Which 7 questions should you ask about a toddler program in Calgary?
Key Takeaways
- Ensure the program is licensed and ask for documentation to verify compliance.
- Inquire about staff qualifications and the child-to-staff ratio for personalized care.
- Understand how the daily routine supports toddler development and kindergarten readiness.
- Check safety, health, and emergency procedures to ensure a secure environment.
- Utilize Alberta’s Choosing Child Care checklist for thorough evaluation during visits.
How to use this 7-question checklist
This checklist is built for parents in southeast Calgary who want fast, practical answers during a phone screen and a 20 to 30-minute visit. Start by calling centres to narrow options, then bring the printed checklist on site. Alberta’s Choosing Child Care brochure includes a Telephone Interview Planner and a Child Care Program Visit Checklist you can print and use for a deeper inspection during visits. Download Alberta’s official checklist when you prepare for calls and tours: Alberta’s Choosing Child Care checklist.
When to use the phone checklist
Use a short phone screen to confirm licensing, basic hours, subsidy acceptance, and immediate availability. A quick call will save you time on visits that are unlikely to match your needs.
What to bring to a visit
Bring a short printed list of questions, the Alberta checklist, and any medical or custody papers you expect the centre to need for registration. Record the name of the staff who answers and take a quick photo of posted licensing and daily schedules if permitted.
1. Is the program licensed and can you show documentation
Licensing is the baseline in Alberta. Ask for the licence number, posted staff-to-child ratios, and where the licensing binder or inspection summary is kept. On the call ask, “Do you have a licence number and can you email or show the licensing binder on my visit?” During the visit confirm that the licence, emergency plans and recent inspection results are posted or available for review. Alberta’s checklist points out the specific documents and postings to look for during your visit: Alberta’s Choosing Child Care checklist.
Phone question to ask now
“What is your licence number and will you email a copy of your licence or inspection summary before I visit?”
Visit check
Look for a posted licence, a visible staff schedule, and a clean, accessible licensing binder that lists ratios and policies.
2. Who will care for my child: staff qualifications and ratios
Who is in the room matters more than glossy toys. Ask who the lead educator will be, whether staff hold early childhood training or accreditation, whether first aid certification is current, and how many staff work the toddler room during arrival, free play and nap times. Kids Adventures lists accredited, experienced staff and a certified curriculum, which is the kind of local response to expect when evaluating a toddler program: Kids Adventures.
Key phone questions
- “Who is the lead educator for the toddler room and what are their qualifications?”
- “How many staff are on during arrival, free play and nap times?”
What to look for on site
Notice whether staff interact warmly and respond to children by name, whether routines are calm and consistent, and whether staff turnover appears low. Stable teams usually mean more consistent care.
3. How does the daily routine support toddler development and kindergarten readiness
Ask how the program balances play, structured learning, meals, naps and diapering or potty support. A certified curriculum that intentionally covers language, social-emotional skills and early number or letter exposure is a strong sign. Kids Adventures highlights a certified curriculum, multilingual learning and kindergarten readiness activities—examples of curriculum components to expect from a good toddler program: Kids Adventures.
Sample routine questions
- “What does a typical day look like for a two year old in your program?”
- “How do you introduce letters and numbers, and how is language development supported?”
Expected learning outcomes
Look for planned small-group time, language-rich interactions, songs and book time, and support for milestones such as potty training or independent feeding.
4. How many children are in the group and how is individual attention provided
Small groups allow more one-to-one interactions. Confirm the actual number of toddlers in the room and the staff-to-child ratio during the day and during transitions. Ask how the program supports shy or anxious children and whether educators use individual check-ins or transition plans. Kids Adventures lists small group childcare and individualized attention as strengths you can use as a local comparison point: Kids Adventures.
What acceptable ratios look like
Alberta licensing defines minimum ratios. Ask how the centre’s typical group size compares to those minimums and how ratios are managed during outings, sleep and mealtimes.
Questions about transitions and one-to-one time
Ask, “How do you help a new toddler settle in, and how will you share progress and concerns with me?” Expect specific transition plans and examples of one-to-one check-ins.
5. What safety, health and emergency procedures are in place
Safety includes secure entry, pickup verification, illness policies, supervised outdoor play and emergency plans. On the call ask how pickups are handled and what identification is required. On site check that exits are labelled, play areas are visible from educator stations, first aid supplies are accessible and emergency contacts are posted. Use Alberta’s checklist to verify specific safety items during your visit: Alberta’s Choosing Child Care checklist.
Phone screening questions
- “What are your pickup procedures and how do you verify authorized pick-up people?”
- “What is your illness policy and when would you call a parent?”
Onsite checks
Confirm locked or monitored entrances, visible supervising staff, and posted emergency procedures. A safe environment is crucial for peace of mind.
6. How do you communicate with parents about progress and concerns
Effective communication is key to a successful partnership between parents and educators. Ask how often parents receive updates on their child’s development and how concerns are addressed. Kids Adventures emphasizes parent involvement and regular communication, which can be a strong indicator of a supportive environment: Kids Adventures.
Questions to ask
- “How do you share updates about my child’s progress?”
- “What methods do you use to communicate with parents?”
What to look for
Check for regular newsletters, parent-teacher meetings, and open-door policies that encourage communication.
7. What are the costs and are there any hidden fees
Understanding the financial commitment is essential. Ask about tuition rates, deposit requirements, and any additional fees for activities or supplies. Kids Adventures provides transparent pricing and information on available subsidies for families: Kids Adventures.
Key financial questions
- “What is the total cost of the program, including any additional fees?”
- “Are there any discounts for siblings or early registration?”
Budgeting tips
Consider asking about available financial assistance programs or subsidies that can ease the burden of childcare costs.
