I'm currently in month 4 of a one year maternity/parental leave (Canada). My workplace finally created and posted my dream job that I've been waiting to come up since they announced that it was coming down the pipe as soon as they could figure out funding for it three years ago, so I intend to apply. I'd be an internal applicant, so our HR department will be fully aware that I'm not slated to return until August, but this is a job that if I was the successful candidate I would be willing to return early.

So, my question is whether I should note that in my cover letter, and if I should, how would you word it?