What to Ask on a Childcare Tour (And Why the Answers Matter)
What to Ask on a Childcare Tour (And Why the Answers Matter)
If you’ve ever stood in the lobby of a childcare center, smiling politely while your mind runs through a thousand questions — you’re not alone.
Choosing care for your child isn’t just a logistical decision. It’s emotional. It’s financial. It’s personal. You’re handing over your heart every morning — and you deserve to know it’s in good hands.
As both a mom and a childcare owner, I’ve been on both sides of that tour. I know what it feels like to wonder: Is my child really safe here? Will they be loved? Will I be able to focus on work without that knot in my stomach?
Those are the real questions behind every “tour question,” and they’re exactly the ones worth asking.
Why Your Questions Matter
A childcare tour isn’t just about pretty classrooms and bright toys — it’s about clarity, trust, and peace of mind.
The right center will welcome your questions because confident parents make confident kids.
At The Sunshine Academy, we encourage every family to come prepared with thoughtful questions. Because when you know what to ask, you get to see what truly sets one program apart from another — beyond the price tag or Pinterest-worthy décor.
What to Look For During a Tour
Here are a few areas I always tell parents to focus on — the same ones we’ve built into our Sunshine Academy Childcare Tour Checklist (available for download below).
Safety & Security
Ask how the center ensures safety every day — from check-in procedures to emergency drills.
At Sunshine, we use AI-powered cameras, controlled entry systems, and weekly safety audits to make sure every child is protected.
“Peace of mind isn’t a luxury. It’s the foundation for everything else we do.”
Teacher Quality & Training
The heart of any childcare program is its teachers. Ask about staff qualifications, ratios, and how the center supports ongoing professional development.
Stable, well-trained teachers don’t just care for children — they nurture their growth and emotional well-being.
At Sunshine, we prioritize staff retention and ongoing training because consistency builds connection — and connection builds confidence.
Learning & Curriculum
Every playtime moment is a learning opportunity. Ask what curriculum guides the program and how it supports your child’s development through each age group.
Look for centers that balance structure and play — because learning should feel joyful, not rigid.
Our curriculum, Frog Street, aligns with the Montana Early Learning Standards and encourages curiosity, creativity, and kindness (Conscious Discipline) — the building blocks for lifelong learning.
Parent Communication
You shouldn’t have to wonder what your child did all day.
Ask how the center keeps parents informed — whether it’s daily reports, photos, or an app.
At Sunshine, our digital communication platform, keeps parents updated in real time, so you always feel close to your child’s day, even when you’re at work.
Meals, Supplies & Daily Care
The small details make a big difference.
Ask what’s included — meals, snacks, diapers, wipes — and how dietary needs are handled.
Our families love that tuition includes all essentials, so mornings are a little less hectic (and grocery lists a little shorter).
Environment & Culture
Peek beyond the policies. Watch how teachers greet children. Notice if the space feels joyful and inclusive.
At Sunshine, we celebrate milestones, birthdays, and every small victory. Because when children feel loved and seen, they thrive.
Reliability & Peace of Mind
Finally, ask about closures, backup plans, and how the center handles staff absences.
Reliable childcare means you don’t have to scramble when life happens. Our families receive a full-year calendar, clear communication, and the confidence that we’ll be here when they need us.
The Sunshine Childcare Tour Checklist
To make your next tour easier, we created a Childcare Tour Checklist — a printable guide that helps you ask the right questions and compare your options confidently.
It includes key categories like safety, curriculum, communication, and reliability — all the things that truly impact your peace of mind and your child’s happiness.
Download the Childcare Tour Checklist
(Print it out or save it on your phone before your next tour!)
A Final Word from Sara
Choosing childcare is one of the biggest parenting decisions you’ll ever make — and you deserve to feel confident about it.
Don’t settle for vague answers or “trust us” promises. Ask the questions that matter. Watch how a center responds. Listen to your instincts.
Because when you find a place that values safety, connection, and genuine partnership — that’s when the real peace of mind begins.
At The Sunshine Academy, that’s what we’re here to offer.
Peace of mind. Every day.
