Questions Every Parent Should Ask When Touring a Daycare

Choosing a daycare is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. You are not just selecting a place for your child to spend the day—you are choosing an environment that will influence their safety, development, and emotional well-being during some of their most formative years.

If you are touring daycares in Chesterfield, MO or the surrounding West County area, asking the right questions can help you feel confident in your decision and ensure the daycare aligns with your family’s values.

Below are essential questions every parent should ask when touring a daycare, along with guidance on what to listen for in the answers.

1. What Is Your Educational Philosophy?

Not all daycare facilities approach learning the same way. Some focus heavily on play-based learning, while others incorporate more structured early education.

Ask:

• How do children learn here?

• How is play incorporated into learning?

• What skills are emphasized for children under age six?

A high-quality daycare should be able to explain how play supports early childhood development, including language skills, social-emotional growth, and problem-solving.

2. What Training and Experience Do Teachers Have?

Your child’s caregivers play a major role in their daily experience. Ask about:

• Teacher certifications and ongoing training

• Staff experience with your child’s age group

• Staff turnover rates

Consistency matters in early childhood education. Long-term teachers often indicate a stable, supportive work environment—which benefits children.

3. What Does a Typical Day Look Like?

Understanding daily routines can help you decide whether the environment will suit your child.

Ask about:

• Daily schedules by age group

• Balance between structured activities and free play

• Meal and nap routines

• Transitions between activities

A well-run daycare will have a predictable routine while remaining flexible to meet individual children’s needs.

4. How Do You Handle Safety and Security?

Safety should always be a top priority.

Important questions include:

• How children are checked in and out

• Security measures in place

• Emergency preparedness

• Illness and wellness policies

Daycares in Missouri must meet licensing standards, but quality programs often go above and beyond minimum requirements.

5. How Do You Communicate with Parents?

Strong communication builds trust and keeps parents connected to their child’s day.

Ask:

• How daily updates are shared

• How concerns are addressed

• How often progress is discussed

Clear, consistent communication is a hallmark of a well-run daycare.

6. How Do You Support Social and Emotional Development?

Early childhood education is not just about academics. Social-emotional learning helps children:

• Manage emotions

• Build friendships

• Develop empathy and confidence

These skills are essential for kindergarten readiness and long-term success.

7. How Are Behavior Challenges Addressed?

Ask how the daycare approaches guidance and discipline:

• What strategies are used for redirection?

• How are parents involved when challenges arise?

Quality programs focus on positive guidance and age-appropriate expectations.

8. How Do You Prepare Children for Kindergarten?

School readiness includes:

• Language development

• Listening and attention skills

• Independence and problem-solving

A strong daycare program prepares children academically, socially, and emotionally.

9. How Do You Incorporate Outdoor Play?

Outdoor play supports physical health, creativity, and emotional regulation.

Ask:

• How often children go outside

• How outdoor play is supervised

• How seasonal weather is handled

Intentional outdoor time is a key component of early childhood education.

10. How Can Parents Get Involved?

Strong programs value partnerships with families.

Ask how parents can:

• Stay informed

• Share feedback

• Participate in their child’s learning journey

Feeling welcomed and respected as a parent is an important part of the experience.

Ready to See These Answers in Action?

The best way to evaluate a daycare is to experience it firsthand. Touring the classrooms, meeting the teachers, and seeing daily routines in action can help you feel confident in your decision.

If you are searching for a daycare in Chesterfield, MO, we invite you to schedule a tour at Chesterfield Academy today. Seeing our learning environment in person allows you to ask questions, observe our approach to early childhood education, and determine if our program is the right fit for your family.