Deciding on Child Care: 5 Important Questions to Ask

Making a child care decision is a big moment for your family. Finding the right supportive community should feel exciting. At Learning Care, we believe every child deserves a place where they feel safe, loved, and inspired to explore. Instead of sorting through endless checklists, focus on five key questions. Research shows the answers are what matter most for children’s growth, joy, and well-being. The following questions get right to the heart of what creates a nurturing, curiosity-filled early learning environment. One where your child can shine.

What is your teacher-to‑child ratio and maximum group size?

The best early learning experiences happen in warm, responsive relationships. That’s why ratios and group sizes matter so much. The more attention and connection a child receives in their classroom, the more confident they will be while learning and exploring. State licensing standards are the minimum standards for determining ratios.

What are your staff’s qualifications?

A child care program is only as strong as the teachers in the classroom. Look for educators who understand early child development. They’re better at supporting language, social-emotional growth, and overall learning. Feel free to ask about tenure and teacher longevity, too. Programs with well-supported, long-tenured teachers offer children consistency, comfort, and a classroom that feels like home. Helpful follow-up questions to consider:

• Are teachers CPR and First Aid certified?
• What professional development do staff receive?
  

How do you manage behaviors and support social-emotional skills?

Young children are learning who they are and how to navigate big feelings. High-quality programs approach this with empathy, not punishment. They should model positive behaviors to offer guidance in the moment. Listen for language like:

• “We help children label emotions.”
• “We stay close and offer comfort during tough moments.”
• “We teach problem-solving skills and model kindness.” 

What health, safety, and emergency procedures do you have?

Great programs keep safety front-and-center. Ask about things like illness policies, secure entry, medication procedures, and emergency plans. If you’re touring infant rooms, make sure they follow safe sleep practices every time: babies on their backs, in empty cribs, with no toys or loose blankets. Strong programs don’t hesitate when you ask about safety. They already have strong systems in place and are more than happy to tell you about them.

What is your educational philosophy and daily approach to learning?

Early childhood should feel joyful, hands-on, and full of wonder. Children learn best through play, exploring materials, asking questions, moving their bodies, and engaging with others. When you ask about school readiness, listen for answers that highlight social-emotional development and curiosity, not just early academics. True readiness is about confidence, communication, and a love of learning. Look for these things at every age:

• Play-based learning experiences
• Daily outdoor time
• Child-led activities
• Lots of conversation, storytelling, and problem-solving

Choosing child care should feel good. When you ask these five questions, you get a clear picture of what truly matters for your child’s learning, safety, and happiness. High-quality programs, like those across the community of Learning Care schools, are eager to share their practices, their passion, and the joy that fills their classrooms every day.

Schedule a tour at one of our schools to experience the warmth, curiosity, and care that make our learning environment feel like home. Click here to begin your journey with us.

References

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2019). Caring for our children: National health and safety performance standards; Guidelines for early care and education programs (4th ed.). American Academy of Pediatrics; American Public Health Association; National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education.

National Association for the Education of Young Children. (2020). Developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood programs serving children from birth through age 8 (4th ed.). NAEYC.