Key Questions to Ask When Choosing a Daycare Center

Choosing the right daycare center is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. The average child spends 20–40 hours per week in childcare during their early years — years that shape brain development, social skills, and emotional security.
This comprehensive guide gives you the exact questions top pediatricians, early childhood educators, and licensing experts recommend asking during your daycare tours. Use it as your personal checklist.

1. Safety and Security Questions

Your child’s physical safety is non-negotiable.

• Is the entire facility secured with key-coded entry, cameras, and sign-in/out procedures?
• Are all outlets covered, cabinets locked, and cleaning supplies stored out of reach?
• How do you prevent unauthorized pickups? Do you require photo ID every time?
• Are background checks (FBI, state, and sex offender registry) performed on every staff member annually?
• Are all staff trained in infant/child CPR and First Aid? When was the last training?
• How many fire, lockdown, and disaster drills do you conduct each year?
• Are indoor and outdoor play areas fully fenced and age-separated?

2. Staff Qualifications and Child-to-Caregiver Ratios

The most predictive factor of quality childcare is the adults caring for your child.

What is the actual staff-to-child ratio in each age group? (Compare to state minimum vs. NAEYC recommended standards below)

Age Group Ratio Table

Age Group	Washington State Minimum	NAEYC Recommended	Ideal Gold Standard
Infants (0–12 mo)	1:4	1:3	1:3 or better
Toddlers (12–30 mo)	1:7	1:4	1:5
Preschool (30 mo–5y)	1:10	1:8–1:9	1:8

Additional questions:

• What percentage of lead teachers have a CDA, Associate’s, or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education?
• What is your annual staff turnover rate? (Under 15% is excellent)
• Do assistants receive the same ongoing training as lead teachers?

3. Health, Hygiene, and Illness Policies

Young children get sick 8–12 times per year. Clear policies protect everyone.

• What is your exact illness policy? (Example: fever-free for 24 hours without medication)
• How often are toys, tables, and diapering areas sanitized?
• Do you have a full-time nurse or health consultant?
• Are immunizations required for all children and staff?
• How do you handle allergies and medication administration?
• Is handwashing enforced before meals and after diapering?

4. Daily Schedule and Curriculum

High-quality programs follow a predictable yet flexible routine.

• Can I see a written daily schedule for my child’s age group?
• Do you follow a research-based curriculum (Creative Curriculum, HighScope, Montessori, Reggio Emilia)?
• How much time is dedicated to free play vs. teacher-directed activities?
• How do you support dual-language learners?
• Is outdoor play guaranteed daily?
• How are screen-time limits enforced?

5. Nutrition and Meals

Proper nutrition fuels brain development.

• Are meals prepared on-site or catered?
• Do you participate in the USDA CACFP program?
• Can you accommodate allergies, religious needs, or vegetarian diets?
• Are meals served family-style to encourage independence?
• Is water available at all times?

6. Parent Communication and Involvement

You should never feel out of the loop.

• How do you communicate daily? (Apps, daily sheets, photos?)
• Are parents allowed unannounced visits?
• How often are conferences held?
• Do you have an open-door policy for breastfeeding mothers?

7. Discipline and Behavior Guidance

Positive guidance supports emotional development.

• What is your discipline philosophy?
• Are children ever isolated or physically restrained?
• How do you help children who bite, hit, or struggle emotionally?
• Do you use encouragement and logical consequences?

8. Facility and Learning Environment

The physical environment shapes learning.

• Are classrooms bright, organized, and arranged by learning centers?
• Is there an indoor gross-motor room for rainy days?
• Are infant sleep spaces safe, individualized, and well supervised?
• What type of playground surfacing is used and how old is the equipment?

9. Licensing, Accreditation, and Inspections

Proof of quality and safety.

• May I see your state license and latest inspection report?
• Are you accredited by NAEYC, NECPA, or another organization?
• Have there been any complaints in the last three years?
• Do you participate in your state’s QRIS? What is your rating?

10. Cost, Contracts, and Logistics

The practical details.

• What is included in tuition (diapers, wipes, meals, enrichment)?
• Are there extra fees?
• What is your policy for sick/vacation credits?
• What are drop-off and pick-up windows?
• How much notice is required for withdrawal?

Final Thoughts: Trust Your Instincts

After reviewing all the questions and observing the environment, your intuition matters most. Did the staff seem warm? Were children engaged? Did the atmosphere feel safe and nurturing?

If you’re searching for exceptional infant, toddler, and preschool care in the Bothell area, we invite you to discover Kido Heaven — a boutique, NAEYC-accredited learning center where safety, love, and research-based early education come first.

Schedule your private tour today:
Kido Heaven – Premium Daycare Bothell
Kido Heaven – Trusted Child Care Bothell

Your child deserves heaven on earth — and so do you.

Why KidoHeaven Stands Out

✅ Licensed in Washington State
✅ Aligned with Early Achievers standards
✅ Working Connections subsidy accepted
✅ Daily updates via Brightwheel
✅ Located in Bothell, serving Mill Creek, Lynnwood & nearby areas
✅ Nutritious snacks, safe outdoor space, & positive mealtime routines

📞 Call 206-734-2040 to schedule a tour
🌐 Enroll now

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