Daycare Interview Questions & Tour Guide - Ottawa Parents

Introduction: Making the Most of Your Daycare Visit

Walking into a daycare tour without a plan is like shopping without a list - you'll forget the important bits! After 40 years of welcoming families into childcare settings, I've seen parents leave brilliant tours without asking crucial questions. This guide ensures you get all the information you need to make the right choice for your family.

💡 Pro Tip from 40 Years Experience

Book your visit during active hours when you can see children in action. Bring your partner if possible - two sets of ears catch more details. Don't be shy about taking notes - serious providers expect this! Most importantly, trust your gut feeling about the atmosphere.

A quality daycare provider will welcome your questions and answer them thoroughly. They should be as interested in learning about your child as you are in understanding their program. Red flag alert: if anyone seems irritated by your questions, keep looking!

Questions About Safety & Security

Safety isn't just about childproof locks and gates (though those matter too!). It's about emergency preparedness, staff training, and clear protocols. These questions help you understand how seriously a provider takes their responsibility for your child's wellbeing.

Emergency Procedures

Q: "What are your emergency evacuation procedures?"

Look for specific details: designated meeting spots, regular practice drills, and clear evacuation routes. Good providers will show you their emergency plan and explain how they keep children calm during drills. Vague answers like "we follow government guidelines" aren't enough.

Q: "How do you handle medical emergencies?"

Expect detailed protocols about when to call 911 versus parents first. They should have first aid training, know your child's medical conditions, and have emergency contacts readily available. Red flag: if they seem unsure about these procedures.

Allergy Protocols

Q: "How do you manage food allergies?"

They should understand cross-contamination prevention, label reading, and have experience with allergic children. Ask about meal preparation areas, hand washing protocols, and what happens if another child brings unsafe food. Detailed answers show they've done this before.

Q: "Are you comfortable with giving an EpiPen if parent provides one?"

Many providers feel uncomfortable with EpiPens, which could delay life-saving treatment. You need someone confident and properly trained. At my daycare, I'm comfortable with EpiPens because I've maintained current training for over 25 years - that's the level of preparedness your child deserves.

Emergency Training

Q: "What emergency certifications do you have?"

Standard CPR and First Aid are bare minimums. Look for specialized training in choking response, allergy management, and emergency medication administration. Ask when they last renewed their certifications - annually is ideal. Additional training shows genuine commitment to safety.

Questions About Daily Routine

Children thrive with predictable routines, but flexibility matters too. A good schedule balances structured activities with free play, includes outdoor time weather permitting, and adapts to children's natural rhythms. Rigid schedules or complete chaos are both concerning.

Schedule and Structure

Q: "Can you walk me through a typical day?"

Listen for varied activities: circle time, crafts, outdoor play, quiet time, and meals. The best providers explain how they transition between activities and manage different age groups. They should mention bathroom breaks, hand washing, and how they handle children who need extra time.

Nap Times

Q: "How do you handle nap schedules for different ages?"

Younger children need flexibility around sleep schedules, while older ones benefit from consistent nap times. Ask how they handle children who don't nap - forced lying down for hours isn't appropriate. Quality providers offer quiet activities for non-nappers.

Outdoor Play

Q: "How much outdoor time do children get daily?"

Aim for at least 2 hours daily outdoors (weather permitting). Ask about their outdoor space - is it safe, fenced, and age-appropriate? What's their policy for extreme weather? Children need fresh air and physical activity, so indoor-only programs should be questioned.

Questions About Food & Nutrition

Nutrition shapes children's energy, mood, and development. Whether they provide meals or you pack them, understanding their food policies helps you plan. Ask about snack timing, meal supervision, and how they handle picky eaters or food allergies.

Q: "What meals and snacks do you provide?"

Quality providers offer balanced meals with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and protein. They should accommodate dietary restrictions and cultural preferences. Ask about drink options - water and milk are ideal, avoid places heavy on juice or sugary snacks.

Q: "Can I see a sample menu?"

Menus reveal their approach to nutrition and variety. Look for real foods over processed options, regular vegetable offerings, and reasonable portion sizes. Good providers post menus in advance so parents can prepare children for new foods.

Q: "How do you handle picky eaters?"

They should encourage trying new foods without forcing eating. Positive mealtime atmosphere matters more than clean plates. Ask how they handle food refusal - punishment or pressure around eating creates unhealthy relationships with food.

