Are you losing sleep wondering if you’re asking the right questions during daycare visits? You’re not alone. Over 73% of parents admit they enrolled their child without asking crucial safety and educational questions – and many regret it within the first month.
Choosing the wrong daycare doesn’t just waste money. It can impact your child’s development, your work schedule, and your family’s peace of mind. But here’s the good news: with the right questions, you can confidently identify a daycare that will nurture your child’s growth and give you complete peace of mind.
As Bergen County’s trusted childcare experts at Paramus Daycare at Jumpin Jax, we’ve guided hundreds of families through this decision. Today, we’re sharing our comprehensive 47-question best daycare checklist – the same questions we encourage parents to ask us.
Why Most Parents Ask the Wrong Daycare Questions
Before diving into our checklist, let’s address why most daycare visits fail to uncover critical information.
Most parents focus on surface-level questions like “What time do you open?” or “How much does it cost?” While important, these questions don’t reveal whether a daycare will truly serve your child’s needs.
The questions that matter most dig deeper:
- How do they handle behavioral challenges?
- What's their actual teacher-to-child ratio during busy periods?
- How do they communicate with parents about incidents?
Real insight comes from asking follow-up questions and observing how staff respond under pressure.
47-Question Daycare Interview Checklist
Safety & Security Questions (Questions 1-12)
- What security measures are in place for pickup and drop-off?
- How do you verify authorized pickup persons?
- Are all entrances monitored and locked during operating hours?
- What's your policy for unknown individuals attempting pickup?
- How often do you conduct emergency drills?
- Are all staff members CPR and first aid certified?
- What's your procedure for medical emergencies?
- How do you childproof the environment beyond basic measures?
- What's your policy on incident reporting and parent notification?
- Are background checks current for all staff members?
- How do you handle severe weather or emergency situations?
- What safety protocols exist for outdoor play areas?
Staff Qualifications & Training (Questions 13-20)
- What education requirements do you have for lead teachers?
- What's your staff turnover rate over the past two years?
- How often do teachers receive ongoing professional development?
- What's your policy on substitute teachers and their qualifications?
- How do you handle staff absences to maintain ratios?
- What training do staff receive on child development milestones?
- How do teachers handle challenging behaviors?
- What's your process for addressing parent concerns about specific staff members?
Ready to see these questions in action?
Schedule your personalized daycare tour at Paramus Daycare at Jumpin Jax today. Our transparent approach means we welcome every question on this list. Call (201) 500-2951 or visit paramusdaycare.com to book your visit.
Educational Program & Curriculum (Questions 21-30)
- What curriculum or educational approach do you follow?
- How do you accommodate different learning styles?
- What's your approach to school readiness preparation?
- How do you track and communicate developmental progress?
- What enrichment activities are included in tuition?
- How do you handle children who are ahead or behind developmentally?
- What's your policy on screen time and technology use?
- How do you incorporate STEM learning for young children?
- What art, music, and creative activities are offered daily?
- How do you support bilingual or multilingual children?
Daily Operations & Communication (Questions 31-40)
- What does a typical day look like for my child's age group?
- How do you handle nap time for non-nappers?
- What's your sick child policy and fever guidelines?
- How do you communicate daily activities and incidents?
- What's your policy on bringing items from home?
- How do you handle potty training support?
- What's your approach to discipline and positive guidance?
- How do you accommodate special dietary needs or allergies?
- What's your policy on late pickup and associated fees?
- How do you handle snow days and unexpected closures?
Financial & Contractual Questions (Questions 41-47)
- What's included in tuition versus additional fees?
- What's your policy on vacation credits or time off?
- How much notice is required for schedule changes?
- What happens if I need to withdraw my child?
- Are there sibling discounts or payment plan options?
- What supplies or materials do parents need to provide?
- How do you handle tuition increases and how much notice is given?
Red Flags to Watch For During Your Daycare Interview
While asking questions is crucial, how centers respond is equally important. Watch for these warning signs:
Immediate Red Flags:
- Staff seems reluctant to answer questions or becomes defensive
- You're not allowed to observe classrooms during active hours
- Ratios seem higher than state requirements
- Facilities appear unclean or unsafe
- Staff interactions with children seem harsh or impatient
Subtle Warning Signs:
- Vague answers about curriculum or daily activities
- High staff turnover mentioned casually
- Inflexible policies without reasonable explanations
- Poor communication about incidents or concerns
- Reluctance to provide references from current parents
How to Use This Checklist Effectively
Before Your Visit:
- Print this checklist and bring it with you
- Prioritize questions based on your family's specific needs
- Research state licensing requirements beforehand
- Prepare follow-up questions based on their website information
During Your Visit:
- Arrive unannounced if possible to see normal operations
- Observe staff interactions with children
- Note the general atmosphere and cleanliness
- Ask to speak with other parents if they're available
- Trust your instincts about the overall environment
After Your Visit:
- Compare responses across multiple centers
- Check references and online reviews
- Verify licensing and inspection records
- Consider doing a trial day if offered
What Sets Paramus Daycare at Jumpin Jax Apart
At Paramus Daycare at Jumpin Jax, we believe informed parents make the best decisions. That’s why we encourage every family to ask these questions and more.
Here’s what makes us different:
- Transparent Operations: We welcome surprise visits and detailed questions
- Experienced Staff: Our teachers average 8+ years of early childhood experience
- Comprehensive Programs: From infant care to pre-K, we support every developmental stage
- Local Expertise: We understand Bergen County families' unique needs and schedules
We’re so confident in our program that we provide detailed answers to all 47 questions before you even ask.
Take Action: Your Child's Future Starts with the Right Questions
Choosing a daycare is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your child. Don’t leave it to chance or surface-level impressions. Use this checklist to make an informed decision that you’ll feel confident about every morning when you drop off your child.
Ready to see how Paramus Daycare at Jumpin Jax measures up? We invite you to bring this checklist on your tour and ask us every single question. Our team is prepared with detailed, honest answers that will help you make the best choice for your family.
Schedule your comprehensive daycare tour today:
- Call: (201) 500-2951
- Schedule your visit online and receive a digital copy of this checklist
Don’t wait until the last minute. The best daycare spots in Paramus fill up quickly, and your child deserves a center that welcomes your questions and exceeds your expectations.
