What is ChildCare schema?
ChildCare schema is structured data, based on the Schema.org ChildCare type, that describes a childcare centre's name, address, hours, ages served, contact details and other key facts to search engines.
ChildCare is a subtype of LocalBusiness. Centres can add openingHoursSpecification, address, telephone, geo, areaServed, priceRange and sameAs links to official listings and profiles.
Multi site providers should add separate ChildCare markup to each centre page and connect them to a parent Organization.
ChildCare schema properties
| Property | Example |
|---|---|
| @type | ChildCare (a LocalBusiness subtype) |
| name, url, image | Centre name, website, photos |
| address, geo, telephone | Location and contact |
| openingHoursSpecification | Daily hours, including early drop off |
| areaServed | Neighbourhoods served |
| priceRange | Fee range where you publish one |
| description | Ages accepted, programs offered |
Pair schema with parent focused content
Program pages by age
Infant, toddler, preschool and before and after school pages.
Licensing and safety info
Licence details, staff ratios and safety policies.
Tour booking
A clear way to book a visit, online or by phone.
Real photos and reviews
Parents want to see rooms, staff and other families' experiences.
Checklist for daycare structured data
- 1Use ChildCare as the type.
- 2Add one block per centre location.
- 3Match all details to your Business Profile.
- 4Keep hours and holiday closures current.
- 5Test with the Schema Markup Validator.
ChildCare schema example
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "ChildCare",
"name": "Little Steps Nursery",
"address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressLocality": "Manchester", "addressCountry": "GB" },
"telephone": "+44 161 000 0000",
"openingHours": "Mo-Fr 07:30-18:00"
}Childcare SEO beyond schema
Age group pages
Separate pages for babies, toddlers and preschool match how parents search.
Inspection reports
Link to official inspection results to build trust.
Easy visit requests
Make it simple for parents to request a visit from every page.
ChildCare pages parents trust
Parents look for safety, staff qualifications, ratios, inspection results and daily routines. Pages that answer these clearly, with photos of rooms and outdoor areas, help families shortlist your setting and book a visit.
Why ChildCare schema matters for nurseries
Parents searching for childcare want the basics fast: location, hours, ages accepted and how to arrange a visit. ChildCare markup gives search engines those facts in a clear format, which supports accurate business details in search and maps. It works best alongside a complete Google Business Profile and a detailed centre page.
Schema will not make a nursery rank above competitors on its own, but it reduces the chance of wrong hours or addresses appearing and helps AI tools describe the centre accurately when parents ask questions like "daycare near me open until 6pm".
ChildCare schema step by step
- 1Add ChildCare markup to each centre's own page.
- 2Include name, address, phone, URL and geo coordinates.
- 3Add opening hours for each weekday and holiday closures.
- 4Describe ages served and programs in the page text and description.
- 5Add sameAs links to the Google profile and official inspection or licensing pages.
- 6Test with the Rich Results Test and fix any errors.
Content to pair with ChildCare markup
Daily routine
A typical day from drop off to pick up, with meals, naps and activities.
Staff and ratios
Qualifications, training and adult to child ratios by age group.
Safety and licensing
Licence or inspection details with a link to the official report.
Enrolment steps
How to book a visit, join the waitlist and start.
ChildCare schema for multi site providers
Nursery groups with several centres should put ChildCare markup on each centre's own page, with that centre's address, hours and contact details, and use Organization markup on the group's home page with links to each centre. This keeps every location distinct and matches how each centre appears on Google Maps.
Why ChildCare schema matters for SEO
Clear structured data helps search engines and maps show correct hours and locations, which parents check often.
It also helps AI tools answer questions about the centre accurately, such as opening hours and ages served.
How ChildCare schema works
Good ChildCare markup covers three areas.
Centre details
Name, address, phone, hours and geo matching the Business Profile.
Service details
Ages served, programs and price range where shown on the page.
Connections
sameAs links to licensing listings and official profiles.
A group with six centres adds ChildCare schema to each location page. Opening hours in search become accurate, and parents stop calling the wrong centre.
ChildCare schema checklist
- ✓Use ChildCare on each centre page
- ✓Match details to each Business Profile
- ✓Include opening hours and holidays
- ✓Link to licensing listings with sameAs
- ✓Connect centres to a parent organisation
- ✓Validate markup after updates
Common ChildCare schema mistakes
One markup for all centres
Each centre needs its own data.
Outdated hours
Wrong hours frustrate parents.
Generic LocalBusiness type
ChildCare is more specific.
Hidden information in schema
Markup must match visible content.
ChildCare schema FAQs
What is ChildCare schema?
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Structured data that describes a childcare centre.
Where should I add it?
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On each centre's page.
Should multi site providers use it?
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Yes, with separate markup per centre.
Is ChildCare a real schema.org type?
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Yes. ChildCare is a schema.org type for child care businesses such as nurseries and daycares.
Should ChildCare schema include fees?
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You can add a general priceRange, but list detailed fees, funding and government subsidy options in the page text where parents can read the full context.
Does ChildCare schema work for in home daycare?
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Yes, if the provider is licensed and wants to be found locally. Use the home address only if parents visit, and follow local privacy rules.
Does ChildCare schema improve rankings?
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Not directly, but it helps search engines understand centre details.
Can I add ages served?
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Yes, through description or supported properties.
How do I test it?
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Use the Schema Markup Validator or Rich Results Test.
Can ChildCare schema show reviews?
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Google rarely shows star ratings for a business reviewing itself. Focus markup on accurate centre details and collect genuine reviews on your Google profile.
Does schema replace a Google Business Profile?
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No. Your profile drives local results; schema supports consistent details.
Should after school clubs use ChildCare schema?
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Yes. After school and holiday clubs can use ChildCare with their hours and age groups described clearly.