Choosing the right daycare is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. Whether you’re returning to work or simply looking for a structured learning environment for your child, visiting a daycare center in person gives you valuable insight that goes far beyond brochures or websites.
At The Cole Academy, we encourage all families to schedule a tour before enrolling. Why? Because a good fit matters—for you and your child. To help you feel confident during your visit, we’ve compiled a list of the top 7 questions to ask when touring a daycare center.
1. What Is Your Teacher-to-Child Ratio?
This question gives you a sense of how much attention your child will receive. Lower ratios generally mean more individualized care, better supervision, and stronger relationships between staff and children. Ask how ratios vary by age group (infants vs toddlers vs preschoolers), and how the center handles absences or staff shortages.
2. What Does a Typical Day Look Like?
You’ll want to know if the daily schedule includes a good balance of structured learning, playtime, meals, naps, and outdoor activity. This is especially important if you’re seeking a program that encourages early learning and school readiness. At The Cole Academy, for example, our curriculum integrates both academic and social-emotional learning throughout the day.
3. How Do You Handle Safety and Security?
When visiting a daycare, always ask about their safety protocols. Are the doors locked during the day? How are visitors screened? What’s the emergency plan for natural disasters or medical issues? Parents should feel confident that the center is taking every step to keep their children safe and secure.
4. What Qualifications and Training Do Your Staff Members Have?
Ask about teacher certifications, CPR and first aid training, background checks, and continuing education. Experienced and qualified teachers can make a tremendous difference in your child’s early development. Don’t hesitate to ask how long staff members typically stay—low turnover often means a more stable and consistent environment for your child.
5. How Do You Communicate with Parents?
Staying connected with your child’s day is essential, especially when you’re away. At The Cole Academy, families receive updates through LineLeader—a secure portal that delivers voice, text, and email notifications for key messages and alerts.
While this system keeps urgent communication smooth, if you’re interested in real-time updates—like photos or activity logs throughout the day—it’s a great idea to ask during your tour whether your preferred campus offers such tools or has plans to expand its parent-staff communication options.
6. What Meals and Snacks Are Provided?
If the daycare provides food, ask about their menus and how they handle dietary restrictions or allergies. If you’re expected to pack meals, ask for guidelines or restrictions. Nutrition plays a key role in early childhood development, so be sure your child’s needs are supported.
7. What’s the Policy on Sick Children and Illness Prevention?
Daycares inevitably deal with illness, but each center handles it differently. Ask how they sanitize classrooms, what happens when a child gets sick during the day, and what symptoms require a child to stay home. Especially in a post-pandemic world, understanding health protocols is crucial.
Bonus Tip: Trust Your Gut
Beyond the checklist of questions, pay attention to how you feel during the tour. Do the children seem happy and engaged? Is the facility clean and inviting? Are staff members warm, attentive, and approachable?
Your instincts as a parent are powerful. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to keep looking.
Schedule a Tour at The Cole Academy
We believe that transparency and partnership with parents are the foundation of quality childcare. That’s why we welcome families to tour our beautiful campuses across O‘ahu and Hawai‘i Island.
Ready to take the next step? Visit our Locations page to find a center near you and schedule a personal tour. We’re here to answer your questions—and help your family feel right at home.