Choosing a daycare is one of the most important decisions a parent will ever make. A daycare tour offers the opportunity to see the environment, meet the staff, and ensure the center is the right fit for your child and your family. At Hooyo Child Care Center in Minneapolis, we encourage parents to ask thoughtful questions during their tour to make sure they feel completely confident and informed before enrolling.
To help you make the best choice, we have compiled the top 10 questions every parent should ask during a daycare tour.
1. What Are Your Safety and Security Policies?
The safety of your child should be the top priority of any child care center. During your tour, ask:
- How are children monitored throughout the day?
- What is the staff-to-child ratio?
- What security measures are in place for drop-off and pick-up?
- Are all staff trained in CPR, first aid, and emergency procedures?
At Hooyo, we maintain strict safety protocols, including secure entry systems, low staff-to-child ratios, and staff certifications in CPR and first aid to ensure the highest level of safety at all times.
2. What Is Your Staff’s Training and Experience?
The quality of caregivers directly impacts your child’s experience. Ask about:
- Staff qualifications and certifications
- Ongoing professional development and training
- Years of experience working with children of different ages
At Hooyo, our caregivers are highly trained, many hold CDA credentials, and all participate in ongoing professional development, including bilingual instruction training.
3. What Is the Daily Schedule?
Understanding the structure of each day can help parents ensure the program matches their child’s needs. Ask:
- How is the daily routine structured?
- How much time is spent on play, learning, meals, rest, and outdoor play?
- Are children grouped by age?
At Hooyo, our play-based curriculum includes a balanced schedule of guided learning, free play, nutritious meals, naps, outdoor play, and enriching group activities.
4. How Do You Handle Behavioral Issues or Conflict Between Children?
Children are still learning how to manage their emotions and interact with peers. Ask:
- What discipline and guidance methods are used?
- How do you handle conflicts between children?
- How is emotional development supported?
At Hooyo, we use positive guidance techniques focused on teaching children emotional regulation, problem-solving, and empathy, rather than punishment-based discipline.
5. What Meals and Snacks Are Provided?
Nutrition plays an important role in a child’s development. Ask:
- Are meals included?
- Do you accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions?
- Are meals prepared onsite or delivered?
Hooyo provides healthy, balanced, family-style meals and snacks, with accommodations for food allergies and nutritional needs.
6. What Is Your Sick Policy?
Illness is inevitable in group settings, so it is important to ask:
- What happens if my child becomes ill at daycare?
- What symptoms require a child to stay home?
- What cleaning and sanitation protocols are in place?
At Hooyo, we follow strict health policies to minimize the spread of illness and maintain clean, sanitized facilities every day.
7. How Is Parent Communication Handled?
Open communication between parents and staff is critical. Ask:
- How will I receive updates about my child’s day?
- Are conferences or progress meetings scheduled?
- Can parents contact teachers throughout the day if needed?
At Hooyo, we provide daily reports, regular updates, and are always available to address parent concerns or questions.
8. What Is Your Curriculum Philosophy?
Each daycare has a different educational approach. Ask:
- Is the curriculum play-based, academic, or Montessori-inspired?
- How do you support early literacy and math?
- Are special enrichment activities included?
Hooyo uses a play-based curriculum that integrates early academic concepts, bilingual language development, social-emotional learning, and cultural diversity.
9. Do You Offer Flexible Hours?
Working families often require child care that accommodates busy schedules. Ask:
- What are your opening and closing times?
- Do you offer part-time or full-time care options?
- Are there any late pick-up policies or fees?
Hooyo offers extended hours from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday through Friday, making us one of the most flexible daycare providers in Minneapolis.
10. What Makes Your Center Unique?
Finally, ask what sets this daycare apart. At Hooyo, we proudly share that we offer:
- A multicultural, inclusive environment
- Bilingual instruction in English and Spanish
- Family-style meals with caregivers and children dining together
- Parent and child cooking classes
- CDA training for future child care professionals
- Strong family partnerships and community involvement
These features reflect our mission to provide a home away from home where every child thrives.
Bonus Questions to Consider
If time allows, you may also want to ask:
- How do you support children with special needs?
- Are there outdoor play spaces, and how often do children go outside?
- Are parents involved in center events and activities?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my child on the daycare tour?
Yes. At Hooyo, we encourage families to bring their child to observe how they engage with the environment and caregivers.
How long is a typical daycare tour?
Tours typically last 30 to 60 minutes, allowing ample time for questions, observations, and discussion.
Can I tour multiple classrooms for different age groups?
Yes. We welcome parents to visit the classrooms that match their child’s current age and future growth within the center.
Is there a waiting list for enrollment?
Enrollment is offered year-round, but some age groups may have waitlists. We recommend contacting us early to secure your spot.
How soon can my child start after enrolling?
Start dates are flexible and depend on available openings. We work with families to schedule a smooth transition.
Schedule Your Daycare Tour at Hooyo Child Care Center
If you are searching for trusted child care in Minneapolis, we invite you to schedule your personal tour of Hooyo Child Care Center.
Contact us today at
612-423-8956 or visit www.hooyochildcare.us to learn more about our programs and see firsthand why so many families call Hooyo their home away from home.
