Childcare waiting lists in this area are administered in various ways. Every application is marked according to the date that it is received in person or by the postmarked date. The application is filed with the program that serves children of your child’s age. When a space becomes available, the Enrollment Coordinator looks at the waiting list in the order that applications were received. The applications are examined for specific information such as desired start date and desired schedule. If the available space matches the schedule on your application then the desired start date is checked. If this matches as well, the Enrollment Coordinator will contact you using the phone numbers and/or email addresses provided on the application. It is very important for you to update your application if any of the information changes. If any of the information mentioned is inaccurate, it could mean that you miss being offered a space at CCSC.

“How long is the waiting list?”

CCSC has nine classrooms serving children from 8 weeks to five years old. Typically, the infant/toddler waiting list is significantly longer than lists for older programs because there are fewer spaces, lower ratios, and a greater need in the community. The key thing to know about the waiting list is that the more flexible you are with your schedule, the more likely it is that you will be offered a space!

“Can I apply to the CCSC waiting list before my baby is born?”

Yes. You can apply to be on the waiting list while you are pregnant. CCSC will keep all the information you provide confidential.

“Do I receive any type of confirmation after sending in a waitlist application?”

It is the parents’ responsibility to check the status of the application once it is mailed in. We recommend keeping a copy of the application you are sending in as well as the check number that you submit for the waitlist fee.

“Is the waitlist fee applied to my tuition once my child is accepted into the program?”

The waitlist fee is a non-refundable fee that helps cover administrative costs related to maintaining a waitlist.

“Can I arrange to have a tour of the program?”

Yes. Tours are done by appointment only. CCSC cannot accommodate walk-in tours. If you would like to arrange a tour, please call JoAlyce Urquhart, the Enrollment Coordinator at 650.853.3090. Waitlist tours are not available during the summer months due to high enrollment. It is up to you if you would like your child to accompany you on the tour.

“How far in advance will you contact me when a space is available?”

Parents at CCSC are required to give us a thirty-day notice before exiting the program or when requesting a schedule change. This means that a space can be offered to you from two weeks to one month in advance.

“Can I secure a space in the future if I apply far enough in advance?”

It is always best to get on the waiting list as soon as possible even if you are not sure about your schedule or your start date. However, CCSC cannot guarantee any spaces until your application is next in line for an open space.

“Do I need to be affiliated with Stanford?”

Yes. CCSC is for Stanford University staff, faculty and students. If you have a question about your affiliation, you can contact the WorkLife Office at 650.723.2660.

“Do different types of affiliation receive different priority on the waiting list?”

No. All Stanford affiliates apply to the same waiting list. There is no priority given to any programs, departments, or positions. However, priority is given to families already enrolled at CCSC.

“How long do I have to make a decision when I am offered a space?”

We usually give parents at least two days to accept or decline a space. This will vary depending on the start date of the available space. If you will be traveling or away from your home, we recommend you leave a forwarding phone number or e-mail so we can contact you.

“Is there a plan for transitioning my child once we accept a space?”

CCSC requires families to make at least three transition visits for at least two hours each. These visits allow children to explore the environment with the security of a parent nearby. It also allows parents a period of adjustment! Teachers help parents and children transition gradually. All of these transitions must be completed before your child’s start date so that your child feels comfortable with his/her teachers and classroom on the first day.

If you have any further questions regarding the program or the waiting list, please contact JoAlyce Urquhart at 650.853.3090 or e-mail: jurquhart@ccsc-parentcoop.org