Child Care Finder: FAQ for Providers

What is Child Care Finder?

Child Care Finder is the new online search platform for early care and education in Washington state. Child Care Finder will replace the current child care search webpage and the Provider Update and Vacancy Update forms.

Why is Child Care Aware of Washington switching to Child Care Finder?

Child Care Finder will make it much easier for families to find the care they need and for providers to manage their profiles and market their businesses. The new platform lets providers update their own information to keep their listing current. Child Care Finder also gives families more options when they search for care.

When will the switch to Child Care Finder take effect?

Child Care Finder will be available to the public as soon as the majority of the 6,500+ providers have opted in. We expect to officially launch Child Care Finder in early summer.

Will Child Care Finder help my business?

Yes! Child Care Finder gives you ownership of your listing, making it easier for families to find you when you have openings. You have the power to:

• Update and advertise openings to families who are actively searching for care.
• Message with families to answer questions quickly and easily.
• Ensure families see the most accurate information about your programs.
• Spend less time on administrative tasks and more time caring for children.

What is expected from providers?

As a provider, you will be asked to:

• Look for an email to the address associated with your account. Click the link to go directly to your account (No Passwords Needed!).
• All provider profiles are set to private. You will need to opt in to make your profile public, so families can see it in search results.
• Update your program information.
• Add openings.
• Keep information current so families can find care more easily.

These actions directly help providers connect with more families and fill openings.

How will you support providers who face language, access, or technology barriers?

Child Care Aware of Washington is here to help make the transition to Child Care Finder as smooth as possible. We will roll out tools and resources over the next several weeks, including:

• Multilingual training videos 
• Multilingual how-to guides
• Interpreter-supported trainings as requested
• Support from regional coaches

We’re committed to making Child Care Finder accessible to every provider.

Do I have to share my profile and address? Will I lose my license if I don’t opt in?

Providers do not have to share their profiles. When providers do opt in to Child Care Finder and keep their profiles updated, parents can see openings in real-time. You have the option to hide your address, and you can unpublish your listing any time.

What will you do with my information? Do you sell provider lists?

The privacy and security of providers matter to us. Your profiles will remain private unless you choose to opt in and make your profile public. Child Care Aware of Washington will not sell provider information, nor will it be available for commercial use.

If I choose to keep my profile or address private, how will you keep my information secure?

If you choose to keep your profile private, it will not be visible in search results when families search Child Care Finder. If your profile is public but your address is private, families will see only the city and zip code in which you’re located.