Top Questions to Ask When Touring a Daycare Near You in 2025

Top Questions to Ask When Touring a Daycare Near You in 2025

Touring a daycare is one of the most important steps in choosing the right childcare provider for your family. During the tour, you get to observe the environment, meet staff, and ask crucial questions that reveal the center’s safety, teaching style, communication habits, and daily structure. To help Mesa families make confident decisions, this guide outlines the most important questions to ask on any daycare tour—plus what high-quality centers like Robin’s Place ChildCare should answer with clarity.

Why Asking the Right Questions Matters

Childcare is more than a place where children spend time while parents work. It’s where they build early friendships, learn foundational skills, and begin forming emotional and social habits that last a lifetime. Asking thoughtful, specific questions helps you understand:

• The center’s philosophy
  
  
• Teacher qualifications
  
  
• Daily routines
  
  
• Safety standards
  
  
• Discipline policies
  
  
• Parent communication systems
  
  
• How children are supported emotionally and developmentally
  
  

These details help reveal whether a daycare is organized, consistent, nurturing, and aligned with your family’s values.

1. “What Are Your Safety and Security Procedures?”

Safety should always be the first topic during a daycare tour. Ask the center:

• How do you monitor who enters and leaves the building?
  
  
• Is there a secure, locked entry system?
  
  
• What is the procedure for authorized pick-ups?
  
  
• How do you handle emergencies such as injuries, evacuations, or severe weather?
  
  
• How often is equipment inspected?
  
  
• Are classrooms childproofed and sanitized daily?
  
  

High-quality centers follow strict protocols and have staff trained in CPR and First Aid. Robin’s Place ChildCare adheres to Arizona licensing standards and maintains a secure, clean environment for all children.

2. “What Are the Staff Qualifications and Training Requirements?”

Teacher interactions shape a child’s experience. Ask:

• What training do teachers receive annually?
  
  
• Do staff members have early childhood education experience?
  
  
• Are all staff CPR and First Aid certified?
  
  
• How long do teachers typically stay at the center?
  
  
• How does your team handle classroom behavior?
  
  

Low turnover and ongoing training are positive signs. At Robin’s Place, many teachers have long-term tenure and deep care for the Mesa community.

3. “What Are Your Staff-to-Child Ratios?”

Arizona licensing establishes minimum ratios, but great daycares often maintain smaller groups for better supervision and engagement.

Ask:

• How many children are in each classroom?
  
  
• How many teachers are present?
  
  
• Do ratios change during nap time, meals, or outdoor play?
  
  

Lower ratios support more individualized attention, consistent guidance, and stronger teacher-child relationships.

4. “What Does a Typical Day Look Like?”

A daily schedule helps children feel secure. Look for a balance of:

• Structured learning
  
  
• Outdoor play
  
  
• Free play
  
  
• Music and movement
  
  
• Story time
  
  
• Hands-on activities
  
  
• Rest periods
  
  
• Mealtimes or snack breaks
  
  

Ask to see a written daily schedule. High-quality programs keep routines predictable but flexible enough to support children’s individual needs.

At Robin’s Place ChildCare, structured learning and creative play work together to support each child’s development.

5. “What Curriculum Do You Use?”

Even for childcare that isn’t labeled strictly as “preschool,” the curriculum matters. Ask:

• What learning goals do you focus on?
  
  
• Do you include early literacy and math?
  
  
• How do you support science, creativity, and problem-solving?
  
  
• What social-emotional skills do you teach?
  
  
• Are activities age-appropriate?
  
  

The best centers encourage curiosity, communication, and independence. Robin’s Place offers developmentally appropriate activities for ages 0–12, including preschool curriculum for ages 3–5.

6. “How Do You Communicate with Parents?”

Communication creates trust. Ask daycare staff:

• How do you provide daily updates?
  
  
• Do you send photos, messages, or progress notes?
  
  
• How do you notify parents about incidents or concerns?
  
