By the SILA Childcare team. Updated .
Before the tour
- Look the centre up on the BC child care map and read its inspection reports (North Shore centres are inspected by Vancouver Coastal Health).
- Write down your must-haves: hours, start date, location, budget.
- If you can, visit during the day, when children are there.
Licensing and safety
- Is the licence posted where you can see it?
- How many children are in each group, and how many educators are with them?
- How do drop-off and pick-up work? Who is allowed to pick up a child, and how is that checked?
- How is the entrance secured?
- What are the plans for emergencies, such as fire or an earthquake?
- How are allergies, medication and illness handled?
Educators
- What qualifications do the educators have? For babies and toddlers, ask about Infant and Toddler Educator certification.
- Will your child have the same main educators each day?
- How long have the educators been at the centre?
- How do educators comfort a child who is upset, and how do they guide behaviour?
Daily routines
- What does a typical day look like?
- How are naps handled, and can the centre follow your child's routine?
- How are feeding, diapering and toilet learning handled?
- How much time do children spend outdoors, and what happens on rainy days?
- Are screens used? If so, when and how much?
- Are meals and snacks provided, or do you send food?
Learning and communication
- What learning approach does the centre follow?
- How will you hear about your child's day: an app, notes or conversations at pick-up?
- How often will you get updates on your child's development?
- How does the centre help a new child settle in during the first weeks?
Practical questions
- What are the opening hours, and is extended care available?
- What happens if you are late for pick-up?
- Which days is the centre closed?
- What is the sick policy?
- What are the fees, and is there a deposit or registration fee? Is it refundable?
- Does the centre take part in the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative? Can you use the Affordable Child Care Benefit there?
- How does the waitlist work, and how are spaces offered?
Trust your instincts
Watch how educators talk to the children and how the children respond. Do the children seem relaxed and busy? Is the space clean, calm and welcoming? How you feel after a visit matters as much as the answers you get.
Visit SILA
SILA Childcare is opening in Lower Lonsdale, North Vancouver. Book a tour and bring your checklist.