How to choose a preschool or child care program: questions to ask

The right fit depends on your child, your schedule and your budget. Use this checklist when you call or tour, and check the official state record before you decide.

1. Check the basics on the state record

Every listing here links to the program's page on the Ohio Child Care Search (definitions of PFCC, OPP, CCVP, Head Start, SUTQ). There you can confirm:

• License status (for example "Continuous License" or "Provisional License").
• Step Up To Quality rating (Bronze, Silver or Gold) for programs that go beyond minimum licensing rules (Ohio DCY: Step Up To Quality requirement summaries).
• Inspection reports. Read the most recent ones and what was corrected. See our licensing guide.
• Ages served, hours and funding accepted, which programs report themselves. The state does not verify these (Ohio Child Care Search (definitions of PFCC, OPP, CCVP, Head Start, SUTQ)).

2. Questions to ask on the phone

• Do you have an opening for my child's age, and when? Is there a waitlist or fee to join it?
• What are your weekly or monthly rates, registration fees and supply fees? What happens on holidays or sick days?
• What are your hours, and is care full-day, part-day or school-year only?
• Do you accept Publicly Funded Child Care, the Child Care Choice Voucher, or the Ohio Preschool Program?
• Are meals and snacks included?

3. Questions to ask on a tour

• How many children and teachers are in my child's group? How long have the lead teachers been here?
• What does a typical day look like: play, outdoor time, rest, reading?
• How do you handle discipline, biting, potty training and separation at drop-off?
• How do you share updates with parents, and can I visit any time?
• How do you support children with allergies, medical needs or developmental delays? (Programs with the Ohio PROMISE designation have staff trained to care for children with special needs (Ohio Child Care Search (definitions of PFCC, OPP, CCVP, Head Start, SUTQ)).)
• What are your safety routines for pickup, visitors and emergencies?

4. Trust what you see

PRE4CLE recommends shortlisting a few programs, calling to schedule tours, and keeping notes on what you ask and how each one feels for your family (PRE4CLE 2026 Enrollment Guide). Watch how teachers talk to the children, whether children seem engaged, and whether the space is clean and safe.