Whether you are making your initial contact over the phone, or if you just decided to make your visit/tour your first contact with a daycare, prepare yourself for a good, informative visit with a checklist of questions to ask and items to look for.

1. Do you have any openings?
   Some daycare centers are filled and have a waiting list of potential clients once space becomes available. If there's a waiting list, ask how long it is, and how long of a wait you might face.
    
2. What are your hours?
   Know your needs and plan for any interruptions that might make you late or make it necessary to drop off your child early.
    
3. What is your holiday schedule? What other days is the center closed?
   Planning for specific closings allows you time to make other arrangements. When planning for these closings, be sure to ask about how they will affect the normal pay schedule and/or whether you will be asked to pay during those times.
    
4. What do you charge and are there additional fees or supplies I will be required to pay?
   Ask for a dated rate schedule based on age of child and amount of care per week. Most daycare centers require a yearly registration fee; some require a two week deposit that may apply to your account.
    
5. Is there a late pickup fee?
   Many daycare centers have a policy outlining procedures during late pickup. Be sure you understand these procedures and any fees that apply during the time you are tardy.
    
6. How and when do you bill? Find out when payments are due and what penalties apply if you are late with a payment. Can you pay with credit card? Check? Cash? Where do you make your payment, or to whom?
    
7. Do you offer part-time or flexible care? Based on your needs, does this center offer hourly childcare for part-time job holders or will you still have to pay full tuition?
    
8. Does your center provide transporation to and from school? Some daycares offer a bus system to take children to school in the morning, and transport them to an after-school program in the afternoon. If this is your need, be sure the public school is aware of who will be picking up your child.
    
9. What is the parent/child ratio? Find out how many children are in the facility and in each room, and the ratio of adults to children in each room.