Choosing a daycare in Surrey BC is one of the most significant decisions parents make. The touring process feels overwhelming — you have 30–60 minutes, you don’t want to seem rude, and you don’t know what you don’t know. This guide gives you 25 specific questions to ask when touring a licensed childcare centre in Surrey BC, organized by topic, so you leave every tour with the information you actually need.
Questions About Licensing and Compliance
- “Can I see your current MCFD licence?” — A current licence, on display and available on request, is non-negotiable.
- “When was your most recent MCFD inspection?” — Current inspections should be within the past 12 months.
- “Were there any non-compliances at your most recent inspection? Have they been corrected?” — Ask this directly and observe the response style, not just the content.
- “What is your licensed capacity by age group?” — Helps you understand the scale of the centre.
Questions About Educators and Qualifications
- “What percentage of your educators hold BC ECE certification?” — Look for 100% or a clear commitment to ECE certification for all educators.
- “Will my child have a consistent primary educator?” — Relationship consistency is critical for infant and toddler development.
- “What is your staff turnover rate?” — High turnover disrupts children’s attachment relationships.
- “How do you handle educator absences? Do you use the same relief educators?” — Consistent coverage minimizes disruption.
- “How long has your current director/supervisor been in the role?” — Stability in leadership typically correlates with quality and consistency.
Questions About Daily Programming
- “Can you walk me through a typical day for my child’s age group?” — Look for a balance of structured activities and free play aligned with BC’s Early Learning Framework.
- “How much outdoor time do children get each day?” — MCFD recommends daily outdoor play.
- “How do you handle screen time?” — Quality early childhood settings minimize or eliminate passive screen time.
- “How do you approach language development and early literacy?” — Look for intentional story time, vocabulary-rich conversations, and book-rich environments.
Questions About Behaviour Guidance
- “What is your approach when a child hits, bites, or has a tantrum?” — Look for positive guidance language (redirect, teach, name feelings) — not punishment, exclusion, or shaming.
- “Have you ever had to suspend or dismiss a child for behaviour? How was that handled?” — A candid, thoughtful answer is a green flag.
Questions About Communication and Family Partnership
- “How do you communicate with parents daily?” — Look for a specific method (app, daily sheets, verbal at pickup) not vague “we keep parents informed.”
- “Can I visit or observe my child during the day unannounced?” — MCFD-licensed centres should allow parental visits at any time during operating hours.
- “How do you handle parent concerns or complaints?” — Look for a clear process, not a defensive answer.
Questions About Fees, Enrollment, and Logistics
- “What are your current monthly fees by age group?” — Get these in writing before committing.
- “Do you accept BC Child Care Subsidy?” — MCFD-licensed centres can accept CCSS for qualifying families.
- “What does your waitlist look like? How are spots allocated?” — Understand the process before joining a waitlist.
- “What are your hours of operation? Do you offer part-time options?” — Confirm your schedule works with the centre’s hours.
- “What is your illness and medication policy?” — Understand when your child must stay home and how medications are managed.
Book a Tour at Mini Minds Childcare, Newton Surrey BC
Mini Minds Childcare welcomes all of these questions — and more. Our educators and director are prepared to give you specific, honest answers about our MCFD licence, ECE qualifications, programming approach, and enrollment process. Schedule your tour at Mini Minds today →