Caredence logoCaredence
    Apply

    Daycare operations

    Daycare Closing Checklist

    Closing is where the day's records get finalized and where one of the most serious failures — a child left behind — is prevented. Run this list in order, every day, and document the sweep.

    Last reviewed:

    Short answer

    Closing is a verification routine, not a cleaning routine: confirm every child has a recorded departure and an authorized pickup, sweep all rooms, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces for children and belongings, complete outstanding daily reports and incident documentation, sanitize and restock, then secure the building and confirm tomorrow's staffing.

    Pickup and verification

    • Check out every child individually with a timestamp and the name of the adult picking up.
    • Release children only to adults on the authorized pickup list. Verify photo ID for anyone staff do not recognize. If someone is not on the list, do not release the child; contact the parent or guardian.
    • If a child is not collected, follow your late pickup policy and state rules.
    • Hand off medications, soiled clothing, and any incident report requiring a signature.
    • Note late pickups and apply the late-pickup fee consistently — inconsistency is what makes the policy unenforceable.

    The final sweep

    1. Physically walk every classroom, bathroom, closet, nap area, playground, and vehicle.
    2. Look under cots, in cubbies, and behind furniture.
    3. Cross-check the attendance record: every child checked in must be checked out.
    4. Have a second staff member confirm and sign the sweep before anyone leaves.

    Records and cleaning

    • Send daily reports for every child; confirm none are missing.
    • File incident reports and confirm the parent was notified today, not tomorrow.
    • Sanitize cots, tables, bathrooms, and high-touch surfaces; run laundry.
    • Empty trash and diaper pails; restock supplies for the opener.
    • Note tomorrow's absences, staffing gaps, and any follow-ups for the director.

    Securing the building

    • Lock medications and cleaning chemicals.
    • Turn off equipment, adjust thermostats, and check that no water is running.
    • Lock all exterior doors, windows, and gates; set the alarm.
    • Confirm the closer's departure time is logged.

    Frequently asked questions

    Should two people sign the end-of-day sweep?

    Yes. A two-person signed sweep helps make sure no child is left in the building. Check your state’s rules for any written requirement.

    What is a reasonable late pickup fee?

    A common structure is $1 per minute after a five-minute grace period, billed to the next invoice. The point is deterrence and staff overtime recovery, so apply it every time.

    How Caredence supports this

    Run your daycare on one platform

    Caredence brings attendance, billing, messaging, and reporting into one place — so you spend less time on paperwork and more time with kids.

    Apply for free accessBrowse all guides

    Keep reading

    Daycare Opening Checklist

    A step-by-step daycare opening checklist: safety walk, ratio and staffing confirmation, temperature logs, check-in setup, and classroom prep before the first child arrives.

    Read guide

    Daycare Attendance Sheet and Sign-In Sheet Templates

    Free printable daycare attendance sheet and sign-in sheet templates, plus what attendance records commonly need to show.

    Read guide

    Infant Daily Report and Daycare Daily Sheet Templates

    Free printable infant daily report and daycare daily sheet templates for feedings, diapers, naps, meals, and notes to parents.

    Read guide