Choosing child care might be one of the biggest decisions you’ll make for your family — and also one of the most overwhelming. Every center’s website says the same things: “nurturing,” “engaging,” “a second home.” After a few tours, it all starts to blend together.
Here’s the good news: it really comes down to a handful of real questions. Ask these on your next tour, and you’ll walk away knowing exactly where your child belongs.
1. What does your child actually need right now?
A six-month-old and a four-year-old need completely different days. Babies need responsive care, routines, and rest. Toddlers need room to move, explore, and start using words. Preschoolers are ready for a little more structure, but still need plenty of time to just play.
Ask what a typical day looks like for your child’s specific age group — not just the center in general.
At Small World, we offer programs for kids 6 weeks through 12 years old, including daycare, preschool, private kindergarten, and before-and-after-school care.
2. What does a normal day actually look like?
A great day usually mixes:
1. Learning activities
2. Creative projects (hello, glitter)
3. Story time
4. Music and movement
5. Indoor and outdoor play
6. Time with friends
7. Meals, snacks, and quiet/rest time
The goal isn’t to find a schedule where every minute is filled. Young children need a balance of active and quiet experiences, structured activities and child-directed play.
3. Watch the teachers, not just the toys
Any classroom can look cute in photos. What matters more: are the teachers actually talking with the kids? Listening when they talk back? Getting down on their level when someone needs help or a hug?
Those small moments tell you more than any brochure can.
4. Is “learning” happening through play — or worksheets?
Little kids don’t need flashcards to learn. They need blocks to stack, dress-up clothes, sensory bins to dig through, and songs to sing. That’s where real learning happens.
Our classrooms build in music, creative movement, group play, arts and crafts, science, and plenty of hands-on exploration — adapted for each age group.
5. Does it actually fit your family’s schedule?
A wonderful program still has to work for your real life. Worth asking:.
Consider questions such as:
1. What are the regular hours?
2. Full-time and part-time options?
3. Before- and after-school care?
4. What happens during school breaks?
5. Is transportation available for school-age kids?
Small World is open Monday–Friday, 6:00 AM–6:30 PM, with full- and part-time programs and before-and-after-school care with transportation. (Always confirm current hours directly with the center.)
6. Who’s handling snacks, naps, and the little stuff?
Learning is only part of the day. Ask how meals, snacks, naps, and transitions between activities are handled — and how the center accommodates any allergies or specific routines your child needs.
Small World includes a nutritional food program as part of our day. If your child has specific dietary or medical needs, bring those up directly with the center.
7. Would YOU want to spend the day here?
Look past the decorations. Notice the classrooms, the play spaces, the outdoor area. Ask yourself honestly: would my child feel comfortable here? A great space gives kids room to explore while still feeling safe and age-appropriate.
And ask lots of questions while you’re there — a tour is your chance to really understand how the place runs.
8. How will you actually find out how your child’s day went?
Good communication can make the child care experience easier for everyone.
Ask how parents receive updates and how teachers and families communicate about a child’s day.
Good communication makes everything easier. Ask:
1. Who do I contact with questions?
2. How are concerns handled?
3. How will I get day-to-day updates?
4. How do I share info about my child’s needs?
9. Go see it for yourself
Online research can get you to a shortlist, but nothing replaces walking through the door. During your visit, pay attention to the classroom atmosphere, how teachers and kids interact, what activities are out, and how staff answer your questions. Try to picture a normal morning there for your child.
Looking for Child Care in West Valley City?
Small World Child Care Centers – West Valley
4130 S. 3600 W.
West Valley City, UT 84119
801-969-1553
westvalley@smallworldcenters.com
We offer daycare, preschool, private kindergarten, and before-and-after-school care for kids from infancy through school age. If you’re comparing child care options in West Valley City, come see the classrooms for yourself — schedule a tour today.
