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Free daycare tour checklist

Touring is the best way to tell whether a daycare fits. This free printable gives you the questions to ask and what to watch for on every visit, plus space to record your gut reaction while it’s fresh.

What’s inside the checklist

Six groups of questions to bring to every tour, plus a tour-notes scorecard to compare daycares side by side. A sample from each:

Before you go

  • Confirm the licence type and the ages they are licensed to accept.
  • Check inspection and substantiated complaint history through your health authority link.
  • Ask whether you can join the waitlist during or immediately after the visit.

Safety and staff

  • What is the licensed capacity, group size, and ratio in this room today?
  • Which staff are ECE, Infant Toddler Educator, ECEA, or responsible adult?
  • Is valid first aid/CPR coverage always on site and during outdoor or off-site time?

Daily program and fit

  • Walk me through a normal day: meals, naps, outdoor time, transitions, and free play.
  • How do you comfort a child who is upset, new, or struggling at drop-off?
  • How do you handle conflict, biting, big emotions, or unsafe behaviour?

Health and food

  • Who provides meals and snacks? Can I see a sample menu?
  • How do you handle allergies, medication, cultural food needs, and special diets?
  • What is your illness policy, and when must a child stay home or be picked up?

Communication and money

  • How will I hear about my child's day - app, photos, paper sheet, or verbal update?
  • What are the full fees, deposit, registration fees, late fees, and included/excluded costs?
  • Do you participate in $10 a Day, CCFRI, or support Affordable Child Care Benefit paperwork?

What to watch for while you're there

  • Do staff speak warmly, at eye level, and with patience?
  • Are children engaged, comfortable, and supervised - not just being managed?
  • Would you feel calm leaving your child here on a hard morning?

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Prefer to skip the email? You can download the printable checklist (PDF) for free. New to the search? Read our guide on choosing a licensed daycare.