Saskatchewan Daycare Tour Companion
Tour days are exciting and a little overwhelming. This companion keeps you focused on what matters, helps you compare centres side by side, and gives you somewhere to put your notes so every tour does not blur together.
If you want a quick refresher on regulated vs unregulated child care in Saskatchewan (and what that changes on a tour), start here: Regulated vs Unregulated Child Care in Saskatchewan (A Parent-Friendly Guide).
Before You Step Inside
- Confirm the tour time, parking instructions, and who will greet you.
- Review the program’s page on Blueberry so the basics (licence type, age groups, availability) are fresh.
- Pack this checklist, a pen, and a phone for photos (with permission). Avoid photos of children.
- Bring anyone who shares pick-up or drop-off duties so you both see the space.
Bonus: Print two copies if partners or grandparents are touring as well. Comparing notes later is much easier when everyone captured the same prompts.
Arrival Impressions
| Question | Notes |
|---|---|
| How did the entrance feel? Warm welcome, secure access, and signage? | |
| Are emergency procedures posted and easy to understand? | |
| Did educators greet children by name as they entered? | |
| What are the ratios in the rooms you saw, and do they match posted limits? |
Daily Rhythm & Communication
- What does a typical day look like for your child’s age group?
- How do educators communicate wins, challenges, and daily reports with families?
- What language is used around behaviour guidance and emotional regulation?
- Are naps flexible? Can routines mirror what you do at home?
Health, Food, and Safety
- How are allergies handled and communicated across staff?
- Are menus posted weekly? Can you review a sample?
- What is the policy for illness, medication, and symptom-free return times?
- Where do children wash hands? Are there visual cues for hygiene steps?
Program Philosophy & Environment
- How is outdoor play integrated through Saskatchewan’s seasons?
- What materials and toys are available? Do they reflect diversity and open-ended play?
- How are Indigenous cultures represented and respected?
- Are educators encouraged to pursue ongoing training and certifications?
Practical Logistics
- Hours of operation, stat holiday closures, and expectations for late pick-ups.
- Fee structure (including waitlist deposits, supply fees, and payment methods).
- Transition plan: Do they offer gradual entry days or orientation calls?
- How much notice is required to change schedules or withdraw?
Red Flags to Notice
- Ratios that appear stretched or educators who seem rushed.
- Spaces that smell strongly of cleaning products or feel poorly ventilated.
- Vague answers about emergency procedures or safe release policies.
- Limited opportunities for children’s voices to appear on walls or in programming.
After the Tour
- Capture your gut feeling within the hour. Rate warmth, communication, and alignment with your family values on a quick 1-5 scale.
- Thank the director. A short email with two highlights from the visit keeps the relationship warm.
- Record follow-ups in Blueberry. Add notes about required documents, expected wait times, and when to check back.
- Set a reminder. Schedule the next touchpoint so the centre knows you remain interested.
Keep the Momentum Going
Pair this checklist with the Saskatchewan Daycare Playbook for a complete search system: Saskatchewan Daycare Playbook 2025.
Whenever questions pop up, email us at hello@tryblueberry.ca. We can share scripts, drafts, or a quick second opinion on what you are seeing.
Sources
- Government of Saskatchewan: Child Care in Saskatchewan (ratios and regulated care basics)
Ready to build your shortlist?
Tell us your neighbourhood, schedule, and your child’s age. We’ll help you pull together a realistic shortlist fast. If you prefer to start wide, you can browse the directory manually.