Both my boys have been in a couple of different daycare's. One was a FDC type scenario and the last two were Long daycare centre's.

I always ALWAYS go and have a look before I enrol them. They should have no problems letting you wander around for a squiz and ask any of the carers questions. This last time I even took Jett with me so he could have a look around as well.
They will tell you the child:carer ratio, esp if you ask. Our current one keeps with the legislation which has just been updated if memory serves correctly; so atm while they are renovating Jett and Ripley are together but once thats done they will be separated into two area's because the ratio's differ depending on how old the kids are (Rip is in the under 2yo category while Jett is in the over 2/preschoolers catergory). At all their daycares we've had to send food which is fine by me. It helps me keep track of what and how much they are eating.

To be honest, I think going to enquire in person and having a look around; and asking the right questions should be enough for you to get a feel for whether your kids would be happy there. I believe mothers intuition is a powerful thing and you should stick with it.
I orignially looked at a daycare down the road from us when we were in Townsville but within 5min of walking in to enquire about enrolling the boys my mummy radar went pinging and I walked back out again. Wasnt anything particularly dangerous I just didnt like the carers attitude and the general feel of the place. The centre we eventually picked we ADORED; Jett still asks for his kindy teacher and they were very sad when we left. I think we've picked a winner with our current one too, the boys didnt even flinch when I left them for their first day and I already have to practically drag them out of there when its home time