Starting September 1st, 2023, TRIUMF will begin offering high-priority access to childcare in a licensed private childcare center, Little Munchkin, which is available to all parents (families) who are TRIUMF’s Resident Graduate Students, TRIUMF-based postdoctoral fellows, or TRIUMF employees.
As part of the initial phase of this program, the corporate partnership agreement between TRIUMF and Little Munchkin secures five (5) high-priority spots for children ages 0 – 5 years old. Within the partnership agreement, TRIUMF will cover the corporate partnership fees and manage the waitlist; however, parents will have to follow the registration process at Little Munchkin and pay the childcare fees directly at the center. Please note that the Little Munchkin daycare is eligible for the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative (CCFRI) and Affordable Child Care Benefit (ACCB), however, the center is not yet eligible for the $10 a Day ChildCareBC program.
The following Little Munchkin daycare programs available to TRIUMF staff:
- Infant – toddler (0 – 36 months old): full-time (Mon-Fri/ 7:45am – 5:30pm) and part-time care
- Early Learners (2.5 – 5 years old): full-time (Mon-Fri/ 7:45am – 5:30pm) and part-time care
- Drop-ins (currently available only for kids who are already in the program)
- Extended hours of childcare operation (Mon-Fri/ between 5:30pm – 9:30pm)*
- Childcare services on the weekend (Sat – Sun/ between 8am – 4pm)*
* Parents will have access to these programs if sufficient enrollment has been achieved.
Childcare priority list:
The following priority groups have been established for the childcare waitlist:
- TRIUMF Resident Graduate Students and TRIUMF-based postdoctoral fellows
- TRIUMF employees (part-time and full -time)
Starting September 1st, 2023, and until further notice, three out of the five available spots will be allocated to group 1 and the remaining two spots to group 2. Parents who have been offered a spot in the program can choose which Little Munchkin program (Infant – toddler or Early Learners) their child will attend. In the case there is insufficient interest from group 1, the spots will be reallocated to group 2.
TRIUMF childcare waitlist:
The TRIUMF’s childcare waitlist is available to all parents who have been determined to meet eligibility requirements, by being either a TRIUMF Resident Graduate Student; or a TRIUMF-based postdoctoral fellow; or a TRIUMF employee, and who have indicated their childcare needs by filling out the below childcare waitlist application form. The TRIUMF’s childcare waitlist will be administered and managed by a designated TRIUMF employee.
Management of the waitlist:
At the launch of the program, there was a community-wide call that allocated the initial spots and populated the waitlist. Going forward, additional names will be added to the list based on the priority level and the order in which the applications are received. All parents will be notified about their position on the waitlist at the time they apply to the program. Once a spot becomes available, those “next in line” (according to their waiting list position and membership in a respective priority group) will be notified by email and given 14 days to respond. In the instance when a parent declines the offer, their application will be removed from the waitlist and the spot will be offered to the next applicant. Those who declined a spot but want to remain on the waiting list must reapply to the program. The implementation of the TRIUMF – Little Munchkin partnership agreement and the number of secured spots will be re-evaluated at the end of each fiscal year, and changes incorporated based on the demand and resources available.
TRIUMF does not endorse, validate, or make representations regarding the credentials, safety, or quality of care provided by Little Munchkin Childcare Center. By participating in this partnership program, staff members of TRIUMF and their families acknowledge and agree that TRIUMF shall not be held responsible or liable for any events, occurrences, or outcomes related to the services provided by Little Munchkin Childcare Center or any of its affiliates. It is the sole responsibility of the participating staff member to conduct due diligence and ensure the safety and appropriateness of the childcare centre for their children. TRIUMF does not endorse, validate, or make representations regarding the credentials, or safety, of the childcare centre for their children.
TRIUMF childcare application process:
To apply for the TRIUMF's childcare program, fill out the TRIUMF Childcare Waitlist Form. Applications can be submitted at any time. If you have any questions regarding the application process, or would like to have your nam removed from the waitlist, please contact Monika Stachura at mstachura@triumf.ca with a subject line "TRIUMF childcare application process".
FAQ
1. Is TRIUMF managing the registration process at Little Munchkin?
No, TRIUMF only manages the priority list and waitlist. The registration process is being managed directly at the Little Munchkin daycare.
2. How can I request a spot through the TRIUMF high-priority corporate program at Little Munchkin?
All eligible TRIUMF community members can add their name to the waitlist by filling the TRIUMF childcare waitlist form. Once a space is available, we will contact the “next in line” and connect them into the Little Munchkin registration process.
3. My child is currently at another day care. Can I apply for the TRIUMF childcare program?
Yes, however, the waitlist may be long, and if you are selected you will have one week to decide whether or not you will accept the spot.
4. What are the daycare closure dates?
Please refer to the Little Munchkin closure section for the most up to date information about daycare closure dates.
5. Does Little Munchkin accept childcare subsidy applications?
Yes, Little Munchkin center accepts applications for the Affordable Child Care Benefit program (ACCB). They also receive funding from the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative (CCFRI), which goes directly to the center. For more information, please visit the Little Munchkin website.
6. What happens when my contract, or affiliation, with TRIUMF expires? Can I keep the spot in Little Munchkin?
Once your contract or affiliation with TRIUMF expires, so does the place at Little Munchkin. If space is available at the center, your child will most likely be able to remain in the daycare. However, the TRIUMF priority-spot will be offered to the parent “next in line”.
7. What happens if I travel or have to take an extended time away? How will this affect my priority space?
If you hold one of TRIUMF’s spots, you are eligible to hold it as long as you maintain your standing and/or employment at TRIUMF, and continue to cover the fees at the daycare. In the event you are away at the time when your child is offered a spot, TRIUMF will endeavor to try and hold the space until you are able to respond; extended absences of two weeks or longer with no response may result in the slot being offered to the next in line.
8. Are there any tax implications I should be aware of if I sign on to this program?
Until March 31, 2024, the childcare benefit is taxable. Staring April 1, 2024, the benefit is non-taxable.