10 Questions to Ask Before Enrolling Your Child in Any Daycare
A daycare tour can be persuasive by design. Bright displays, a friendly welcome, and a well-rehearsed walkthrough can make almost any centre feel reassuring in the moment. The questions below are meant to cut through that and get at the information that actually determines day-to-day quality.
Safety and Supervision
- What is the staff-to-child ratio for my child’s specific age group?
- Where exactly are CCTV cameras placed, and how long is footage retained?
- What is the process for verifying who is authorised to pick up my child?
- What happens if my child becomes unwell or is injured during the day?
Curriculum and Daily Structure
- Can you walk me through a typical day, hour by hour?
- What specific developmental goals does the daily routine target?
- How does the programme differ for different age groups within the centre?
Staff and Communication
- How long have the staff been with the centre, and is turnover low?
- Will my child have a consistent primary caregiver?
- How will I be updated about my child’s day, and how often?
How to Use the Answers
Specific, confident answers are a good sign. Vague or evasive answers to any of these, particularly around ratios, staff turnover, or safety processes, are worth treating as a real signal rather than something to overlook because the rest of the visit felt positive.
We are happy to answer every one of these questions directly during a visit to either our Besa or Somalwada centre. Book a visit, or read more about our curriculum and our safety standards beforehand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which of these questions matters most?
Staff-to-child ratio and staff turnover tend to be the strongest indicators of day-to-day quality, since they affect every other aspect of your child’s care.
Should I ask these questions during the tour or beforehand?
Either works, but asking during the tour lets you observe how confidently and specifically the staff answer, which is itself useful information.
What if a centre can’t answer some of these clearly?
Treat that as meaningful information. A well-run centre should be able to answer questions about ratios, safety processes, and daily structure without hesitation.
