5 Questions to Ask Before Choosing an Ann Arbor Daycare

Choosing an early learning program or daycare is a major decision that can be equally daunting and exciting.

Many brochures and websites share schedules, classrooms, and activities, but they don’t paint a full picture of what daily care looks like in action. 

If you're comparing daycare and early learning options, ask these five questions to understand what a program truly offers. 

1. What Is Your Educational Philosophy?

Ask for an explanation of educational philosophy and, more importantly, how it shapes children's everyday experiences.

At Squiggle Room, the approach combines play-based learning with Reggio Emilia–inspired and Montessori-informed practices. Your child is encouraged to explore, make choices, experiment, develop independence through decision-making, and learn through hands-on experiences.

It’s also helpful to ask: “What classroom activities or practices reflect this philosophy?”

2. How Do Teachers Interact with Children?

Take note of teachers' interactions during your tours.

Do they talk with children, listen attentively, ask thoughtful questions, and participate in activities? Or are they mostly giving instructions and managing logistics?

3. What Are Children Learning Through Play?

Depending on the program, “play-based” can mean different things. 

Ask how activities support development, the frequency of activities, and how they grow with your child. A program with a strong educational approach will explain how its activities support children's development without taking away the joy and freedom of play.

4. How Do You Balance Structure and Choice?

Children need daily routines, but they also need opportunities to independently explore.

Ask for a breakdown of a typical day for your child and the degree of freedom children have within routines. 

Squiggle Room combines predictable structure with opportunities for child-initiated exploration. This gives children a sense of security while allowing them to make choices and follow their interests.

5. Can the Program Grow with My Child?

Finally, ask how the program grows with your child. Some families change programs as their children move through different stages, while others prefer continuing with the community their child has grown with.

We offer programs as early as six weeks and continuing through school age, with learning experiences that grow as children's developmental needs expand.

The Questions Are Only the Beginning

A brochure or website can tell you what a program offers, but a tour can help you understand what that experience looks like day to day. 

If you're looking for an early learning center, we'd love to show you around.

Schedule a tour at Squiggle Room in Ann Arbor, meet the team, explore the environment, and learn more about our approach.