Choosing the right childcare center is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. The environment, teachers, safety measures, and daily routines will shape your child’s earliest experiences away from home. At Chapter 1 Daycare, we encourage families to ask detailed questions during tours—we believe transparency builds trust and helps parents feel confident in their choice.
Below are key questions every family should ask when touring a childcare center, along with practical insights to help you evaluate responses.
Safety and Licensing
Start with the basics—licensing and safety. Ask to see the center’s provincial licence and inquire how often inspections occur. Licensed programs meet specific standards for health, staffing, and facility maintenance.
Request details about daily security:
• How are doors locked and monitored?
• What is the sign-in/out procedure?
• Are visitors supervised at all times?
It’s also reasonable to ask whether all staff have completed background checks and are certified in first aid and CPR. Consistent safety practices are the foundation of quality childcare.
Staff Qualifications, Ratios, and Stability
The people caring for your child matter more than any toy or facility feature. Ask what qualifications educators hold—early childhood education diplomas, ongoing professional development, or specialized training in infant and toddler care.
Confirm the staff-to-child ratios for each age group. Lower ratios mean more individual attention and quicker response to children’s needs. Stability is equally important: inquire about staff turnover and how absences are covered. High retention often signals a supportive environment where educators love what they do.
Daily Routine and Curriculum
Every center follows a rhythm, and understanding that rhythm helps you picture your child’s day. Ask to see the daily schedule. How are learning, play, rest, and meals balanced? What’s the philosophy—play-based, Montessori, or a blended approach?
Look for programs that include sensory play, music, outdoor exploration, and literacy activities. These support social, emotional, and cognitive development. Ask how teachers adapt lessons for different ages and stages so children remain engaged and confident.
At Chapter 1 Daycare, our curriculum blends guided learning with open-ended exploration, helping children build curiosity and self-regulation through play.
Health, Illness, and Medication Policies
Parents know how quickly a cold can spread through a classroom. Clear illness policies protect everyone. Ask when children are required to stay home and how long they must remain symptom-free before returning.
Inquire about the cleaning schedule, hand-washing routines, and how frequently toys and surfaces are sanitized. If your child takes medication or has allergies, ask about administration procedures and storage. Staff should be trained to handle EpiPens, and emergency plans should be visible in each room.
These policies keep children healthy and parents informed.
Behavior Guidance and Communication
Every child has challenging moments. The way a center responds to biting, hitting, or tantrums reveals its philosophy on emotional development. Ask how educators handle conflict and encourage positive behavior.
Look for language around “guidance” and “teaching,” not punishment. Time-outs should be brief, age-appropriate, and used to help children regulate, not shame them.
Consistent communication is key. Ask how the center keeps you updated—through a parent app, written notes, or daily chats. You want a partner who shares successes and concerns promptly.
At Chapter 1 Daycare, we use daily communication tools and focus on modelling empathy, calm redirection, and praise for positive behaviour.
Nutrition, Meals, and Dietary Needs
Food policies vary widely. Ask if the center provides meals and snacks or if parents must send them. If food is provided, review a sample menu. Meals should follow national nutrition guidelines, include fresh produce, and accommodate allergies or cultural preferences.
If your child has dietary restrictions, confirm how staff prevent cross-contamination and document allergies. A healthy, inclusive meal program supports growth and peace of mind.
Facilities and What to Observe During a Tour
During your visit, pay attention to the details beyond the words. Are rooms bright, organized, and clean? Do children look happy and engaged? Observe teacher interactions—do they kneel to speak at eye level and use gentle tones?
Inspect safety measures: outlet covers, gated stairs, age-appropriate toys, and secure outdoor play areas. Outdoor time is vital—ask how often children go outside and whether shaded spaces are available in summer.
Trust your instincts. A warm atmosphere and genuine smiles often say more than any brochure.
Policies, Fees, and Logistics
Clarity on policies prevents surprises later. Request a written handbook or contract covering hours, closures, holidays, and late-pickup rules.
Ask how fees are structured—what’s included, what’s extra, and how payment is handled. Check for registration fees or supply charges.
Discuss the waitlist process and enrolment steps so you can plan ahead. Reliable centers outline everything upfront.
Inclusion, Special Needs, and Transitions
If your child has developmental, sensory, or communication differences, ask how the center provides support. Experienced centers collaborate with speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, or inclusion specialists to adapt activities.
Also, ask how transitions are managed—from home to daycare, or between age groups. Smooth transitions reduce anxiety and help children feel secure.
Parent Involvement and Community
A strong partnership between families and educators benefits every child. Ask whether parents can visit during the day, attend events, or volunteer.
Regular meetings, newsletters, and family-teacher conferences keep you connected. When parents are welcome, children sense the consistency between home and childcare.
Chapter 1 Daycare values open communication and community involvement. We hold family days, seasonal events, and encourage ongoing dialogue about each child’s development.
References and Trial Days
Before committing, request contact details for current families or testimonials. Talking to other parents offers valuable insight into the center’s strengths and daily operations.
If possible, ask about a trial or gradual start period. Short visits can help children adjust to new surroundings while easing parental concerns.
Red Flags to Watch For
While most centers operate with integrity, a few warning signs deserve attention:
• High staff turnover or vague answers about ratios.
• Unclear illness policies or poor cleanliness.
• Children appearing bored, unengaged, or upset without comfort.
• Restricted communication or reluctance to answer detailed questions.
A trustworthy childcare provider welcomes questions and provides documentation without hesitation.
How Chapter 1 Daycare Meets These Standards
At Chapter 1 Daycare, we want every parent to feel informed and confident. Our facility is fully licensed and regularly inspected to meet Alberta’s health and safety standards. All educators hold Early Childhood Education certification and complete ongoing training in child development, first aid, and safe supervision.
We maintain low educator-to-child ratios, transparent communication, and a play-based curriculum built on developmental research. Families receive digital updates, photos, and daily reports through our parent app. Our inclusive environment welcomes children of all abilities, and our structured routines balance learning with rest, outdoor play, and social growth.
When parents tour our daycare, we encourage them to ask every question in this guide—and more. We’re proud to show our classrooms, introduce our team, and explain how we keep children safe, engaged, and happy each day.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right childcare center takes time and thoughtful questioning. By asking about safety, staff stability, curriculum, and daily routines, you’ll gain a clear picture of what your child’s day will look like and whether the environment aligns with your family’s values.
We welcome every parent to bring this list to their tour at Chapter 1 Daycare. Your questions help us show what makes our program caring, transparent, and rooted in early learning excellence.
Ready to take the next step?
Book a tour with Chapter 1 Daycare today and see how our educators create a nurturing start to lifelong learning.