Questions to ask on a daycare tour

Short answer: check the state record before you go, then use the tour to watch how adults and children interact and to ask about ratios, behavior guidance, illness, daily communication, training, turnover and drop-in visits. Visit more than one program before you decide.

Before the tour: check the record

Look the program up in Nevada’s licensee search, linked from the Division of Social Services’ Find a Child Care Facility page. The record shows inspection information plus complaints and investigations. Write down anything you want to ask about. Our license guide explains how to read it.

Also check whether the program has a Nevada Silver State Stars quality rating. The Department of Education rates participating programs from 1 to 5 stars, separate from the license.

Look

Childcare.gov’s “Look, Listen, and Ask” tip sheet for choosing a center suggests watching for:

• teachers talking with children at eye level and greeting each child
• a room laid out so teachers can always see the children
• clean, well-organized space with toys children can reach on their own
• indoor and outdoor play equipment that looks safe and in good repair
• frequent handwashing by teachers and children

Listen

• Do you hear frequent laughter and play?
• Do teachers use a positive, nurturing tone at a normal volume?
• Does the place smell clean, or are there strong unpleasant odors?

Ask

These questions come from the same tip sheet:

1. How many children are in the room, and how many adults care for them? Childcare.gov says the fewer children per adult, the better.
2. Can I have a copy of the family handbook? Read the policies on rates and fees, drop-off and pick-up, closures, emergency planning, and discipline.
3. How do you handle challenging behavior? Look for positive guidance such as giving choices and redirecting.
4. Can families drop in and visit?
5. How will you share details of my child’s day, such as feeding, diapering, naps, mood and milestones?
6. Do you provide meals and snacks?
7. What education and training do the director and teachers have?
8. How do you handle sick children, and how do you give medication?
9. How would you support a child with a disability?
10. Have you had high staff turnover? Childcare.gov says low turnover is important.
11. How often do children play outside?

Childcare.gov’s longer checklist also says to ask to see the license and recent inspection reports.

Nevada rules worth asking about

Nevada law gives you a few specific things to bring up:

• Inspections. The state must inspect every licensed child care facility at least once a year (NRS 432A.180). Ask when the last inspection was and what came of it.
• Letter grade. Nevada law (NRS 432A.184) calls for a letter grade of A to F after inspections, a report posted online within 60 days, and the grade posted near each public entrance. The facility must tell anyone who asks. Ask to see it.
• Training. Staff must complete 24 hours of training a year (NRS 432A.1775). Ask how the program tracks it.
• Background checks. Ask how and when new staff are fingerprinted and cleared.

For infants

• How many babies does each adult care for? Childcare.gov’s checklist cites the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation of no more than 3 infants per adult in centers.
• Does each baby have its own labeled crib, and are babies put to sleep on their backs with nothing else in the crib? That’s what the tip sheet says to look for.
• How are bottles labeled and stored?
• How do teachers fit each baby’s own sleeping and eating schedule?
• Are diaper-changing surfaces cleaned after each use, and do teachers wash their hands before and after?

After the tour

Childcare.gov’s steps end the same way: visit several programs, compare what you saw with the state record, and then decide. If something you saw worries you, Nevada Child Care Licensing takes complaints at (702) 486-3822. If a child is in danger, call 911.

We don’t rate or recommend providers. This checklist is general information to help you ask your own questions.