Reviewed October 17, 2026 · By the Kiddy Garden team
Start with the basics
Confirm the provider’s current Illinois license and ask how the center handles entry, supervision, illness, medication and allergies. Request the written policies you will be expected to follow.
Illinois child care licensing information is available from the Illinois Department of Early Childhood. Verify the current provider record rather than relying only on a badge on a website.
Visit the classroom your child would join
Notice how teachers respond to children, explain routines and help with transitions. Ask how the room is staffed throughout the day, including opening, closing and staff breaks.
Ask what play, rest, outdoor time and meals look like for your child’s age. An infant’s routine will be different from a preschooler’s.
Your tour checklist
Tick off the questions as you go. Your selections stay only on this page and reset when it reloads.
Compare what matters to your family
Write down the same information for each center: schedule, commute, classroom experience, communication, costs and availability. A suitable program fits your child’s needs and your daily routine.
Explore Kiddy Garden
Hawthorn Woods offers infant through Pre-K care. Schaumburg also offers school-age care; ask about current schedules and participating schools. Visit our program overview and teacher pages before your tour.
If cost is a concern, our Illinois CCAP guide explains official assistance tools and how to contact our team.
Questions families ask
How many centers should I tour?
Visit enough to compare the options that fit your schedule and location. There is no required number; focus on asking consistent questions.
Can I confirm a place during the tour?
Availability can change. Ask the center to confirm the room, schedule, start date and any required payment or forms in writing.
Talk through your next step
Tell us your child’s age, the schedule you need and your preferred start date.
Schedule a Tour