Use this checklist on your next tour. Check off each question as you ask it — no account needed, it's saved locally.
Is your license current and posted? Can I see it? When was your last state inspection? Were there any violations? What is your staff-to-child ratio for my child's age group? How do you screen staff — background checks, references? What is your sick child policy? When do you send children home? What is your emergency and lockdown procedure?
How long has your lead teacher in my child's room been here? What is your overall staff turnover rate in the past year? What are your staff's qualifications and education requirements? Do you have consistent caregivers, or do they rotate?
Can you walk me through a typical day for my child's age group? How much structured learning vs. free play time is there each day? How do you handle nap time? Is it mandatory? What does outdoor play look like — how often, how long? How do you communicate daily updates to parents?
What curriculum or learning approach do you follow? How do you track each child's developmental progress? How do you handle a child who is ahead or behind in development? Do you offer any pre-literacy or early math activities?
What is your full weekly tuition? What's included? Do you accept childcare subsidies (like the provincial assistance program)? What is your policy for holidays, sick days, or vacations — do you still charge? What is your enrollment waitlist process? How far in advance should I apply? What is your notice period if I need to withdraw my child?