25 questions to ask on a daycare tour in Vancouver

5 min read · facts checked Oct 19, 2026

A tour is your best chance to see whether a program feels right. Bring this list, pick the questions that matter most to you, and watch how staff talk to the children while you're there.

Staff and safety

1. How many children are in my child's group, and how many educators?
2. Are the educators certified Early Childhood Educators? How long have they been here?
3. How do you handle staff absences? Will my child see familiar faces?
4. When was your last health authority inspection, and can I see the report?
5. Who can pick up my child, and how do you check?

The day

1. What does a typical day look like, from drop-off to pick-up?
2. How much time do children spend outside, and where?
3. How do you handle naps, and can you follow my child's routine?
4. Do you provide meals and snacks? How do you handle allergies?
5. How do you help a new child settle in? Is there a gradual entry?

Learning and care

1. What's your approach to play and learning?
2. How do you handle conflict between children, and biting at this age?
3. How do you support children with extra needs?
4. Which languages are spoken here?
5. How do you support toilet learning?

Fees and policies

1. What is the monthly fee after fee reduction? What's included?
2. Do you take part in fee reduction, or are you a $10 a Day site?
3. What deposit do you need to hold a space, and is it refundable?
4. How much notice do I need to give to leave?
5. What's your sick policy, and how long must children stay home?
6. Are you closed for any weeks in the year?

Communication

1. How will you tell me about my child's day?
2. How do I reach staff during the day?
3. How do you share concerns with parents?
4. If we're on your waitlist, how often should we check in, and how?

Tip: Look past the toys. The best sign is educators down at children's eye level, talking with them warmly and calmly.