FAQ
Questions, answered properly
If yours isn't here, ask us directly — we'd rather over-explain than leave you guessing.
For parents
If you're bringing children
What exactly is on-site event childcare?
We bring a fully equipped, supervised kids’ lounge to your venue and run it for the duration of your event. Children stay on-site — usually in a room adjacent to your reception — with certified caregivers, age-appropriate activities, and a structured schedule. Parents stay at the celebration and can drop in whenever they like.
How far in advance should we book?
Six to eight weeks is comfortable for most events, and peak wedding season (June through September) books further out. That said, it’s always worth asking — we hold some capacity for shorter timelines and can often accommodate a late request.
How are your caregivers screened?
Every caregiver clears a dual-layer background screening before working an event: a criminal record check and a vulnerable-sector check (the enhanced police check required in Ontario for anyone working with children). All staff hold current CPR/AED and Standard First Aid certification, and we verify references from prior childcare work.
Are you insured?
Yes. We carry $4 million in commercial general liability coverage, plus professional childcare liability. Many venues ask for proof of insurance before an event — we’ll send a certificate directly to your venue or planner on request.
What ages do you care for?
Six months through twelve years. Our staffing ratios tighten for younger children — 1:2 for infants under two, 1:4 for ages three to five, and 1:6 for school age — so the team size depends on the age mix, not just the headcount.
How do you handle allergies and medical needs?
Every child gets a digital profile at booking that records allergies, dietary restrictions, medications, medical conditions, and emergency contacts. That profile is linked to a tamper-evident wristband, and the lead caregiver reviews all of it before your event begins. If a child carries an EpiPen or inhaler, we keep it accessible and confirm the protocol with you directly.
How do you make sure the right adult collects each child?
At check-in you name the adults authorized to collect your child, and no one else can. Each child’s wristband is matched against their digital profile at pickup, and we ask for ID from anyone we don’t recognise. If plans change mid-event, you can update the authorized list with the lead caregiver.
Will you take photos of our children?
Only with your written consent, which is a separate opt-in on the intake form — never a default. You can decline entirely, allow photos for your family only, or permit us to use images in our portfolio. Declining changes nothing about the care your child receives.
What happens if we need to cancel or change the date?
Full terms are set out in your service agreement, and we’ll always walk you through them before you sign. In general, deposits are transferable to a new date subject to availability, and cancellation terms depend on how close to the event we are. Talk to us as early as you can — we’d rather move a booking than lose it.
For planners & venues
If you're organising the event
What exactly is on-site event childcare?
We bring a fully equipped, supervised kids’ lounge to your venue and run it for the duration of your event. Children stay on-site — usually in a room adjacent to your reception — with certified caregivers, age-appropriate activities, and a structured schedule. Parents stay at the celebration and can drop in whenever they like.
How far in advance should we book?
Six to eight weeks is comfortable for most events, and peak wedding season (June through September) books further out. That said, it’s always worth asking — we hold some capacity for shorter timelines and can often accommodate a late request.
Are you insured?
Yes. We carry $4 million in commercial general liability coverage, plus professional childcare liability. Many venues ask for proof of insurance before an event — we’ll send a certificate directly to your venue or planner on request.
What kind of space do you need at the venue?
A private, lockable room with access to washrooms works best. As a rough guide we ask for about 30 square feet per child, so ten children need roughly a 300-square-foot room. We’re happy to do a walkthrough with your venue coordinator and can adapt to most layouts, including tented and outdoor sites with a weather contingency.
We're a venue or planner. How does a referral partnership work?
We work with venues, planners, and caterers across the National Capital Region as a recommended childcare provider. Referral partners get direct booking contact, insurance documentation on file, and a consistent on-site standard they can vouch for. Get in touch through our partners page and we’ll set up a call.
What happens if we need to cancel or change the date?
Full terms are set out in your service agreement, and we’ll always walk you through them before you sign. In general, deposits are transferable to a new date subject to availability, and cancellation terms depend on how close to the event we are. Talk to us as early as you can — we’d rather move a booking than lose it.
Still have a question?
Send it over. A real person answers, usually the same day.
Prefer email? info@there4you.ca