27 Questions to Ask on a Daycare Tour — Built from California Inspection Records

Inspired by state citations for unsupervised aides and ratio stacking during break times.

What is the exact adult-to-child ratio in this specific room at 8:00 AM, 12:30 PM, and 5:00 PM?

How long has the lead teacher in this room worked at this center?

When a lead teacher is out sick, are rooms covered by permanent staff or outside temp agency floaters?

Are assistant teacher aides ever left alone supervising children without a fully certified lead teacher present?

Directly derived from CDSS Type A citations for bibs left on sleeping infants or unapproved wedges.

Can you show me the individual infant sleep logs (Form LIC 9227) updated every 15 minutes?

Are infants strictly placed flat on their backs with zero bibs, blankets, or soft toys in the crib?

What is your protocol if an infant falls asleep in a bouncer, stroller, or swing?

How often are crib slats and mattresses inspected for firm compliance?

Tied to Type B citations for deficient wood chip depth and entrapment hazards under slides.

How deep is the loose-fill protective cushioning beneath outdoor climbing structures and swings?

How often is the outdoor play yard swept for bees, standing water, and sharp debris before kids enter?

Are toddlers and older preschool children separated on different playground yards or staggered times?

Is there certified UV shade canopy protection covering active outdoor play zones?

Inspired by frequent California citations for missing disaster drill records and outdated supplies.

Can I see your physical disaster drill log documenting earthquake and fire drills from the last 6 months?

Where is your secondary emergency relocation site if this facility must evacuate immediately?

How much emergency drinking water and shelf-stable food is stored on campus per enrolled child?

Are all first-aid kits fully stocked with pediatric EpiPens and current expiration dates?

Tied to health code notices regarding unwashed changing pads and improper bleach dilutions.

Is the diaper changing table sanitized with EPA-registered disinfectant between every single child?

Do teachers wash both their hands and the child's hands after every diaper change or bathroom visit?

What is your exact fever and diarrhea exclusion threshold before a child must be picked up?

How do you notify other parents when a contagious illness (RSV, hand-foot-mouth, COVID) is confirmed?

Derived from mandatory LIC 624 incident reporting protocols.

What is your written protocol if a child is bitten or physically injured by another child?

Will I receive a written incident report on the same day an injury occurs?

Can parents review classroom security video footage if an injury or accident is disputed?

What is your expulsion policy for children experiencing behavioral or sensory challenges?

Can parents drop in unannounced at any time during operating hours to observe the classroom?