The Childcare Safety Checklist: Questions to Ask Daycares, Nannies, and Sitters

Choosing childcare can feel like a big leap. The good news is that a few focused questions can tell you a lot about how a place runs day to day, and how a caregiver thinks when nobody is watching. Bring this checklist to tours, interviews, and trial days, then jot down what you hear and notice.

Start with one goal: find care where safety is routine, communication is clear, and policies are written down. Great providers welcome questions because it shows you’re engaged, consistent, and serious about partnering.

Before You Tour or Interview: Define Your Non-Negotiables

Before you step into a daycare lobby or hop on a sitter call, get clear on what matters most for your child and your schedule.

• Your child’s needs: naps, feeding style, allergies, separation anxiety, sensory needs
• Your must-haves: CPR/first aid training, references, background checks, reliability
• Your communication style: daily notes, text updates, pickup chats, photo sharing rules
• Your comfort line: who can pick up your child, visitor policies, supervision expectations

When you know your basics, it’s easier to compare options without getting distracted by the cute murals or the friendly sales pitch.

Daily Supervision and Ratios: Who Is Watching Your Child and How Closely?

Supervision is the foundation. Ask questions that get beyond “we’re always watching” and into specifics.

Questions to ask:

• What does active supervision look like in your rooms and on the playground?
• What are your caregiver-to-child ratios by age, and what happens if someone calls out sick?
• How do you handle transitions like drop-off, outdoor time, and nap time?
• What a strong answer sounds like:

You’ll hear details: where staff stand during play, how headcounts work, how doors are monitored, and how coverage is planned. Vague answers and shifting explanations are worth noting.

Safeguarding and Accountability: Policies Every Caregiver Should Have

This section matters because clear rules protect kids and reduce confusion for adults. You’re listening for written policies, training, and a calm, structured way of responding when concerns come up.

Questions to ask:

• Do you have a written code of conduct and boundaries policy for staff and families?
• Are staff trained as mandated reporters, and how often is training refreshed?
• What is your process for escalating concerns, and who is responsible for taking action?

Pay attention:

If a provider can’t explain their reporting process, that’s a signal to slow down. Parents don’t need to have “proof” to seek guidance. If you want a plain-language overview of how mandated reporting works and what a report is meant to do, this resource on the requirements for reporting suspected child harm is a helpful starting point.

Health, Hygiene, and Illness Policies: How Do You Prevent Common Problems?

Kids share everything, including germs, so a clean routine and a clear sick policy are essential.

Questions to ask:

• What is your sick policy, and when can children return?
• How do you handle handwashing, toy cleaning, and high-touch surfaces?
• What are your diapering and toileting steps, and where do they happen?
• How are allergies managed, and how do you store and serve food safely?
• How do you administer medication, and what documentation do you provide?

Red flags:

• No written policy
• “We play it by ear” responses about illness
• Unclear storage for breast milk, formula, or allergy-safe foods

Safety Basics in the Space: Doors, Bathrooms, and Play Areas

A beautiful classroom is nice. A well-managed space is better.

Questions to ask:

• How do you control entry and exit, and verify authorized pickups?
• What is your bathroom/diapering supervision policy?
• What does safe sleep look like for infants, and how is it monitored?
• How are outdoor areas secured, and how are hazards checked?

Quick parent walkthrough:

• Look at doors and gates: do they latch, and do staff use them consistently?
• Notice sightlines: can one adult truly see the whole room?
• Scan play zones: are tiny items accessible to infants and toddlers?
• We often encourage parents to get down at a child’s level to spot risks, and the same idea applies here. When you crouch, you see what little hands can reach.

Training, Background Checks, and References: Verify, Don’t Assume

Training and screening practices can vary widely, so ask directly and kindly.

Questions to ask:

• What background checks are done, and how often are they updated?
• Who has pediatric CPR/first aid certification?
• What ongoing training do caregivers receive each year?
• Can you share references from current or recent families?

Pro tip:

Ask how performance concerns are handled. A thoughtful provider can explain coaching, documentation, and follow-up without sounding defensive.

Communication and Documentation: How Will You Know What’s Happening Each Day?

Communication is where great care becomes sustainable for parents. You want consistent information, shared expectations, and a plan for problems.

Questions to ask:

• Do you provide daily updates for meals, naps, diapers, and mood?
• How do you document incidents like falls, bites, or allergic reactions?
• What is your photo/video policy, and how is consent handled?
• How do you communicate developmental or behavioral concerns?

What to look for:

Clear routines, written incident forms, and timely parent notification. When a provider is organized on paper, it usually shows up in the room too.

For additional question prompts, the American Academy of Pediatrics has a thorough child care checklist that’s great for tours and interviews.

Trial Periods, Check-Ins, and Gut Feelings: How to Choose Confidently

When possible, set up a small trial. Even a few hours can reveal a lot.

• Start with shorter days in week one, then extend
• Schedule a two-week check-in: what’s going well, what needs adjusting
• Schedule a 30-day check-in: routines, communication, any recurring issues

Pay attention to how you feel after pickup. Calm, connected, and informed are good signs. Confusion, brushing off, or repeated surprise is worth taking seriously.

The Takeaway

The best childcare decisions are built on steady observations and clear answers. Save these questions, use them with every new caregiver, and trust the providers who welcome transparency.