Why tend exists
tend was founded by Haley Blackwood, a Canadian parent who relocated to a new city without an existing network of families or trusted sitter recommendations.
When looking for childcare, the options felt more complicated than they needed to be. Job-board style platforms created a flood of responses, placing the responsibility for vetting, coordination, and decision-making entirely on parents. Informal recommendations in local groups offered availability, but little context, no consistency, and no way to understand reliability over time.
At the same time, reviews shape nearly every other decision we make. Childcare, despite being deeply important, often lacked that same structure.
tend was built to close that gap in a more structured way.
tend is a childcare booking platform where families book vetted sitters directly, with availability, payments, and reviews handled in one place.
tend is operated by Tend Childcare Services, Inc., a Canadian company.
A more structured approach to care
tend brings structure to moments that are often stressful.
Families can see who is genuinely available, read real reviews from other parents, and book with confidence without back-and-forth or uncertainty.
Sitters set their availability, preferences, and rates, and are only shown for bookings that genuinely fit. The result is clarity on both sides.
Built carefully, on purpose
tend is based in the GTA and is launching city by city, beginning in Oakville.
Growth is intentional. Each new area opens only once there are enough vetted sitters to support reliable bookings.
Expanding carefully allows quality, trust, and support to remain consistent as the community grows.
The result is calm coordination and care that feels considered.
A considered standard of care
The platform is built around a carefully vetted community of sitters who must meet clear safety and experience standards: verified identity, a current Vulnerable Sector Police Check, and valid First Aid and CPR certification.
Experience is reviewed as part of the application process through a conversation with our team and reference checks. Over time, this is reinforced over time through real-world bookings and parent feedback.
This approach helps ensure care remains reliable, accountable, and consistent.
How the platform works
tend is a platform, not an employer.
Sitters operate independently and set their own availability and rates. tend handles screening, payments, and reviews so expectations stay clear on both sides.
Everything is designed to reduce friction, increase clarity, and respect everyone’s time.
Questions or partnerships: hello@tendcare.ca
