Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a student or staff member at UBCO?
Priority goes to faculty, staff and students at UBC Okanagan and UBCO students are offered discounted rates. If there are any spaces remaining, they are offered to families from the community although in recent years as the waitlist expands this becomes less likely. 

Are we open in the summer?
Yes, we are open year-round except during the winter break (approximately two weeks) and statutory holidays.

Do we provide snacks?
We provide a morning snack, and parents provide lunch and an afternoon snack. 
Hot lunch is also offered to families in the 3-5 and toddler programs. Parents are able to opt into this for $5.00 per week and choose between meat, vegetarian and vegan options. 

Is the 3-5 side a preschool curriculum (i.e. themed programming?)
We offer a preschool style of programming on the 3-5 side.  It involves pre-planned themed weekly planning.  Art and Circle are geared towards all the ages, but art can be adjusted for each child's level of skill.  Parents are encouraged to ask questions and we try to involve the campus in our curriculum.  Themes are posted by month on the front board in the entrance. During the summer we take a break from our structured programming to allow the children to participate in outside activities such as water play and nature walks and to enjoy a free-play based environment before starting the curriculum again in September. 

Do you celebrate hallmark holidays?
Yes, we celebrate all hallmark holidays at our center as well as encourage families from other cultures to share and teach us about their special days so our celebrations can encompass all of our families. 

What is the minimum age for the Infant Program?
The Infant Program accepts children starting from 8 months of age.

Is there a waitlist for either program?
The Infant/Toddler Program has a very long waitlist so we recommend that families fill out a waitlist application as soon as they know they are going to need childcare for their child(ren). The 3-5 program also has a growing waitlist and families are recommended to go on the waitlist with ample time before their preferred start date.

How do I get on the waitlist?
There is a file linked to both the I/T program and the 3-5 program pages. Please fill it out and e-mail it to us at okanagan.daycare@ubc.ca. A staff will then follow up with you at their earliest convenience.