Dr Zee · Pediatrician-led parent resource

Daycare Tour Checklist

Use this checklist to compare childcare providers and record the answers that matter for your child’s safety, health, routines, and family fit.

Provider: ________________________________ Date: __________________ Child’s age: __________

How to use this checklist: Ask to see the actual rooms your child will use, request written policies, and take notes. This resource supports questions during a visit; it does not replace local licensing advice or your child’s own clinician.

1. Licensing, policies, and transparency

I confirmed the provider’s licence or registration requirements for my area. I received the written health, illness, medication, nutrition, discipline, and emergency policies. I understand the fees, hours, holidays, late pickup rules, and closure arrangements. I was allowed to visit the rooms, sleep areas, outdoor spaces, and changing areas my child will use. I understand the visitor and authorised-pickup process.

2. Staffing and supervision

Staff explained their qualifications, first-aid training, and pediatric CPR training. I know who will care for my child most often and how staff absences are covered. Children are supervised by sight and sound, including during sleep and transitions. Staff explained the group size, staffing plan, and how children are moved between rooms. The adults interacted calmly, respectfully, and attentively with the children.

3. Infant sleep, feeding, and changing

I saw the sleep space and understood how safe sleep checks are recorded. Staff explained bottle, expressed milk, formula, food labelling, storage, and preparation. There is a clear process for allergies, dietary restrictions, and individual feeding plans. Staff explained hand hygiene, changing-surface cleaning, and toy-cleaning routines. The provider can record feeds, naps, nappies, and concerns for family updates.

4. Illness, medication, and emergencies

I know when a child must stay home and when parents are contacted. I know where an unwell child waits while their parent or backup contact arrives. I understand medication consent, storage, dose-checking, and documentation. Staff explained how they respond to choking, breathing difficulty, allergic reactions, and serious injury. Emergency contacts and authorised backup contacts are kept current.

5. Communication and family fit

I know how daily updates are shared and who contacts me with a concern. The provider can accommodate my child’s language, comfort, sleep, feeding, or accessibility needs. We discussed a gradual transition and what the first week may look like. The provider answered questions clearly without pressuring me to enrol.

What felt reassuring?

What needs follow-up?