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Daycare Tour Questions: What to Ask (and What to Look For)


Touring a daycare can feel overwhelming. Everything looks fine on the surface, and in a 15–30 minute visit, it’s hard to know what truly matters.


If you’re searching for a daycare in Ann Arbor, these questions will help you tour with clarity and confidence. You’ll know what to ask, what to observe, and how to compare options based on what your child actually needs day to day.


Start with the “how do you keep kids safe?” questions


Safety isn’t just locks and cameras. It’s supervision, consistency, and routines.


Ask:

  • What does supervision look like during transitions (drop-off, pickup, bathroom, playground)?

  • How do you handle illness, fevers, and medication?

  • What’s your process for allergies and food restrictions?

  • How do you communicate incidents or concerns to parents?


While you’re there, watch how teachers move through the room. Are they scanning and staying engaged, or reacting after problems happen?


Staffing, consistency, and teacher experience


Your child’s experience is shaped mostly by the adults in the room.


Ask:

  • How long have your teachers been here?

  • Do kids stay with the same teachers, or do staff rotate often?

  • What does training look like for new staff?

  • What’s your teacher-to-child ratio?


It’s also totally reasonable to ask to meet the teachers, and to look at pages like Staff if the center provides them.


Daily schedule and routines (this matters more than the decor)


A strong routine helps kids feel safe. Even the most creative classroom won’t work well if the day feels chaotic.


Ask:

  • What does a typical day look like for my child’s age?

  • How do you handle naps and rest time?

  • What’s the approach to meals and snacks?

  • How do you help new children adjust during the first two weeks?


A center that can explain their routine clearly often has strong structure behind the scenes. A quick scan of the Programs page can also help you compare “what they say” with “what you see.”


Learning approach: is it real, or just marketing?


Lots of centers say “play-based,” but you can usually tell the difference quickly.


Ask:

  • How do you support early learning through play?

  • How do teachers guide activities (especially with toddlers)?

  • How do you support language development and social skills?

  • What kinds of activities happen throughout the week?


Then look around:

  • Are there open-ended materials kids can use in different ways?

  • Are teachers interacting and asking questions?

  • Are children engaged, not just “kept busy”?


If a program explains their philosophy clearly, it should show up on a page like Curriculum or Approach.


Behavior guidance (especially important for toddlers)


Toddlers have big feelings. They’re learning how to share, wait, and communicate. You want a center that understands that developmentally.


Ask:

  • How do you respond to biting or hitting?

  • What does “discipline” mean here?

  • How do you teach emotional regulation and social problem-solving?

  • How do you communicate behavior concerns to parents?


Listen closely to the tone. You want calm, supportive language, not harsh or overly punitive policies.


Communication and updates for parents


For many families, peace of mind comes from staying connected.


Ask:

  • Do you provide daily updates (meals, naps, activities, milestones)?

  • How do you share photos or classroom updates, if you do?

  • Do you offer conferences or check-ins?

  • How do parents contact teachers or the director with questions?


If the center has a parent resource hub, it may be reflected on a page like Info for Parents.


What to observe during your tour


Bring your “observer eyes.” You’re not looking for perfection — you’re looking for support, calm structure, and engaged adults.


Notice:

  • Are children generally calm and engaged (even if a few are upset)?

  • Are teachers down at child level, speaking kindly and clearly?

  • Are transitions smooth (cleanup, handwashing, moving to new activities)?

  • Is the classroom organized and safe for the age group?

  • Do teachers seem to enjoy being there?


Quick “yes/no” questions to help you compare centers


These can help when you’re choosing between two good options:

  • Can you clearly explain your daily routine?

  • Do you have stable teachers and consistent classrooms?

  • Do you communicate well and proactively with parents?

  • Does your approach align with how we want our child supported?


If you’re early in your search, you might also find this checklist helpful: How to Choose a Daycare in Ann Arbor: A Parent Checklist.


Ready to tour Squiggle Room?


At Squiggle Room Child Care Center, we believe great childcare is a partnership. We’re happy to answer questions, walk you through our routines, and show you how we support children with nurturing care and meaningful early learning.


If you’re exploring options for daycare in Ann Arbor, contact us to schedule a tour. We’d love to meet your family.


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