Frequently Asked Questions
Who may join the wait pool and why is it called a "pool"?
The UCSF child care centers are open to UCSF faculty, staff, students, postdocs, residents and clinical fellows. Campus affiliates such as volunteer faculty, Gladstone employees and Benioff Children’s Oakland Hospital employees may also join the wait pool. Visit Wait Pool Priority to learn more.
The wait pool is called a "pool" because placements are not offered exclusively in time dated order. Other considerations, such as a child's age and gender, are taken into account in order to achieve classroom balance.
Families from the general community may register for the wait pool, but space is limited. Because the UCSF child care centers primarily serve UCSF faculty, staff, and student families, community slots are offered only occasionally, and generally serve pre-school and pre-k age children. Please contact one of our centers if you are interested in joining the wait pool. Community members are subject to community tuition rates. If a UCSF family remains enrolled after leaving UCSF, community tuition rates will apply.
If you are a general community member living in the immediate neighborhood surrounding Kirkham Street (including Kirkham Heights), 6th Avenue, Parnassus Avenue and 4th Avenue, and are interested in joining the Kirkham Child Development Center wait pool, please contact the Site Director (Chona Roberto-Cheng, 415-664-1217) to learn about limited enrollment for non-UCSF affiliate neighbors.
What is the wait pool registration fee? Why is there a fee?
The $75 fee, per child, covers the expenses to administrate the wait pool and provide center tours. No additional fees will be charged if you apply to more than one UCSF child care center.
Our family is expecting. Can we join the wait pool now?
Yes. Be sure to include the expected due date (once it is known) on your registration form and indicate your first choice center. Later, please log into the Bright Horizons Family Information Center and update your child’s information with their name and birthdate.
Our family is adopting. Can we join the wait pool now?
Yes. Families adopting a child may request a date based on the anticipated date that care will be needed. Later, please log into the Family Information Center and update your child’s information with their name and birthdate.
