10 Questions Every Parent Should Ask a Childcare Provider

Choosing a childcare centre isn’t just about the tour — it’s about asking the right questions that reveal what daily life will actually look like for your child. Here are the 10 essential questions every parent should ask, written simply, honestly, and from a real parent’s perspective.

1. “Are you a licensed childcare centre?”

This is the quickest way to know whether the centre follows safety standards, ratios, educator qualifications, and inspections.
If the answer isn’t a clear “yes”, that’s your sign to walk away.

2. “What is your program philosophy?”

Reggio? Montessori? Play-based? Academic-enriched?
The philosophy determines the feel of your child’s day. They should be able to explain it clearly — no confusion, no buzzwords.

3. “What are your staff qualifications?”

You’re trusting them with your child. Ask:

• How many educators are ECE-certified?
• Do you have Infant–Toddler specialists?
• How long has your team been here?

High turnover matters. Kids need consistency.

4. “What does a typical day look like?”

Daily rhythm = emotional stability.
Listen for outdoor play, free play, art, story time, structured activities, and calm transitions. If the routine feels chaotic, the experience usually is too.

5. “How do you communicate with parents?”

A good centre doesn’t leave parents in the dark.
Ask about daily updates, incident reports, how to reach teachers, and how often they share developmental observations.

6. “How do you handle challenging moments or big emotions?”

This one reveals their entire approach to children.
Look for answers about gentle guidance, emotional support, and staying with the child — not punishment or timeouts.

7. “What is your sick-child policy?”

Every parent has lived through this confusion. Ask:

• When must a child stay home?
• When can they return?
• Do you give medication?
• What happens if my child gets sick during the day?

Clear rules = fewer surprises.

8. “What are your fees, and what’s included?”

Avoid the hidden-fee trap.
Ask about:

• Monthly tuition
• Registration/waitlist fees
• Deposits
• Late pick-up charges
• Activity/supply fees
• Participation in CCFRI (BC) or CWELCC (Ontario)

9. “How do you ensure safety during the day?

Security matters. Ask about:

• Entry/exit procedures
• Outdoor safety
• Emergency plans
• Fire/earthquake drills
• First-aid certifications

Their tone will tell you a lot.

10. “Can I speak with a current parent?”

This is the honesty test.
If a centre is confident in its care, it won’t hide its families.
One quick conversation with another parent often tells you everything.

Final Word

You don’t need a list of 50 questions — just these 10.
Each one reveals something important about the people, the environment, and the values behind the centre. And the right childcare provider won’t be defensive; they’ll welcome your questions.

Because good childcare isn’t just about policies — it’s about trust, warmth, and the feeling you get when you walk through the door.