Waitlist & Enrollment Information
Overview
The Pemberton Children’s Centre (PCC) offers licensed childcare for 49 children daily, ranging in age from 11 months to school age. As a trusted provider in the Sea to Sky region, we are experiencing a high demand for childcare, resulting in a significant waitlist.
High Demand & Waitlist Limitations
While we aim to support as many families as possible, registering for our waitlist does not guarantee a childcare space. Due to limited availability and high volume of interest, we are unable to accommodate all applicants.
Waitlist Policy and Prioritization
Waitlist Placement Criteria
Placement on the PCC waitlist is not on a first-come, first-served basis. The following criteria are considered:
- Date your complete application is received (including all supporting documentation)
- Your place on the priority list (see below)
- Licensing regulations related to age groups and staff-to-child ratios
- A child’s program eligibility is based by their age on the date the space becomes available, in accordance with our enrollment age caps (see below).
Important: Applications will only be accepted after your child is born.
How to Apply
- Submit your completed online application form
- Provide proof of birth (a photo of hospital bracelet, birth record, birth certificate, etc.)
Please email supporting documents to [email protected], referencing your child's name. Your child will be added to the waitlist only once all required documentation is received.
Waitlist Priorities
Our goal is to provide childcare for as many families as possible. Your space on the waiting list is determined by the date your full application is received by Administration (including proof of birth documentation). When a space becomes available it will be offered to families according to Licensing Regulations regarding allowable age in each program and the below priorities:
- Children of PCC staff (on scheduled working days)
- Children currently enrolled and transitioning to the next age group program
- As of January 2025, a new policy was added whereby every 5th space available (excluding priorities 1 & 2) will be offered to an external waitlist family.
- Children of PCC staff (on non-scheduled days)
- Children currently enrolled and are waiting for additional days
- Children with siblings enrolled at PCC
- General waitlist applicants
Notification Process
To ensure efficient placement of children:
- Families are contacted by phone and email when a space becomes available.
- You have 24 hours to accept or decline the offer.
- If there is no response within 24 hours, the space will be offered to the next eligible applicant.
- If you decline a space, you will retain your position on the waitlist. After two refusals, your name will be removed, and reapplication will be required. Reapplications are placed at the bottom of the list once received.
Inquiries About Waitlist Status
Due to the volume of applications and low turnover of spaces, we are unable to respond to phone or email inquiries regarding waitlist position or anticipated start dates. Be assured that families will be contacted promptly when a suitable space becomes available for their child’s age group.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long is the wait list?
The length varies across our three programs. Infant/Toddler programs generally have longer wait times due to limited spaces compared to our 3–5 year old program.
Will a part time opening be available sooner than full time?
Most spaces become available in September, when our Kindergarten-aged children leave the Centre. Once a space becomes available in our Centre, families will be offered days based on their requests at the time of registration. While we always endeavour to offer more than one day per week to help children settle into the program faster, availability often allows for only one to two days initially. After which, your child will be placed on our internal waitlist for any additional days of care needed. Any openings are offered in accordance with our waitlist priority policy.
How much notice will I receive before my child starts?
We require families to give one calendar month of notice for withdrawal. When a space is available, we will contact you 2–3 weeks in advance to allow time for our gradual entry process.
Can I book a tour of the Centre?
Absolutely! Once your child has been offered a space within the Centre, we’d be delighted to show you around. Please contact our management team to schedule a guided tour.
What if my child attends seasonal activities (e.g., ski school)?
If you withdraw your child from scheduled care for seasonal programs (e.g., ski school or bike camps), their name will be placed at the bottom of the internal waitlist upon your written request. You may continue to pay for your space during absences to retain it. Please contact us to discuss this option.
Will my child be guaranteed a spot in the next age group?
Yes. Once enrolled, your child will automatically transition through the Centre’s programs unless otherwise requested by the parent or guardian.
Do you offer half-day programs?
Due to evolving community needs and limited capacity, we are no longer able to offer regularly scheduled half-day care.
Why did another family receive a space before us?
The Centre operates three distinct programs, each with its own dedicated waitlist based on the child’s age. We also have enrollment age caps in place to allow for children and educators to create a relationship prior to moving to their next program. Enrollment age caps for each program are as follows:
The length varies across our three programs. Infant/Toddler programs generally have longer wait times due to limited spaces compared to our 3–5 year old program.
Will a part time opening be available sooner than full time?
Most spaces become available in September, when our Kindergarten-aged children leave the Centre. Once a space becomes available in our Centre, families will be offered days based on their requests at the time of registration. While we always endeavour to offer more than one day per week to help children settle into the program faster, availability often allows for only one to two days initially. After which, your child will be placed on our internal waitlist for any additional days of care needed. Any openings are offered in accordance with our waitlist priority policy.
How much notice will I receive before my child starts?
We require families to give one calendar month of notice for withdrawal. When a space is available, we will contact you 2–3 weeks in advance to allow time for our gradual entry process.
Can I book a tour of the Centre?
Absolutely! Once your child has been offered a space within the Centre, we’d be delighted to show you around. Please contact our management team to schedule a guided tour.
What if my child attends seasonal activities (e.g., ski school)?
If you withdraw your child from scheduled care for seasonal programs (e.g., ski school or bike camps), their name will be placed at the bottom of the internal waitlist upon your written request. You may continue to pay for your space during absences to retain it. Please contact us to discuss this option.
Will my child be guaranteed a spot in the next age group?
Yes. Once enrolled, your child will automatically transition through the Centre’s programs unless otherwise requested by the parent or guardian.
Do you offer half-day programs?
Due to evolving community needs and limited capacity, we are no longer able to offer regularly scheduled half-day care.
Why did another family receive a space before us?
The Centre operates three distinct programs, each with its own dedicated waitlist based on the child’s age. We also have enrollment age caps in place to allow for children and educators to create a relationship prior to moving to their next program. Enrollment age caps for each program are as follows:
- Crickets (Infant): 11 to 19 months
- Beetlebugs (Toddler): 20 to 30 months
- Dragonflies (Preschool): 30 months to school age
