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When it’s time to explore child care in Dallas, TX, your goal isn’t just to find a place that watches your child. It’s to find a place that nurtures, inspires, and truly feels like an extension of your family. Whether your baby is just six weeks old or your preschooler is ready for their next big leap, touring child care centers is the best way to see if a program is the right fit.
And while you’re there, asking the right questions will give you a clear picture of how your child’s days will look and feel.
Here are five key questions to keep handy on your tour:
- What is your curriculum, and how do you support early childhood development?
Why it matters: A great child care program blends play, exploration, and guided learning in a way that meets your child’s developmental stage.
Bonus tip: Ask about the center’s teaching philosophy, daily schedule, and how they encourage growth in areas like language, motor skills, social-emotional development, and creativity.
- What safety and security measures do you have in place?
Why it matters: From secure entry systems to staff training in CPR and first aid, safety is non-negotiable. You want peace of mind knowing your child is safe from the moment they arrive until you pick them up.
Bonus tip: Ask about child check-in/check-out procedures, supervision policies, and how they handle emergencies.
- How do you communicate with parents about their child’s day?
Why it matters: Consistent communication keeps you informed and engaged. Some centers provide daily reports, photos, and updates through apps; others prefer face-to-face chats during drop-off and pick-up.
Bonus tip: Ask how often you’ll get updates and in what format, so you stay informed and connected to your child’s experiences.
- What are your teacher qualifications and staff-to-child ratio?
Why it matters: Highly trained, passionate teachers make all the difference. Ask about their education, certifications, and experience. Also, inquire about ratios. Smaller groups mean more individual attention, which helps children feel secure and supported.
Bonus tip: Ask about staff training in CPR, first aid, and child development best practices.
- How do you handle transitions and support emotional development?
Why it matters: From morning drop-off to moving up to the next age group, transitions can be tricky. A strong program has strategies to help children adjust smoothly.
Bonus tip: Ask how they help children adjust during the first few weeks and what strategies they use for separation anxiety.
Child Care Tour Checklist
While you’re visiting, keep an eye out for these signs of a quality program:
- Are children engaged, happy, and interacting positively with teachers?
- Is the facility clean, organized, and child-friendly?
- What are the outdoor and indoor play areas like?
- How are meals and snacks handled?
- Does the environment feel warm and welcoming?
- Do teachers seem attentive and passionate about early childhood education?
Making Your Tour Count
Touring is your chance to experience the atmosphere firsthand. Listen to your gut. Sometimes the “feel” of a place says as much as the answers you get. At Celebree School of Dallas Arts District, we welcome families to come see our classrooms in action, meet our teachers, and ask as many questions as you’d like.
We even have a printable list with these questions and observations, so you can compare programs easily and confidently.
Schedule your tour today and see why so many families trust us for child care. We’d love to show you how we keep children safe, happy, and excited to learn every single day.
