Guaranteed child care for U of C employees

University employees will have access to flexible and guaranteed child care, thanks to a new partnership between the U of C and Kids & Company. As of July 1, this partnership offers university employees preferred access to a range of work-life solutions that also includes elder care, emergency child care and meal delivery.

“We know that a good work-life balance leads to healthier and happier employees,” said Gail Stephens, University of Calgary’s recently appointed vice-president (finance and services). “We’re taking the lead in showing support to our employees who give us so much of their time.”

Some of the flexible options offered through Kids & Company include:

• Full-time and part-time child care
• 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
• Access to a subsidization program

The options offered through this program will help give current university employees peace of mind and help relieve the stress often associated with finding reliable, high-quality child and elder care. University employee Jennifer Rumbolt is excited about the access to these new services, especially as she is on maternity leave, anticipating the birth of her first child.

"It really is a huge relief to hear that there is going to be another option on campus for child care," said Rumbolt. "I know there are so many people who work at the university who are looking for child care; it is great news that the university is being proactive in this way."

Through the university’s partnership with Kids & Company, employees’ access to quality child care will be improved by offering another option for this service.

“People want to work for an organization that is ‘family friendly’ and one that recognizes there are life demands outside of the workplace,” said Stephens. “This new partnership offers staff and faculty quality child and elder care. Ensuring our staff have access to these kinds of service is a big step to helping the U of C retain and recruit high quality staff.”

The U of C joins other corporations across Canada in partnering with Kids & Company to provide innovative work/life solutions that support employees to better manage their personal lives.

“We’re thrilled to be able to offer flexible and guaranteed child care to University of Calgary employees,” said 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.”

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.