Anaheim Observer Civic affairs in OC's largest city.
Yesterday, the Disneyland Resort announced is it committing $10 million annually child care program for qualifying full- and part-time cast members with children 12 and under.
“Making quality childcare more accessible and affordable is the latest addition to a growing package of innovative programs that reflect our ongoing commitment to expand opportunities and improve the lives of our Cast Members,” said Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger.
The Disneyland Childcare Program begins in Fall 2019 and is available to salaried and hourly cast members – both full-time and part-time – with children ages 12 and under, and who work at the Disneyland Resort and offsite locations. Cast members participating in the program can choose from a range of licensed childcare facilities in a variety of locations.
Cast members who participate in the Disneyland Childcare Program will not have to collect receipts or file for reimbursement: childcare providers will bill Disney directly. The amount of per-child financial assistance will be determined by factors for as household size, gross annual household income and space availability.
The Disneyland Childcare Program will complement an existing array of childcare services offered by Disney, which include back-up care, childcare referral assistance and center discounts, homework help, and parenting educational resources.
This $10 million program comes on the heels of the launch of Disney Aspire in 2018. The $50 million program (with up to $25 million in annual funding) offers 100% free tuition for full- and part-time cast members pursuing broad range of courses and programs from high school diploma completion, English language learning and trade certificates to various degrees up to a Master’s degree. Disney pays for tuition up front while costs for books and materials are reimbursable. Courses of study need not be related to cast members’ jobs and they are under no obligation to remain as Disney employees after completing their degree or course work.
Last year, the Disneyland Resort raised its starting minimum wage to a level significantly above the state requirement, including a $15.75 starting wage for non-union employees.