policy on late pick-ups and late fees?
    • How flexible are you with pick-up times?

Philosophy and Environment

31. What is your educational philosophy or approach?
    • How do you implement this philosophy in daily activities?
32. How do you support social and emotional development?
    • What specific programs or activities do you use?
33. Can you provide a tour of the facility?
    • What security measures are in place during tours?
34. What is your policy on screen time?
    • How do you balance technology with other activities?
35. How do you handle transitions for new children?
    • What strategies do you use to help children adjust?

References and Reputation

36. Can you provide references from current or past parents?
    • What do other parents say about your daycare?
37. What is your policy for background checks on staff?
    • How thorough are these checks?
38. Have you ever had any violations or complaints filed against your daycare?
    • How were these issues resolved?

Special Considerations

39. How do you handle children with special needs or disabilities?
    • Do you have specialized staff or resources?
40. Are there any additional programs or services you offer?
    • Do you provide language classes, sports, or arts programs?

Conclusion

By asking these detailed questions, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of a daycare provider’s operations, values, and suitability for your child. Taking the time to thoroughly interview potential providers will help ensure you choose a childcare centre where your child will thrive and feel secure.