Frequently Asked Questions
After I join the wait pool, how do I report changes to contact information and other wait pool registration details?
You can update your information via your Bright Horizons Family Information Center account. If you do not have such an account because you joined the UCSF child care wait pool before online registration was available and had therefore used a paper registration form, please contact Bright Horizons Enrollment Manager Patricia Widders (pwidders@brighthorizons.com) for assistance with updating your information and/or creating a Family Information Center account. Changes to your UCSF affiliation should be reported to your first choice center.
How are placements offered?
Placements are dependent on the length of time in the wait pool. Factors such as gender and age are considered to achieve classroom balance. Other factors must be managed to meet UC San Francisco and Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing requirements.
If a space becomes available, how will I be contacted?
Bright Horizons Enrollment Manager Patricia Widders will notify you using the information provided in your wait pool registration. Please contact Patricia (pwidders@brighthorizons.com) or log into your Family Information Center account to report pertinent information changes, such as address, phone/e-mail, and birth date changes. Please be sure to notify your first choice center if your UCSF affiliation changes.
How long is the wait pool?
Since demand for child care at UCSF is high, the wait pool time can vary. In general, the wait time is longer for children under age two due to limited infant/toddler capacity. UCSF has expanded its child care resources to better serve the needs of its community. We encourage you to register and then follow up with Enrollment Manager Patricia Widders (pwidders@brighthorizons.com) periodically to check on availability.
Is UCSF planning to increase its child care capacity?
We expanded child care services by opening larger centers at Mission Bay and Laurel Heights in 2018 and 2019, respectively. To learn more about planned growth at UCSF, please refer to the Long Range Development Plan.
Is it possible to hibernate child care center enrollment while on a dependent care leave or other type of leave?
Hibernation of service at UCSF child care centers is not available, but parents can provide 30 days notice to UCSF's contracted provider, Bright Horizons, if they would like to withdraw their child, or reduce their schedule, without any payment penalty. If a family leaves the center, or reduces their schedule, Bright Horizons cannot guarantee their desired spot when leave concludes; however, they will make every effort to accommodate the family's desired schedule. Many parents choose to pay tuition to hold their spot while they are on leave and benefit from having access to care when needed. Contact your center's Site Director for more information.
