Questions to Ask a Child Care Provider: Building Trust and Choosing the Right Fit

Choosing a child care provider is a big decision. You’re trusting someone to care for your child, support their development, and communicate with you about their needs. Asking the right questions is essential not only to get information, but also to see how a provider communicates, whether their values align with yours, and how they approach relationships with families.

This guide offers 20 key questions every parent should ask, along with why each one matters and what to listen for in the answers. We’ve also included regional considerations for parents in Canada, Europe, and the GCC to reflect different regulations and cultural contexts.

Why Asking Questions Matters

• It helps you make an informed decision

  You’ll better understand policies, safety measures, and educational approaches.

• It builds rapport

  A strong relationship with your child’s care provider is key to your child’s success.

• It clarifies expectations

  Open conversations help prevent misunderstandings later.

A good provider will welcome your questions. If they seem hesitant or dismissive, that’s an important sign to consider.

20 Questions Every Parent Should Ask

1. What is your approach to early learning and play?

Why ask:
A provider’s philosophy shows how they view children and learning. It helps you understand if they prioritize hands-on, play-based experiences or a more academic approach.

Listen for:
Mentions of play-based learning, child-led exploration, and age-appropriate activities that support curiosity and independence.

2. What does a typical day look like for the children?

Why ask:
Daily routines give children a sense of structure and security. They also show how the provider balances learning, play, and rest.

Listen for:
A clear mix of indoor and outdoor play, active and quiet time, as well as meals, snacks, and naps that follow a predictable rhythm.

3. How do you communicate with families?

Why ask:
Consistent communication keeps you informed about your child’s day and builds a strong partnership with the provider.

Listen for:
Tools such as daily handovers, apps, emails, or newsletters, and clear processes for discussing concerns or updates about your child.

4. What qualifications and training do staff have?

Why ask:
Staff training directly impacts the quality of care and learning experiences.

Listen for:
Early childhood education credentials, first aid certification, and evidence of ongoing professional development or upskilling.

5. What are your staff-to-child ratios?

Why ask:
Ratios affect how much attention and support each child receives, as well as overall safety.

Listen for:
Ratios that meet or exceed local regulations and allow for meaningful interactions between educators and children.

6. How do you handle behaviour guidance?

Why ask:
Children benefit when behaviour expectations are consistent between home and care.

Listen for:
Approaches that use positive discipline, redirection, encouragement, and teaching skills, rather than punishment.

7. How do you handle emergencies and illness?

Why ask:
Clear procedures ensure children’s safety and prevent the spread of illness.

Listen for:
Well-defined emergency plans, illness exclusion policies, and staff trained in first aid and CPR.

8. What is your approach to meals and snacks?

Why ask:
Food choices affect children’s health, routines, and inclusion.

Listen for:
Details on who provides meals, how allergies and dietary needs are accommodated, and whether cultural preferences are considered.

9. How do you support children with different abilities or languages?

Why ask:
Inclusive practices ensure every child feels supported and valued.

Listen for:
Examples of adaptations, collaboration with specialists, and a commitment to embracing cultural and language diversity.

10. How do you handle holidays and cultural practices?

Why ask:
Respecting cultural traditions helps families feel understood and included.

Listen for:
Flexibility with celebrations, acknowledgment of religious or cultural observances, and openness to family input on special events.

11. How is outdoor play integrated into the day?

Why ask:
Regular outdoor play supports physical health, exploration, and learning.

Listen for:
Daily outdoor time (weather permitting) and access to safe, engaging spaces for active play and nature experiences.

12. How do you support toilet training?

Why ask:
Consistency between home and care makes toilet training less stressful for children.

Listen for:
A collaborative approach that respects each child’s readiness and pace, with regular communication with families.

13. How are children comforted when upset or missing home?

Why ask:
Emotional support is just as important as daily routines.

Listen for:
Warm, responsive care and practical strategies to reassure and comfort children during transitions or difficult moments.

14. What is your policy on screen time?

Why ask:
Young children benefit most from active, hands-on play rather than screens.

Listen for:
Minimal or intentional screen use, with a focus on interactive or educational purposes only.

15. How do you manage conflicts between children?

Why ask:
Conflict is a learning opportunity for developing social skills.

Listen for:
Supportive strategies that guide children to problem-solve, share, and express feelings, rather than using punishment.

16. How do you involve families in learning?

Why ask:
Family involvement strengthens the connection between home and the care setting.

Listen for:
Invitations to events, chances to share cultural traditions, and ways families can contribute to learning activities or topics.

17. How do you handle staff turnover?

Why ask:
Stable relationships with caregivers help children feel secure.

Listen for:
Plans for smooth transitions, clear communication with families, and efforts to retain consistent staff.

18. How do you track and share children’s progress?

Why ask:
Regular updates help families understand their child’s development and support learning at home.

Listen for:
Use of observations, assessments, or portfolios and clear ways these are shared with families.

19. What is included in the fees?

Why ask:
Clear information about fees helps families plan and avoid unexpected costs.

Listen for:
A transparent breakdown of tuition, meals, supplies, trips, and any extra charges.

20. What makes your centre unique?

Why ask:
This open-ended question reveals what the provider values most.

Listen for:
Personal, thoughtful responses that highlight their approach, strengths, and what sets them apart.

What to Look For in Their Answers

• Do they welcome questions without rushing or dismissing concerns?

• Do they give clear, specific examples?

• Do they share enthusiasm for children’s growth and learning?

How you feel during the conversation matters as much as the answers themselves.

Regional Considerations

Canada

• Ask about licensing and inspection reports in your province or territory.

• Find out if the centre participates in Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC), which may reduce fees.

• Confirm staff-to-child ratios, which vary by age group and region.

Europe

• Ask if they follow a national early years framework (e.g., EYFS in England, Aistear in Ireland, or local curriculum models).

• Clarify how they support multilingual children, especially in bilingual regions.

• Discuss holiday schedules.

GCC Region

• Ask about licensing under local ministries.

• Clarify how they incorporate Arabic and Islamic Studies into their curriculum.

• Ensure staff are trained in safeguarding and early childhood best practices.

Building Rapport with Your Child Care Provider

Asking questions is the start of a partnership, ensuring both your care provider and you are aligned and on the same page. Notice:

• Do they listen to your priorities and values?

• Do they share examples of how they work with families?

• Do they seem open to feedback and collaboration?

Strong relationships between families and care providers create the best outcomes for children. Trust and communication go both ways.

Final Thoughts

Selecting a child care provider is not just about convenience or cost. It’s about finding a team that shares your commitment to your child’s well-being, development, and happiness.

Asking thoughtful questions helps you get clear information while also building trust and understanding. A good provider will welcome your curiosity and see your involvement as a strength.

The right provider will feel like a partner, someone who celebrates your child’s milestones with you and supports them through challenges.

Take your time, ask questions, and choose the setting where you feel both informed and confident. Your child deserves care that’s safe, nurturing, and aligned with your family’s values.

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