How Long Are Daycare Tours?

It’s time for your baby or child’s next big adventure: daycare. Are you starting to tour daycare centers in your area? With your busy schedule and multiple options to visit, you might be wondering, “How long are daycare tours?” And, throughout your tours, what should you expect to see? What will you learn?

 

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How Long Are Daycare Tours Supposed to Be?

Whether you’re balancing a busy work schedule, trying to fit daycare tours into your lunch break, visiting a bunch of different options, or all of the above, you’ll likely want to know: how long are daycare visits— how much time should you set aside? 

Of course, the answer is: it depends on a variety of different factors. Those factors include whether your tour is in-person or virtual, the size of the center, whether you’ll tour the whole center or just the relevant classroom and activity areas, how many questions you have, how many questions the center has for you, and so on. Plus, if you receive center information beforehand, you may have some of the answers to your questions upfront.

Okay, But Really: How Long are Daycare Tours?

Understandably, you likely still want a more specific answer. How long are daycare tours? We’d recommend allowing 30-45 minutes, especially if you’re headed to the center in person. (But keep in mind that some centers still aren’t allowing outside visitors inside, in which case, your tour would be virtual.) While you’re there, you’ll probably be given supplemental information to take home with you, and you’ll be able to call or email with any additional questions. 

Should You Bring Your Child Along on Your Daycare Tour?

A big question some parents might have: should you bring your child when you tour potential daycare centers? Is it appropriate? It depends on the center — be sure to check each center’s policies before you go. If your tour is virtual and your child won’t distract you from learning about the center, invite them to sit with you!

WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT BRIGHT HORIZONS DAYCARE TOURS?

Is it important that I tour my child’s future daycare?

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Daycare tours are essential — you want to feel comfortable with the daycare you choose; you want to know it’s the best possible place for your child. And taking a tour — at multiple centers! — can help you make the right choice.

How Long Are Daycare Tours?

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We’d recommend allowing 30-45 minutes, especially if you’re headed to the center in person. (But keep in mind that some centers still aren’t allowing outside visitors inside, in which case, your tour would be virtual.) It really depends on whether your tour is in-person or virtual, the size of the center, whether you’ll tour the whole center or just the relevant classroom and activity areas, how many questions you have, how many questions the center has for you, and so on. Plus, if you receive center information beforehand, you may have some of the answers to your questions upfront.

What are some questions to ask during a daycare tour?

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Some daycare tour questions might include:

  • What are your health and safety policies?
  • What qualifications, degrees, and certifications do the teachers and staff hold?
  • What’s included in your curriculum?
  • What’s the teacher-to-child ratio for each age group?
  • What does tuition cost?
  • Is there a waiting list at your daycare center?
  • Is the center licensed and accredited?

Be sure to ask any daycare visit questions you have, and rest assured that there are no wrong questions when it comes to your child’s care!

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Bright Horizons is a United States–based child-care provider and is the largest provider of employer-sponsored child care. Employees looking to become a child care teacher are offered the opportunity to earn an early education degree for free as part of their corporate benefits. Search by zip to find a child care center near you. Bright Horizons Global Headquarters are in Newton, Massachusetts, USA.