FAQs for Parents
Let us answer your questions!
How do I search facilities?
To search for a facility, simply go to the homepage and enter your location, then on the search page select your preferred type of care (daycare, day home, preschool, etc.), and any specific filters like open availability, dietary preferences, language, and more! From there you’ll see a list of available options that meet your criteria.
What is The Care List’s vetting process?
The Care List does not conduct individual vetting of each facility but encourages transparency from providers. We recommend that parents review each listing thoroughly, look for reviews, and visit facilities in person to ensure they meet your standards.
What should I be looking for in a facility?
When choosing a facility, consider factors like staff qualifications, safety protocols, cleanliness, and communication. You may also want to look at specific amenities, such as outdoor play areas, meal plans, and the facility's approach to early childhood education. In our experience, speaking with the director and staff can help give parents a good idea of the methods and values the facility upholds.
How do I find facilities with open availability?
You can filter your search to show only facilities with open availability by selecting the "Open Spots" option in the search filters under "Availability". This will ensure you see only those listings currently accepting new enrollment.
How do I request a feature?
If there’s a feature you’d like to see on The Care List, we’d love to hear from you! Please email us at [email protected] with your suggestion, and we’ll take it into consideration for future updates.
Can I search for facilities with specific educational philosophies (e.g., Montessori, Reggio Emilia)?
Yes! You can filter your search by educational philosophy using the "Education Philosophy" filter. Select Montessori, Reggio Emilia, or other specialized learning approaches to find the facility that best fits your preferences.
How do I book a tour or interview with a facility?
To book a tour or interview, click on the "Book Tour" button on the facility’s listing if they enable the feature. This will take you to their preferred booking platform where you can select an available time that works for you. If they have not enabled the feature, simply click "Send Message" to message the facility directly to coordinate a time.
How do I add my link to application or waitlist to my listing?
Adding a waitlist or application link is easy. Simply go to your listing's "Edit" page and locate the "Links" section. Paste your link in the "Join Waitlist" field, save the changes, and the link will appear on your listing for parents to access.
How do I request a feature?
We love hearing feedback from our users! If you have a feature you’d like to request, please use our contact form or email us directly at [email protected] with your suggestion.
How does The Care List market my facility?
The Care List markets your facility through filter search, targeted advertising (coming soon), search engine optimization (SEO), and social media marketing. We work to ensure that parents looking for care in your area can find your listing easily, whether through Google searches, on-page search or social platforms. We also have offline methods that we will be using such as trade shows, partnerships and more.
What types of facilities does The Care List allow?
The Care List welcomes daycares, day homes, preschools, and after-school programs that meet the standards for quality care. We allow licensed and unlicensed facilities but encourage full transparency in your listing so parents can make informed decisions.
How do I create and manage waitlists?
Currently The Care List only allows for you to embed your personal waitlist / application link into your facility's listing. We're currently working on our offerings.
Can I message parents directly through The Care List?
Yes, you can! The Care List includes a messaging feature within your dashboard. Currently, you can respond to inquiries and communicate with parents directly through the platform. This keeps all communication in one place for easy reference.
Can I see insights on how my listing is performing?
Not yet. We plan to offer performance analytics that show how many parents have viewed your listing, clicked on your book tour link, or joined your waitlist. These insights help you gauge your listing’s effectiveness and make adjustments if needed.
Can I offer discounts or promotions through my listing?
Yes, you can add promotional offers or discounts by updating your listing. In the "Promotions" section, enter the details of your offer, and it will appear on your listing for parents to see. You can use this to attract more families during enrollment periods.