Choosing a daycare in Sherwood Park: 10 things to look for on a tour

Leaving your child with people you have only just met is a big step. It is normal to wonder whether they will feel safe and happy. A website cannot show you how a room feels, so a short tour is where you find out.

The plan is simple: read what the centre has written, visit, then ask. Below are ten things to notice and ask, in three groups. They work at any centre, so use them wherever you go. Trust what you notice as much as what you are told.

What should I notice when I walk in?

1. The licence. In Alberta, childcare centres are licensed by the provincial government. Ask to see the centre's licence. It is a fair question, and a licensed centre should be able to answer it.

2. How staff greet children. Watch the first minute. Do educators look up, say hello, use each child's name and get down to a child's level? Ask what training they have and how long they have worked there. Children often settle more easily with adults they see every day.

3. How the room feels and sounds. Stand still for a minute. A busy room is noisy, and that is fine. Listen for play and chatter, not constant crying or sharp voices. Look for toys children can reach, a cozy spot to rest and children who look relaxed.

What should I ask about the day?

4. The daily schedule. Ask to see it written down. You want play, meals, rest and outdoor time, with room for each child's own pace. Babies eat and sleep on their own clock, and older children need choices too. A schedule that bends is a good sign.

5. Outdoor play. Ask how often children go outside and what happens in very cold or smoky weather. Look at the play space. Is it in good repair and easy for staff to watch? In Alberta, a winter plan matters as much as a summer one.

6. Meals and allergies. Ask who makes the food, and ask to see a menu. If your child has an allergy, ask how the centre keeps that child safe at mealtimes, what staff do in an emergency and what the centre needs from you in writing. Your doctor can tell you what information to share. Our article on snacks, lunches and allergy habits has more.

What happens on hard days, and how will we talk?

7. Goodbyes. Ask what happens when a child cries at drop-off and how new children settle in over the first weeks. Listen for a plan, not just reassurance. Our article on first days and easier goodbyes has tips you can try at home.

8. Sick days and injuries. Ask for the sick-day rules in writing. When must a child stay home, and when can they come back? Then ask what happens if a child gets hurt. Who calls you, and is there a written report?

9. Everyday communication. Ask how you will hear about your child's day, who you can talk to and how quickly someone replies. Many parents like a short chat at pickup plus something in writing.

10. Hard questions. Ask something tricky, such as "What happens when a child bites?" or "What if I am late for pickup?" Pay attention to the tone: an answer that starts with "this is what we do" is easier to trust than one that only says what you hope to hear. If something worries you, ask again. You are allowed to.

What can I read about Kidz In The Park before I visit?

We are a licensed childcare centre at 2051 Sherwood Drive, Sherwood Park, Alberta T8A 3W9. We care for children from 6 weeks to Grade 6, Monday to Friday, 6:30 am to 6:00 pm.

Many of the ten answers are already written down in our free Parent Handbook, which is 8 pages long. Reading it costs nothing and commits you to nothing, and you can check us against this list before you visit:

• Page 2: a typical day, and our plan for outdoor play
• Page 3: getting ready for the first day, and what happens at late pickup
• Page 4: when a child is unwell, and when they can return
• Page 5: meals, allergies and our nut-free centre
• Page 6: how educators guide behaviour, and injury reports
• Page 8: how to raise a concern, and the number for Childcare Connect, for provincial childcare questions

What is the next step?

You do not need to decide today, and it is fine to visit more than one centre. Next step: Book a tour, choose a day and a time, and bring this list of ten questions. Your child is welcome to come too.