  
• Do you hold parent conferences?
  
  
• How do you handle behavior or development questions?
  
  

Consistent communication helps parents stay involved. Robin’s Place prioritizes open, transparent communication with families.

7. “What Is Your Discipline and Behavior Guidance Policy?”

A daycare should never rely on fear-based or punitive practices. Ask:

• How do you handle behavior challenges?
  
  
• What is your philosophy on redirection and positive guidance?
  
  
• Do you communicate behavior notes to parents?
  
  
• How do you help children learn emotional regulation?
  
  

Look for language about compassion, consistency, and teaching—not punishment.

8. “How Do You Support Children with Different Needs or Abilities?”

If your child has unique developmental, emotional, or sensory needs, look for inclusive practices. Ask:

• Do you welcome children with disabilities?
  
  
• How do you adapt learning activities?
  
  
• What training do teachers have for inclusive care?
  
  
• How do you communicate concerns or progress?
  
  

Robin’s Place ChildCare is proud to be an inclusive center supporting children of all abilities.

9. “Are Meals and Snacks Included?”

Nutrition plays a big role in daily energy levels and behavior. Ask:

• Are snacks provided?

• Do you offer breakfast or lunch?

• Can families send meals from home?
  
  
• How do you handle allergies?
  
  

A great daycare will have clear food policies and allergy protocols in place.

10. “What Are Your Tuition Rates and Billing Policies?”

Before committing to a daycare, understand all financial expectations. Ask:

• What is the monthly tuition?
  
  
• Are there enrollment or supply fees?
  
  
• What is your holiday or absence policy?
  
  
• Do you offer sibling discounts?
  
  
• Are you DES-approved?
  
  

Robin’s Place ChildCare accepts DES assistance, making childcare more affordable for many families.

11. “How Do You Handle Illness and Health Policies?”

A responsible daycare will follow strict guidelines for illness prevention. Ask:

• What symptoms require a child to stay home?
  
  
• What is the policy on fever, vomiting, or contagious illness?
  
  
• How do you notify parents about classroom exposures?
  
  
• Are staff trained to manage mild medical needs?
  
  

Clear rules help maintain a healthy environment for all children.

12. “Can I Watch the Class in Action During the Tour?”

A high-quality daycare should allow you to see real interactions. Watch for:

• Teachers kneeling or sitting at eye level
  
  
• Children engaged and happy
  
  
• Calm, predictable transitions
  
  
• Clean and organized spaces
  
  
• Safe, age-appropriate materials
  
  
• Positive behavior redirection
  
  

What you see during the tour reflects the center’s consistency and culture.

Frequent Questions from Mesa Parents

Why should I take a daycare tour instead of enrolling online?

A tour lets you see real classrooms, teacher interactions, and safety practices. Online photos cannot replace firsthand observation.

How long should a daycare tour take?

Most tours last 20–40 minutes, depending on how many classrooms you visit and how many questions you ask.

Should I bring my child to the tour?

Many centers encourage it, as it helps parents see how their child responds to the environment.

What are red flags to look for during a tour?

Dirty classrooms, high staff turnover, unclear safety procedures, or teachers who appear overwhelmed are all warning signs.

How early should I book a daycare tour?

Tours can be scheduled as soon as you begin researching childcare. Mesa centers often fill quickly, especially for infants and toddlers.

Schedule a Daycare Tour in Mesa, AZ

Touring a daycare is the best way to determine whether the environment feels right for your child. Robin’s Place ChildCare welcomes families to visit, ask questions, observe classrooms, and get a feel for the warm, structured environment that helps children thrive.

Phone: +1 (480) 699-1906
Email: admin@robinsplacechildcare.com
Address: 832 West Baseline Road, Mesa, AZ 85210
Website: https://robinsplacechildcare.com/



Serving Mesa and nearby communities with full-day care, preschool, infant care, after-school programs, and inclusive childcare for ages 0–12.