Published · Updated
Written by the team at ABC Early Learning Academy
A note on bias: we run a licensed child care center in Ennis. These questions are the ones we would want any family to ask us, and any other provider, before deciding.
What should you check before the tour?
Every licensed child care center and home in Texas has a public record. Before you visit, look up the provider on Search Texas Child Care, the state database run by Texas Health and Human Services. Search by the provider's name. You will see the operation type, the total capacity, the hours and days they report to the state, the ages they serve, and their inspection history, including any deficiencies cited.
Pay attention to the operation type. Texas treats a licensed center, a licensed child-care home, a registered child-care home, and a listed family home differently, including how often each is inspected (Texas HHSC). None of these types is automatically better, but knowing which one you are touring helps you ask the right questions.
A deficiency on the record is not an automatic deal-breaker. What matters is what it was, whether it repeats, and how the director explains what changed. Write down anything you want to ask about, and bring this list with you.
How should you use these 27 questions?
Ask the same questions at every provider you visit so you can compare answers fairly. Tour at the time of day you would actually drop off or pick up, when you can see real routines instead of a quiet room. Take notes during the visit; after three tours the details blur together. And watch as much as you listen: how do caregivers speak to children, and do the children seem comfortable with them?
The rules every Texas provider must follow are published as the Child Care Regulation Minimum Standards. If a question below involves a number, such as a ratio, you can compare the answer with the state minimum in Chapter 746 for child-care centers.
Licensing & safety
1. What type of state permit do you hold, and what is your operation number?
Texas has different operation types with different rules. A good provider tells you the type and number right away so you can look it up yourself.
2. Can I see your most recent inspection, and were any deficiencies cited?
Every licensed center and home has a public record. A confident answer walks you through any deficiency and what was changed afterward.
3. How does someone get into the building?
Look for a locked or monitored entry, visitor sign-in, and staff who notice who comes and goes.
4. Who is allowed to pick up my child, and how do you check?
The answer should be a written authorized pick-up list and a photo ID check, every time, even for familiar faces.
5. How often do you practice fire, severe weather, and lockdown drills?
Drills should be routine, and staff should be able to show you where children go for each one.
6. Is the outdoor play area fenced, and how often is it checked?
You want a fenced space, shade, age-appropriate equipment, and a staff habit of walking the area before children go out.
Staff & ratios
7. What is the teacher-to-child ratio in my child's room, and what is the group size?
Ask for the actual numbers for your child's age, then compare them with the state minimum standards for that age group.
8. What background checks and yearly training does every staff member complete?
Every caregiver should pass a background check. Ask how many training hours staff complete each year and whether it includes CPR, first aid, and recognizing abuse.
9. Who covers the room when a teacher is out sick or on break?
Consistent backup coverage keeps ratios in place all day, not just when the director is watching.
10. How long have my child's teachers been here?
Steady caregivers help young children feel secure. It is fair to ask about turnover in a friendly way.
Daily life & learning
11. What does a normal day look like for my child's age group?
A good program can describe its rhythm: arrival, meals, learning time, outdoor play, rest, and pickup, while staying flexible for little ones.
12. How much time do children spend outside each day?
Ask how many outdoor sessions happen and what the plan is on rainy or very hot days.
13. What is your approach to discipline and challenging behavior?
Listen for positive guidance, teaching children to solve problems, and a clear promise that physical punishment is never used.
14. How much screen time do children get?
Many families prefer little or none. Ask for a specific limit and what kind of content is shown.
15. How do you help a new child settle in during the first weeks?
Transitions are hard. A thoughtful provider has a plan for the first days and keeps you updated.
Health, meals & naps
16. Which meals and snacks do you provide, and are they included in tuition?
Packing food every day adds up in time and money. Ask what is served, where it is prepared, and whether menus are posted.
17. How do you handle food allergies?
Look for a written allergy plan, clear communication with the kitchen, and safe substitutions.
18. When must a sick child stay home, and how fast do I need to pick up?
Ask for the fever rule, how long a child must be symptom-free before returning, and the pickup time limit once they call you.
19. How do rest time and infant sleep work?
For infants, ask about safe sleep practices. For older children, ask what happens if a child doesn't fall asleep.
Communication
20. How will I hear about my child's day?
Some providers use apps, others use notes, boards, or conversations at pickup. Pick a style that fits you.
21. How do you tell families about closures and emergencies?
You want more than one channel, such as text, email, and phone, especially for weather closures.
22. Can I visit my child's classroom during the day?
Many good programs welcome parents who check in at the front office first.
Cost, schedule & policies
23. What are your weekly rates, and can I have them in writing?
Ask for every fee too: enrollment, supplies, late payment, and late pickup. A written rate sheet avoids surprises.
24. What are your exact hours, and what happens if I am late?
Compare the hours with your real commute on a bad-traffic day. Ask what the late pickup fee is and when it starts.
