20 Questions to Ask Your Daycare Provider Before Enrolling Your Child

Choosing a daycare is about more than weighing tuition fees and commute times. After all, you’re not just finding a place for your child to spend their days. You’re choosing a second home, a circle of trusted caregivers, and a community that will play a meaningful role in your child’s early years. You want to make sure they’re safe, nurtured, and loved.

At Ducklings Early Learning Center, we understand how deeply personal choosing an early learning center can be. This guide is filled with helpful questions to ask your daycare provider, so you can feel confident knowing your child is always in good hands.

Understanding the Daycare’s Curriculum

The best early childhood education programs blend structured curriculum with creativity, allowing every little one to explore, play, and grow at their own pace. Consider asking these questions:

• What is your early learning curriculum model?
  It’s important to understand what values guide the daycare’s teaching and whether its approach aligns with your family’s.
• How do you incorporate both structured learning and free play?
  Look for a program that promotes academic growth in key areas like math and reading while allowing plenty of room for imagination and exploration.
• How do you support social-emotional development in young children?
  It’s important that your child learns empathy, communication, and self-regulation early through intentional lessons, interactive play, and supervised social situations.
• How do you adapt to different learning styles and developmental milestones?
  Every child is unique — this question will help you understand how flexible and inclusive the program you’re evaluating is.

At Ducklings, our approach to childcare encourages curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. We focus on whole-child development that combines imaginative play with academic exploration.

Evaluating Childcare Staff Qualifications

Your child’s teachers and caregivers will shape their daycare experience. To better understand the qualifications and approach of a daycare’s staff, ask the following:

• What credentials or training does your staff receive?
  Ensure qualified childcare providers are on staff to keep the daycare environment safe and more effective for early learning.
• What is your child-to-teacher ratio in each classroom?
  Lower student-to-staff ratios often mean your child will receive more personalized attention and better supervision.
• How do you promote consistency and reduce staff turnover?
  Children thrive on consistency, so a daycare with frequent staff changes may impact their sense of security.
• What methods do you use for behavior management and discipline?
  Make sure the daycare center’s approach aligns with your family’s values and emphasizes positive reinforcement.

Ducklings employs educators with a passion for early learning. Each team member participates in ongoing training to stay current with best practices in early childhood education.

Assessing Health, Safety, and Cleanliness Protocols

When it comes to your child’s well-being, a clean, safe, and secure environment is not negotiable. Don’t forget to ask these questions:

• What are your routine cleaning and sanitation practices?
  Regular cleaning helps prevent the spread of germs, especially during cold and flu season.
• Are staff members trained in CPR and first aid?
  Emergency preparedness is a must for any responsible childcare provider. 
• How do you handle food allergies and dietary restrictions?
  Their process should include clear labeling, open communication, and thorough staff training on how to handle allergic reactions.
• Do you have any policies regarding student illness, vaccinations, or emergency procedures?
  Clear policies help protect everyone in the daycare center and give you peace of mind.

At Ducklings, we always take safety seriously. Each daycare location follows thorough cleaning routines, maintains emergency preparedness plans, and equips every team member to handle a variety of health and safety scenarios.

Exploring Communication and Family Engagement

Open communication is a cornerstone of trust. As a parent, you need to feel included in your child’s early learning journey. Here are four questions to ask your daycare provider before enrolling:

• How will you share updates about my child’s day and progress?
  You’ll want regular, transparent updates that help you stay connected with your child even when you’re apart.
• Do you hold parent-teacher conferences or regular check-ins?
  Regular check-ins help you stay informed about your child’s growth, milestones, and overall classroom experience.
• What is your process for addressing parent concerns or feedback?
  Having a clear feedback process in place is a good sign that the daycare center values your input and takes parent concerns seriously.
• Are there opportunities for family participation or events?
  Family engagement strengthens the home-school connection and builds community.

At Ducklings, family engagement is a key pillar of our approach to early childhood education. From daily digital updates to annual family events, we’re committed to keeping parents in the loop every step of the way.

Clarifying Policies, Procedures, and Logistics

Understanding the operational details of your daycare can help avoid surprises and ensure a smooth transition for your child. Remember to ask these questions:

• What are your hours of operation and options for extended care?
  It’s important to make sure their schedule aligns with yours, especially if you have a long commute.
• What is your policy on late pick-ups, holidays, and weather closures?
  Clear expectations help you plan ahead and avoid last-minute issues or unexpected late-stay charges.
• Can you walk me through the enrollment process and fees?
  Choosing a daycare with a transparent enrollment process will make planning your family budget easier.
• Is there a waitlist, and how does admission work?
  You’ll want to know the best time to apply and how placement for your child will be determined.

Flexible scheduling, clear communication, and a straightforward enrollment process make Ducklings a great daycare choice for even the busiest families. 

Choosing the Right Daycare for Your Child

Asking the right questions now can bring you lasting peace of mind later. After all, this isn’t just about choosing a daycare — it’s about finding a place where your child will feel loved, supported, and free to grow into who they’re meant to be. Trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to ask about what matters most to your family.

You’re invited to see the Ducklings difference for yourself! Contact your nearest Ducklings location today to schedule a tour or discuss enrollment options.