July 16, 2008

Partnership offers guaranteed child and elder care

U of C employees now have preferred access to full- and part-time child care with guaranteed spots. A new partnership with Kids & Company is offering U of C employees a range of work-life solutions that also includes elder care, emergency child care and meal delivery.

"People want to work for an organization that is ‘family friendly' and one that recognizes there are life demands outside of the workplace," says Gail Stephens, University of Calgary's recently appointed vice-president (finance and services). "This new partnership offers staff and faculty quality child and elder care. Ensuring our staff have access to these kinds of services is a big step to helping the U of C retain and recruit high quality staff."

Through the new partnership, employees can choose child care at the location of their choice-at home or work-and are guaranteed a spot with six months notice. Emergency back-up care is offered in the event a child's regular caregiver is sick, school is cancelled or a parent must go to work on a scheduled day off. Parents may also choose a Montessorri Kindergarten program and will be able to access elder care options.

"We're thrilled to be able to offer flexible and guaranteed child care to University of Calgary employees," says Victoria Sopik, president, Kids & Company. "We support working parents and these programs are designed to create progressive, family friendly work environments that attract and retain top employees."

Kids & Company has partnerships across Canada with other corporations, mostly in the private sector, to provide innovative work/life solutions that support employees to assist with managing their personal lives. Employees are able to access Kids & Company facilities when travelling to conferences. The family needs of the university community far exceed the 164 day care spaces available. Kids & Company provides an alternate option for university employees.

"We know that a good work/life balance leads to healthier and happier employees," says Stephens. "We're taking the lead in showing support to our employees who give us so much of their time. The flexibility and access offered through this program will give peace of mind and take off some of the stress associated with finding reliable, high-quality care."

The University of Calgary has more than 4,700 staff. 

Highlights:

• A guaranteed child care space (with six months notice)
• Back-up care in the event regular caregiver is unavailable
• Extended care for employees working weekends
• Elder care options
• Enriched Montessori Kindergarten program
• Meals-to-Go Service
• Nanny finder and support service

Interview opportunities:

Gail Stephens, vice-president (finance and services), University of Calgary, will be available for media interviews on Wednesday, July 16. Times available are from 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Please call Veronica at 220.3506/923.1537 in advance to arrange an interview.

For more information:

To register a child at a Kids & Company centre or for more information about their flexible child care options, call Ruchi Gera at 1-866-MY KIDCO or visit www.kidsandcompany.ca

For more information about the U of C’s partnership with Kids & Company visit www.ucalgary.ca/hr/staff/kids_and_company