In short: go to a visit with written questions, not just to “get a feel for the place”. The most useful answers come from concrete questions about settling in, safety, food, staff and total cost. And the best indicator isn’t the head teacher’s presentation — it’s the state of the children in the room on an ordinary day.

The list below is grouped by category so you can run through it quickly on your phone during the visit.

Before the visit

Ask for a visit on an ordinary day, not an open day. You want to see the group functioning, not a rehearsed version.

Check in advance:

1. Settling in and routine (5 questions)

  1. How does the settling-in period work, and how long does it last? (At nursery, the law provides an accompaniment programme of up to 10 working days — see settling into nursery.)
  2. What do you do with a child who cries a lot in the first weeks? How do you keep me informed?
  3. What does the daily routine look like, hour by hour?
  4. What happens to children who no longer nap at midday?
  5. How do you communicate with parents — app, group chat, conversations at pick-up? How quickly do I get an answer to a question?

2. Staff and group (5 questions)

  1. How many children are in the group, and how many adults?
  2. Who are the group’s teachers, and how long have they worked here?
  3. What has staff turnover been over the last two years? (An evasive answer here tells you more than any brochure.)
  4. Who covers for the teacher during leave or illness?
  5. Is there a medical assistant on site, and during which hours?

3. Safety and incidents (5 questions)

  1. What procedure do you follow if a child is hurt or bitten? Do I receive anything in writing? (See what to do when your child is hurt at kindergarten.)
  2. How do you handle conflicts between children?
  3. Who is authorised to collect the child, and how do you verify identity?
  4. Are there surveillance cameras? Where, who has access, and how long are recordings kept? (See what’s legal with video cameras.)
  5. What do you do in a medical emergency — who do you call first?

4. Food and health (5 questions)

  1. Do you have an on-site kitchen or catering? Who is the supplier?
  2. Who approves the menu, and how far in advance do parents receive it?
  3. How do you manage food allergies and cross-contamination? (See menus and allergies.)
  4. What do you do if a child consistently refuses food?
  5. What are your rules for returning after illness? (See the epidemiological clearance.)

5. Money and paperwork (5 questions)

  1. What is the total monthly cost, including meals and any recurring fee?
  2. What is not included — optional activities, trips, materials, uniform?
  3. How are absence days charged, and is there a reduction for illness?
  4. Is there a sibling discount? (See sibling discounts.)
  5. Do you accept nursery vouchers, and how does that work? (See where vouchers are accepted.)

At private units, ask for the full cost list in writing, before signing the contract. See hidden costs at private kindergartens and at private nurseries.

At state units, ask about the class fund — and remember you are not obliged to contribute. See what the law says about the class fund.

What to observe, beyond the questions

Answers matter, but direct observation tells you more:

Good signs

  • Children look relaxed and engaged, not silent and stiff.
  • The teacher gets down to the children’s level when speaking to them.
  • The space is tidy but used — you can tell someone plays there.
  • Children’s work is displayed at their height, not just for parents.
  • You get concrete answers with examples, not just principles.
  • You are allowed into the group room, not just the corridor.

Red flags

  • You are refused entry to the group room without a reasonable explanation.
  • Constant background crying that nobody is attending to.
  • Broken or dirty materials, neglected spaces.
  • Evasive answers about costs or staff turnover.
  • Pressure to decide on the spot, or a deposit before you’ve seen the contract.
  • Staff discussing other children by name — if they do it now, they’ll do it about yours.

How to compare two units

After the visits, note for each: the real total monthly cost, distance from home and work, closing time, children per adult, your impression of the teachers, and a personal score from 1 to 5.

A simple trick: decide 24 hours after the visit, not in the car park. In-the-moment enthusiasm hides the details that matter by month three.

See also our general guide on how to choose the right kindergarten and, if you speak more than one language at home, which language of instruction to choose.

Frequently asked questions

What should I ask when visiting a kindergarten? Focus on five categories: settling in and routine, staff and group size, safety and incident procedures, food and health, and total costs. Concrete questions produce useful answers; general ones produce brochures.

When is the best time to visit? On an ordinary working day, not an open day. You want to see the group running normally.

Which signals should worry me? Refusal to show you the group room, evasive answers about costs or staff turnover, pressure to decide on the spot, and staff discussing other children by name.

How many children should be in a group? At preschool level the law provides an average of 15 preschoolers, minimum 10 and maximum 20. Also ask how many adults are actually in the room.

What should I get in writing before signing? The full monthly cost list, what is not included, the absence and late-pick-up policy, and the internal regulations.

Can I visit several kindergartens? Yes, and you should. Visit at least two or three and compare them on the same criteria, 24 hours after the last visit.

Sources

Conclusion

A visit is not a formality but the only chance to see the place as it actually runs before you sign. Take the list on your phone, ask the uncomfortable questions about costs and staffing, and let the decision settle for a day.

Compare the units in your neighbourhood on the piticluj.ro interactive map before booking visits. See also our data sources.