Press Kit
Everything you need to write about Shortlist. Questions? Email [email protected].
Coverage
What Shortlist Is
Shortlist is an independent childcare research service. We pull every licensed provider from state registries, verify inspection records, review staffing data, and assign letter-grade scores (A through D) based on a transparent methodology. The result is a searchable database parents can filter by neighborhood, type, age range, and price — no sponsored listings, no paid placements.
We cover Seattle (including the Eastside), Chicago (including the North Shore), Denver, Kansas City, and Charlotte.
By the Numbers
What Makes Shortlist Different
Editorial scores, not user reviews. Every provider gets a letter grade based on inspection records, staff qualifications, ratios, program quality, and pricing — not how many parents left a 5-star review. Parents can see exactly how each score was determined.
Browse the database, unlock everything with email. Parents can browse providers, scores, and neighborhoods at no cost. Full access — side-by-side comparisons, detailed score breakdowns, save and track tools — is included with an email address. No payment required.
No sponsored content. Providers cannot pay for placement or higher scores. Shortlist is independent and ad-free.
What Parents Are Saying
"THANK YOU. This is exactly what I needed. I've been spending every evening for the past month trying to compare daycares and this does it all in one place."
"We've stayed at our daycare for about 7 years. I wouldn't pay monthly but would pay a one-time fee — I think a lot of parents would too."
"As a home daycare owner, I appreciate that you're including us alongside the big centers. The scoring seems fair."
About the Founder
Diana Clemons is a parent based in Seattle. She built Shortlist after spending months searching for childcare for her own family and discovering that no centralized, quality-focused resource existed.
Shortlist combines Diana's background in data-driven product development with the real experience of navigating the childcare search as a parent. The methodology draws on publicly available licensing data, inspection records, and direct provider engagement.
Brand Assets
For high-resolution assets or specific formats, email [email protected].
Key Links
Homepage: shortlist.guide
Media Fact Sheet: shortlist.guide/media-fact-sheet.html
Methodology: shortlist.guide/methodology.html
Seattle: shortlist.guide/seattle
Chicago: shortlist.guide/chicago
Denver: shortlist.guide/denver
Kansas City: shortlist.guide/kc
Charlotte: shortlist.guide/charlotte
Research: shortlist.guide/research