Questions About Communication

Strong communication builds trust and ensures consistency between home and daycare. You need regular updates about your child's day, challenges, and milestones. Poor communication leads to missed problems and frustrated parents.

Daily Reports

Q: "How do you communicate daily activities to parents?"

Daily reports should cover meals eaten, nap times, bathroom visits, activities enjoyed, and any concerns. Some providers use apps, others prefer written notes. Ask for examples of their typical reports - detailed updates show they pay attention to individual children.

Parent Updates

Q: "How can I reach you during the day if needed?"

Emergency calls should come immediately, but routine questions can wait for pickup time. Many providers accept texts for non-urgent matters. Clarify their preferred communication methods and response timeframes - mutual respect for boundaries works best.

Questions About Potty Training Support

Successful potty training requires teamwork between home and daycare. Mixed messages confuse children and slow progress. Find providers who'll coordinate with your methods and timing rather than pushing their own agenda.

Q: "What's your approach to potty training?"

Their approach should match your family's style. Some providers prefer child-led training, others use scheduled potty breaks. Ask about their patience level with accidents and how they celebrate successes. Pressure-based methods often backfire.

Q: "How do you coordinate with parents on potty training?"

Consistent language, rewards, and expectations help children succeed faster. They should be willing to follow your home routine initially, then gradually adapt as your child progresses. Regular communication about successes and setbacks is essential.

From My Book: The British Nanny's Guide to Potty Training

Look for providers who view potty training as a developmental process, not a race. They should have patience for accidents, celebrate small wins, and communicate progress clearly. My book details why the 5-level approach works so well in daycare settings.

Questions About Sick Policies

Unclear sick policies lead to frustration and lost work days. You need specific guidelines about symptoms that require staying home, pickup procedures when children get ill, and return-to-care requirements. This protects everyone's health.

Q: "What symptoms require a child to stay home?"

Typical exclusions include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, undiagnosed rashes, and signs of contagious illness. Some providers are stricter than others. Ask for their written policy - verbal explanations often change when you're rushing to work.

Q: "What happens if my child gets sick during the day?"

They should call immediately when children develop symptoms, not wait to see if they improve. Ask about their pickup timeframe expectations and backup contact procedures. Quick response protects other children and shows they take health seriously.

What to Observe During Your Visit

Your eyes and instincts reveal what words cannot. Watch how providers interact with children, observe the cleanliness and organization, and notice the general atmosphere. Happy children and calm providers usually indicate a quality program.

Environment Observations

Tidy but lived-in spaces show active learning. Toys should be clean and organized, not pristine museums
Proper outlet covers, secure stairs, locked cleaning supplies, and age-appropriate furniture
Varied toys that encourage creativity, learning, and physical development for each age group
Bright, airy spaces with good airflow help children stay healthy and alert

Interaction Observations

Warm, respectful communication at children's eye level with patience and genuine interest
Children should seem relaxed, engaged, and comfortable approaching the provider
Happy chatter and play sounds are normal; constant crying or chaos are concerning
Positive redirection, clear expectations, and calm problem-solving rather than harsh punishment

⚠️ Trust Your Instincts

Parents often sense problems before they can articulate them. If something feels wrong during your visit, pay attention to that instinct. You know your child best - trust yourself to recognize the right environment for them.

Free Downloadable Tour Checklist PDF

📋 Never Miss a Question Again

Download our printable daycare tour checklist with all questions organized by category. Take it with you on visits!

Download Tour Checklist (PDF)

What's Included in the Checklist:

All essential questions organized by category
Space for notes and impressions
Red flag warning signs to watch for
Comparison chart for multiple daycares
Follow-up questions for second visits

Schedule a Tour at The British Nanny's Daycare

Ready to see what quality daycare looks like? I invite you to tour The British Nanny's Daycare in Barrhaven. You'll experience the warm, professional atmosphere that's made Ottawa families feel confident about their childcare choice for over 40 years.

                    What Makes Our Tours Different
                    Meet me personally and see our warm, British-inspired environment
Observe our small group of happy, engaged children
Review our allergy protocols and safety measures
See our screen-free learning materials and outdoor space
Ask any questions - I have 40+ years of answers!

                

Daycare Interview Questions & Tour Guide for Ottawa Parents