Choosing a daycare is a big decision. You aren’t just looking for a place your child can spend the day, you’re looking for people you can trust, an environment where your child will feel safe and loved, and a program that will help them learn, grow, and thrive.
If you’re searching for childcare in Lewiston, Maine, touring potential centers is one of the best ways to figure out which program feels right for your family.
But what should you actually be looking for?
Here are 10 questions every parent should ask when touring a daycare or preschool.
1. What does a typical day look like?
A great childcare program should be able to walk you through your child’s day, from arrival and meals to learning activities, outdoor play, rest time, and transitions.
Look for a balance between structure and flexibility. Young children thrive with predictable routines, but they also need plenty of opportunities to explore, play, move, create, and simply be kids.
At Pettengill Academy, we believe some of the most meaningful learning happens through play. Our classrooms combine intentional learning experiences with opportunities for children to explore their interests and build independence.
2. How will you communicate with me about my child’s day?
Communication matters, especially when you’re trusting someone else with your little one.
Ask how the center shares things like meals, naps, diaper changes, classroom activities, photos, developmental milestones, and important updates.
You should also ask:
Who do I contact when I have a question or concern?
Parents should never feel like they’re in the dark about their child’s day.
3. What curriculum do you use?
Yes, even babies and toddlers benefit from curriculum!
But early childhood curriculum shouldn’t mean worksheets and children sitting at desks all day.
Look for a program that supports the whole child, socially, emotionally, physically, cognitively, and creatively.
Ask how teachers turn everyday play into learning opportunities and how activities change as children grow.
4. What are your teacher-to-child ratios and class sizes?
This is an important one.
Maine has licensing requirements for childcare ratios, but parents should also ask about the center’s typical classroom size and staffing practices.
Smaller groups can give teachers more opportunities to build relationships with children, notice individual needs, and create meaningful interactions throughout the day.
Don’t be afraid to ask what happens when a teacher calls out sick or when classrooms are transitioning at the beginning and end of the day.
5. How do you hire, train, and support your teachers?
Beautiful classrooms are wonderful.
But the people inside those classrooms matter even more.
Ask about teacher qualifications, background checks, ongoing professional development, CPR and First Aid training, and how leadership supports its teaching team.
You can also ask about staff longevity.
When teachers feel valued, supported, and connected to their workplace, children benefit too.
6. How do you handle challenging behaviors?
Toddlers bite.
Preschoolers have big feelings.
Children struggle with sharing, transitions, frustration, and communication because they’re still learning how to navigate the world.
Ask how teachers respond to those moments.
Look for an approach centered around teaching, connection, redirection, emotional regulation, and age-appropriate expectations rather than punishment.
A great childcare program doesn’t expect little children to already have all the skills they’re there to learn.
7. What safety and security measures are in place?
During your daycare tour, ask about:
- Building access and secure entry
- Authorized pickup procedures
- Staff background checks
- Emergency procedures
- Playground safety
- CPR and First Aid training
- How injuries and incidents are communicated to families
And pay attention while you’re walking around.
Do teachers appear attentive?
Are classrooms clean and organized?
Are children being actively supervised?
Safety isn’t just about policies, it’s something you should be able to see happening throughout the center.
8. What meals and snacks are provided?
Food policies vary significantly between childcare programs.
Ask whether breakfast, lunch, and snacks are provided, what a typical menu looks like, and how the program handles allergies and dietary needs.
If you have an infant, ask specifically about bottles, breast milk, formula, and the transition to table foods.
Knowing exactly what you’ll need to pack every morning can make a surprisingly big difference for busy families.
9. How will you help my child transition into daycare?
Starting childcare can be emotional, for children and parents.
Ask what the first few days typically look like.
Can parents call or message to check in?
How do teachers comfort children who are having a difficult drop-off?
What can families do before the first day to make the transition easier?
Experienced early childhood educators know that building trust doesn’t happen instantly. A strong program will work with your family to help your child feel safe, comfortable, and connected.
10. What makes your childcare community different?
This might be our favorite question.
Because childcare isn’t only about curriculum, meals, schedules, or even classrooms.
It’s about belonging.
Ask what the program values.
Ask how they build relationships with families.
Ask how they celebrate children.
And while you’re touring, pay attention to something you can’t find on a checklist:
How does the center feel?
Are teachers smiling and interacting with children?
Do children seem comfortable approaching their teachers?
Does the leadership team know the children?
Can you picture your family being part of this community?
Sometimes that feeling tells you just as much as the answers to your questions.
Looking for Childcare in Lewiston, Maine?
If you’re currently comparing daycare, preschool, infant care, or toddler care options in the Lewiston area, we’d love to invite you to visit Pettengill Academy and ask us these questions yourself.
We believe families deserve to understand exactly where their child will spend their days and who will be caring for them.
Come see our classrooms, meet our teachers, learn about our approach to early childhood education, and discover what we mean when we say:
Building Bright Futures, Together.
Schedule a tour of Pettengill Academy and come see if we’re the right fit for your family. 💜