25. Do you accept CCS child care scholarships?
If you might qualify for help paying for care, confirm the provider accepts CCS before you fall in love with a classroom.
26. Which days are you closed, and do you stay open on school breaks?
Ask for the holiday list and whether tuition is still due on closed days.
27. What notice do you need if we withdraw, and how does the waiting list work?
Know the withdrawal notice period and how long you have to accept a spot when one opens.
Printable checklist: 27 daycare tour questions
To print just this checklist, use your browser's Print command (Ctrl+P or Cmd+P). Everything else on the page is hidden when printing.
Provider: ______________________ Date toured: __________ Operation #: __________
Licensing & safety
- 1. What type of state permit do you hold, and what is your operation number?
- 2. Can I see your most recent inspection, and were any deficiencies cited?
- 3. How does someone get into the building?
- 4. Who is allowed to pick up my child, and how do you check?
- 5. How often do you practice fire, severe weather, and lockdown drills?
- 6. Is the outdoor play area fenced, and how often is it checked?
Staff & ratios
- 7. What is the teacher-to-child ratio in my child's room, and what is the group size?
- 8. What background checks and yearly training does every staff member complete?
- 9. Who covers the room when a teacher is out sick or on break?
- 10. How long have my child's teachers been here?
Daily life & learning
- 11. What does a normal day look like for my child's age group?
- 12. How much time do children spend outside each day?
- 13. What is your approach to discipline and challenging behavior?
- 14. How much screen time do children get?
- 15. How do you help a new child settle in during the first weeks?
Health, meals & naps
- 16. Which meals and snacks do you provide, and are they included in tuition?
- 17. How do you handle food allergies?
- 18. When must a sick child stay home, and how fast do I need to pick up?
- 19. How do rest time and infant sleep work?
Communication
- 20. How will I hear about my child's day?
- 21. How do you tell families about closures and emergencies?
- 22. Can I visit my child's classroom during the day?
Cost, schedule & policies
- 23. What are your weekly rates, and can I have them in writing?
- 24. What are your exact hours, and what happens if I am late?
- 25. Do you accept CCS child care scholarships?
- 26. Which days are you closed, and do you stay open on school breaks?
- 27. What notice do you need if we withdraw, and how does the waiting list work?
How does ABC Early Learning Academy answer a few of these?
Fair is fair, so here are a few of our own answers. We are open Monday – Friday, 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM. A hot breakfast, a hot lunch, and an afternoon snack are cooked on-site in our own kitchen and included in tuition. We are licensed by Texas HHSC Child Care Regulation, and you can look up our operation number, 1840100, on Search Texas Child Care before you visit. We also offer enrollment help for CCS child care scholarships; ask us about current CCS status.
For everything else, from ratios to the daily rhythm for each age, see our child care programs for infants through school-age children, then bring this checklist and ask us in person.
Common questions
How do I check a daycare's inspection history in Texas?
Use the Texas HHSC Search Texas Child Care website. Search by name or operation number to see the permit type, capacity, published hours, inspection dates, and any deficiencies cited. Checking before your tour lets you ask informed questions about anything you find.
How many daycares should I tour before choosing?
There is no set number, but touring two or three lets you compare answers to the same questions side by side. Bring the same printed checklist to every visit, write answers down during the tour, and visit at a time of day when you would normally drop off or pick up.
What is the most important question to ask on a daycare tour?
Ask to see the provider's most recent inspection and talk through any deficiencies. How a director answers tells you a lot about honesty and follow-through. Then confirm the hours, ratios, and pickup rules actually fit your family's real weekday schedule.
More answers about tuition, meals, and enrollment are in our parent FAQ.
Put us to the test
Bring all 27 questions to a tour of our center at 1700 Cedar Run Road, Ennis, TX 75119. Tours run weekdays between 9:30 AM and noon or 2:00 and 4:00 PM.
Schedule a tour of ABC Early Learning AcademySources
- Texas HHSC: Search Texas Child Care: https://childcare.hhs.texas.gov/Public/ChildCareSearch (retrieved September 16, 2026)
- Texas HHSC: What are the types of child care operations?: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/family-safety-resources/child-care/frequently-asked-questions-about-texas-child-care/what-are-types-child-care-operations (retrieved September 16, 2026)
- Texas HHSC: Child Care Regulation Minimum Standards: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/providers/child-care-regulation/minimum-standards (retrieved September 16, 2026)
- Texas HHSC: Minimum Standards, Chapter 746 (Child-Care Centers): https://www.hhs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/doing-business-with-hhs/provider-portal/protective-services/ccl/min-standards/chapter-746-centers.pdf (retrieved September 16, 2026)
- Texas Child Care Connection: Child Care Scholarships: https://www.childcare.texas.gov/for-families/child-care-scholarships (retrieved September 16, 2026)