Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do you have a waitlist?
A: Yes. The length of the waiting time is different for each age group and type of care. The longest waitlist times are for children under 3 years old. Our Infant and Toddler Programs have a waitlist ranging from 18 months to 2 years. Our 3 – 5 year old programs do not generally operate with a waitlist but are busiest throughout the spring and fall.
Q. Why is the waitlist so long?
A: There is a child care crisis in British Columbia. BC has licensed child care spaces for only about 20% of the children, and unfortunately Canada ranks last among developed countries in supporting quality early learning programs.
The Whistler Children's Centre is the only child care facility in Whistler operating Infant and Toddler Programs. Our licensed capacity in our Infant and Toddler Programs is 12 children per day per program.
Q. How long do I have to wait to get a child care space?
A: The length of the waiting time is different for each age group and type of care. The longest waitlist times are for children under 3 years old. Waitlist times can vary anywhere from 18 months to 2 years. It is very difficult for us to predict when a space might become available for you. There are many factors which are used to offer spaces (i.e. the date you came onto the waitlist, the type of program you are looking for, the age of your child).
Q. Why does my waitlist place number change?
A: There are a number of priorities for enrollment. For example: currently enrolled children, siblings and the age of children on the waitlist. In some circumstances this means that children may come onto the waitlist after you, but because they have priority they may in fact move ahead of you.
Q. How is the waitlist managed?
A: The Whistler Children's Centre has firm policies and procedures surrounding the management of the waitlist. We manage 74 child care spaces for children 3 months to 6 years. Spaces are offered on a first come first serve basis based on date of the pre-enrollment form. A program space will be offered only to a child who qualifies for that program or who will qualify for that program within 30 days. Child care spaces can not be assigned. A child is accepted for one space, and only that child may use that space.
When a space becomes available in a program, the following priorities and factors will be considered in determining the child on the waitlist to whom the space will be offered:
- Licensing regulations regarding allowable age and teacher to child ratios.
- A child currently enrolled in the same program (i.e a child requesting additional days)
- A child currently-enrolled in the Whistler Children's Centre, who is ready to advance to the next program.
- A sibling of a child currently enrolled at the Whistler Children's Centre.
- The child of a Whistler Children's Centre staff person.
Q. How much notice will I be given when a space becomes available?
A:: The enrollment is completed a month in advance. You will be contacted by the Director at the start of the month to let you know what days will be available for your child for the upcoming month. You will have 72 hours to respond. If we do not hear from you within 72 hours, we will move to the next child on the waitlist. It is important for you to inform us of any changes in your contact information.
Q. What happens if I don't require space when I am contacted?
A: We will offer spaces as they become available. If your needs are such that you do not require care when you are contacted but anticipate requiring care in the near future you can remain on the waitlist in the same position and you will be contacted again once space becomes available. We cannot anticipate how long it will be until you are contacted again. It is important that you update us on changes to your childcare needs.
Q. Can I call in to see where I am at on the waitlist?
A: Yes, please feel free to call the Director, 604-932-1119 ext 2, at anytime to determine your position on the waitlist. Please take into consideration that it is very difficult to predict availability as spaces only become available when a current child changes days, withdraws from a program, or moves to the older program.
Q. If I turn down an infant space, what are the chances of getting a toddler space when I need it?
A: Due to the limited number of toddler spaces available, it is unlikely that you will be offered a toddler space if you turn down an infant space. Children who are enrolled in our infant programs always have first priority for getting a toddler space. When a toddler space becomes vacant, we first look at all children who are enrolled in the infant programs and who are the correct age to move to the toddler program. The child who started with WCC first will be offered the space.
Q. Once my child is in a program, am I guaranteed a child care space in the next age group?
A: Yes, once a child enters the Centre they will transition throughout the programs unless a parent requests otherwise.
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