Question 1

How does Childcare Finder work?

Accepted Answer

Search by postal code or provider name, then filter results by neighbourhood, care type, age groups, availability, and more. No account needed to search.

Question 2

Is Childcare Finder free to use?

Accepted Answer

Yes, completely free for families to search and browse. For providers, claiming and keeping a profile up to date is also free during our pilot. Down the road we may introduce optional paid features for providers, but core information for families will always stay free.

Question 3

What areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We're currently focused on Vancouver's west side while we grow carefully, but Childcare Finder is built to grow across all of Vancouver and eventually all of BC.

Question 4

Do I need an account to search?

Accepted Answer

No. Anyone can search and view provider profiles without signing up.

Question 5

Where does your information come from?

Accepted Answer

Most of our information comes from BC government's official childcare information, updated daily. Once a provider claims their profile, they can also confirm and update details themselves, so some information comes directly from providers too.

Question 6

How often is it updated?

Accepted Answer

We sync with BC's official childcare information every day. Providers who've claimed their profile can also update details like availability themselves anytime, but how often they do that is up to each provider.

Question 7

What does a "Claimed" or "Verified" badge mean?

Accepted Answer

It means the person running that program confirmed they're really connected to it, and keeps their own information up to date. It's not a rating or an endorsement.

Question 8

Do you rate or rank providers?

Accepted Answer

No. We don't create ratings, scores, or rankings. You'll only see real information providers and BC's government have shared, nothing invented.

Question 9

How do I contact a provider?

Accepted Answer

Right now, every claimed profile shows the provider's contact details (phone, email, or website), so you can reach out yourself. Contacting providers and tracking your inquiries right from your dashboard is coming soon.

Question 10

Can I save providers I'm interested in?

Accepted Answer

Saving and comparing providers is coming soon. For now, we'd suggest bookmarking or noting down providers you like as you search.

Question 11

How do I claim my program's listing?

Accepted Answer

Search for your program by name or address. If you find it, there's an option to claim it, you'll just need to sign in or create a free account first. If you can't find it, request a claim and we'll help connect you to the right listing.

Question 12

How long does approval take?

Accepted Answer

We review every claim by hand to keep things trustworthy for families, so it's not instant. We'll do our best to get to it quickly.

Question 13

What can I do with a free Basic account once I've claimed my listing?

Accepted Answer

Keep your contact information up to date. Update your availability by age group. Add details like the programs you offer, age groups served, special needs support, and fee support options. Get a "Claimed" and "Verified" badge, so families know your info is current.

Question 14

Are there different types of provider accounts?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Basic and Premium. Basic includes everything listed above, always free. Premium adds more detailed features, like photos, a fuller program description, your daily schedule, a personal message to families, and more to help you stand out. Right now, every provider gets Premium for free during our pilot, and providers who claim their profile during this time will always get the best deal.

Question 15

What if my name, address, phone, or email is wrong?

Accepted Answer

These core details are locked to keep things accurate and safe for families. If something needs fixing, just reach out through Contact Support on your profile page, and our team will review and correct it.

Question 16

Can I edit my own information?

Accepted Answer

Yes, everything except your core contact details (see above) can be updated by you, any time, right from your dashboard.

Question 17

Is my information shared with anyone?

Accepted Answer

We only show what a provider has chosen to make public on their listing (the program's name, address, and contact info, so families can reach them). A parent's account information is never shared with other people or sold to anyone. Our own team can see it only to help with support if needed.

Question 18

Who can see the personal information I submit when claiming my listing?

Accepted Answer

When you claim a listing, you'll share some personal details (like your name and contact info) to prove you're really connected to the program. That personal information is only visible to you and our admin team, who review every claim by hand.

Question 19

Is my data ever sold or used for ads?

Accepted Answer

No. We don't use trackers or advertising tools, and we never sell personal information.

Question 20

Can I delete my account or data?

Accepted Answer

Yes; just reach out to us directly through our Contact page, and we'll take care of it for you.

Frequently asked questions

Getting Started

Our Data, and Why You Can Trust It

Using Childcare Finder

For Providers

Privacy

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