Terms of Service

1. What Hatchling Is

• Hatchling.ca is a directory and messaging platform that helps families find home childcare providers in Waterloo Region.
• We display provider listings, facilitate introductory messages between parents and providers, and host public reviews.
• We are not a childcare agency, employer, or licensing body.

2. Self-Reported Information

• All provider information — including licensing status, credentials, availability, rates, and photos — is self-reported by the provider.
• Hatchling does not independently verify licensing, credentials, background checks, photos, or any other provider information.
• Badges such as “Licensed,” “First Aid/CPR,” or “RECE” reflect what the provider has told us, not what we have confirmed.

3. Your Responsibilities

• Before choosing a provider, you are responsible for verifying their licensing, credentials, and suitability for your family.
• We strongly encourage you to visit the provider in person, request documentation directly, and conduct your own due diligence.
• For licensed providers in Ontario, you can verify licensing through the Ontario government’s licensed child care search.

4. Inquiry Forms & Data Sharing

• When you submit an inquiry form or send a message to a provider, your name and email address are shared with that provider so they can respond to you.
• Any additional information you provide in the inquiry (child’s birth date, schedule preferences, message) is also shared with the provider.
• You are responsible for the accuracy and appropriateness of information you submit. You may provide approximate dates if you prefer not to share exact information.
• By sending an inquiry, you consent to this data sharing. See our Privacy Policy for details.

5. Account & Consent

• By creating an account, you agree to these Terms and our Privacy Policy.
• You acknowledge that provider listings are self-reported and not independently verified by Hatchling.
• You may delete your account and request removal of your data at any time from your account settings.
• You may export a copy of your data at any time from your account settings.

6. Provider Data Handling Responsibilities

• When providers receive parent inquiry data (name, email, child birth date, schedule preferences), they become independent controllers of that personal information.
• Providers must use parent inquiry data only to respond to the inquiry and assess care compatibility.
• Providers must not share parent data with unauthorized third parties.
• Providers must handle parent data in compliance with applicable Canadian privacy laws, including PIPEDA.
• Providers must delete parent inquiry data when it is no longer needed for the stated purpose.
• Hatchling is not responsible for how providers handle data after it leaves our platform.

7. Prohibited Content and Behavior

• Do not post spam, fraudulent listings, or misleading information.
• Do not harass, threaten, or abuse other users.
• Do not share children’s personal information (full names, photos of identifiable children without consent, addresses, school names) in reviews or messages.
• See our Content Policy for full details.

8. Content Moderation

• We reserve the right to remove, hide, or edit any listing, review, photo, or message that violates these terms or our Content Policy.
• We may suspend or ban accounts that repeatedly violate our policies.
• Moderation decisions are at our discretion.

9. Limitation of Liability

• Hatchling provides this platform “as is.” We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information on the site.
• We are not liable for any decisions you make based on information found on Hatchling, including your choice of childcare provider.
• Your use of the platform is at your own risk.

10. Governing Law

These terms are governed by the laws of Ontario, Canada. Any disputes will be resolved in the courts of Ontario.

11. Contact

Questions about these terms? Contact us at support@hatchling.ca.