PRESCHOOL & DAYCARE TOURS: WHAT TO ASK IF YOUR CHILD HAS A SPEECH OR LANGUAGE DELAY
What to Ask on a Daycare or Preschool Tour Before You Enroll
Choosing a daycare or preschool is one of the first big decisions you’ll make for your child. Beyond location, hours, and cost, the environment, teaching approach, and communication style can have a lasting impact on your child’s development, especially if they have a speech or language delay.
School tours can feel overwhelming. You’re watching classrooms, trying to picture your child there, and processing a lot of information all at once. Having intentional questions prepared helps you look beyond the surface and determine whether a program is truly a good fit for your child.
Below are thoughtful questions to ask during a daycare or preschool tour and why each one matters, particularly for children who benefit from extra communication support.
If you’re still in the early stages of deciding what support your child may need, you may also find our guide on what to ask a speech-language pathologist before you hire them helpful.
Quick Parent Guide
“Choosing a daycare or preschool isn’t just about location, hours, or cost. The right early learning environment should support communication, emotional regulation, and social development, especially for children with speech or language delays. The questions below help parents evaluate whether a daycare or preschool is the right fit for their child before enrollment.”
1. What Is the Teacher-to-Child Ratio?
Why it matters:
Lower ratios allow teachers to notice, respond to, and build on children’s communication attempts more consistently.
What to listen for:
How many children are in each classroom?
How many teachers are present at all times?
Does the ratio change during drop-off, pick-up, or lunch?
Children learn language through frequent, responsive interactions. When teachers are stretched thin, those moments are easier to miss.
2. How Do Teachers Support Language and Communication Throughout the Day?
Why it matters:
Language development doesn’t just happen during circle time, it happens during play, routines, meals, and transitions.
What to listen for:
Do teachers model language during play and daily routines?
How do they support children who are quieter, late talkers, or struggling to express themselves?
Are books, songs, and conversations intentionally built into the day?
Strong programs support communication naturally and consistently, not only during structured activities.
3. How Do You Handle Challenging Behaviors?
Why it matters:
Behavior is communication. Children with speech or language delays often show frustration through behavior when they don’t yet have the words.
What to listen for:
Do teachers focus on teaching skills rather than punishing behavior?
How do they support emotional regulation?
Are families included in problem-solving?
Supportive responses help children feel safe, and children learn best when they feel safe.
4. How Do You Communicate With Parents?
Why it matters:
You should feel informed, respected, and included in your child’s day.
What to listen for:
How often do teachers provide updates?
Will I hear about both strengths and challenges?
What’s the best way to reach a teacher or director?
Open communication builds trust and allows families and schools to work as a team.
5. What Does a Typical Day Look Like?
Why it matters:
Daily routines affect attention, regulation, and learning, especially for children who thrive on predictability.
What to listen for:
Is there a balance of play, structure, and rest?
How much time is child-led versus adult-directed?
How are transitions supported?
Predictable routines with flexibility help children build independence and confidence.
6. How Do You Support Children With Different Learning Needs?
Why it matters:
Every child develops at their own pace, and some need extra support to participate fully.
What to listen for:
How do teachers adapt activities for different skill levels?
Are staff open to collaboration with outside therapists?
How are concerns shared with families?
Inclusive environments support not just learning but self-esteem and belonging.
7. What Is Staff Turnover Like?
Why it matters:
Consistency is especially important for young children and those with communication challenges.
What to listen for:
How long have teachers been here?
How does the school support staff retention?
Stable staffing supports stronger relationships and smoother transitions.
8. How Do You Support Social Skills and Peer Interaction?
Why it matters:
Peer interactions are a huge part of language, problem-solving, and emotional development.
What to listen for:
How do teachers support turn-taking and cooperation?
How are peer conflicts handled?
Are social skills modeled and guided?
Children often learn communication best with other children when supported appropriately.
A Final Thought for Parents
There are many wonderful daycare and preschool programs, each with their own philosophies and strengths. Asking thoughtful questions isn’t about finding a “perfect” school, it’s about finding the right fit for your child and your family.
The right environment should feel responsive, supportive, and aligned with your child’s communication, social-emotional, and developmental needs.
At Speechie Auntie, we often support families as they navigate early childhood settings and collaborate with schools when speech or language concerns arise.
If you’re touring programs in Leander, Cedar Park, or surrounding Central Texas communities and have questions about communication development, we’re always happy to help guide you.
Want Support Beyond the Tour?
If you have concerns about your child’s speech, language, or social communication, or you’re unsure what to look for in an early learning environment, Speechie Auntie is here to support you every step of the way. Reach out to schedule a consult or ask a question, we’re always happy to help. Choosing the right daycare or preschool can change the trajectory of your child’s communication journey, and you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Written by Sonia Chowdhury Lopez, MS, CCC-SLP
Owner and Speech-Language Pathologist at Speechie Auntie
