A note from our founder
Why tend exists
tend was inspired by a simple realization: childcare should be easier to find, easier to book, and easier to trust.
After living overseas, I became familiar with a more modern way of accessing childcare, one where families could see real availability, review sitter profiles, and book care more directly. It felt practical, transparent, and built for the way families actually live.
When I returned home to Oakville as a parent, I expected something similar to exist here. Instead, I found that the process was still surprisingly fragmented. Parents were relying on local recommendations, group posts, job-board-style platforms, and endless back-and-forth, often with little context around availability, reliability, or past parent experiences.
tend gives families a place to find vetted sitters, see real availability, book directly, manage payment, and read reviews from other parents, all in one place.
It is designed to make finding trusted care feel less uncertain, less time-consuming, and more connected to the needs of modern families.
So I built tend to bring a more considered approach to childcare in our community.
Haley Blackwood
Founder, tend
tend is operated by Tend Childcare Services, Inc., a Canadian company.
The approach
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 directly, 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.
The pace
Built carefully, on purpose
tend is based in the GTA and opened to families in March 2026, 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.
Safety and trust
A considered standard of care
The platform is built around a carefully vetted community of sitters. Every sitter has completed each of the following before their first booking:
- Identity verification
- A current Vulnerable Sector Police Check
- Valid First Aid and CPR certification
- Reference checks
- A personal conversation with our team
This is reinforced over time through real-world bookings and parent feedback, so care remains reliable, accountable, and consistent.
Read more on Safety and trust
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 keep expectations clear and respect everyone’s time.
Questions or partnerships
Explore tend at your own pace
See who is available for your time and location, or read how tend works for families.
Find careNew to tend? How tend works for parents