Make back-to-school planning as easy as A-B-C

At Stanford, you matter as much as the work. The intersection of work and life is continually shifting, and Stanford meets you where you are. Whether your children are attending pre-K for the first time or cruising into their senior year, the start of a new school year can bring mixed emotions and unique challenges.

Our WorkLife and Benefits programs provide the resources you need to manage the varying aspects of children and family life. We look forward to partnering with you as you navigate this exciting and busy season. 

In this article, you’ll learn more about the following resources:

• Back-up child care program
• Discounts on sitters, tutors, and nannies
• Emotional support for kids and parents
• Meal planning for busy families (coming in Oct.)
• Financial assistance programs for child care and college
• Stanford on-site child care programs

Take advantage of back-up child care

Whether school’s closed or your regular caregiver is unavailable, Bright Horizons Back-up Care provides high-quality child care in a center or at home with only a copay. Schedule up to 10 days per calendar year and enjoy peace of mind knowing you’ve got care covered. 

Learn more on the Back-Up Care page 

Family support discounts to make your days easier

Take the guesswork out of finding quality sitters and tutoring services. Benefits-eligible employees have access to a suite of discounts with trusted care providers and experts, including:

• A free membership to Sittercity: Find pre-screened sitters, housekeepers, pet sitters, and more.
• 50% off placement fees with Jovie: Access a nationwide nanny placement service.
• Discounts on tutoring services: Register your child for virtual or in-person tutoring sessions through Varsity Tutors, Sylvan Learning, and Revolution Prep.
• Reduced pricing for Right at School: Choose before and after-school programs by location.
   

Explore these benefits on My Bright Horizons

Emotional support for a range of everyday challenges 

Back-to-school transitions can take a toll on your mental and emotional well-being. If you are enrolled in a Stanford medical plan, you and your dependent children under 18 have access to Brightline, a behavioral health solution supporting kids in managing anxiety, depression, behavior issues, ADHD, and other common conditions. 

Learn more about Brightline on the Emotional Health page
Additional Resources:

• Listen to Brightline’s podcast on preparing for back to school
• Read stress management tips for parents on Google Drive (note: Supportlinc services are for employees living outside of CA)

Coming in Oct. - Meal Planning for Busy Families 

Are you a parent, grandparent, or caregiver feeling overwhelmed by meal planning? Do you struggle with picky eaters? Whether you're looking for new tips to up your game or just struggling to get by, this course is for you.

Over five virtual sessions, you'll discover strategies to save time, money, and energy while preparing delicious dishes that will make your family proud. We'll help you find recipes, develop grocery lists, create meal schedules, and take the stress out of meal planning. Registration opens Sept. 3 on Healthy Living

Financial assistance programs to help make life more affordable

From child care to college tuition, Stanford’s financial support programs provide assistance in meeting the financial demands of many of life's most significant events.

• The Child Care Subsidy Grant provides up to $10,000 to eligible faculty and staff to assist with the cost of care for children under 13 years old. Applications for the 12-month grant period are open through August 23, 2024. 
• The Faculty Child Care Assistance Program (FCCAP) provides a salary supplement to eligible faculty to offset qualified child care expenses. 2025 applications open October 9, 2024. If you received the FCCAP grant in 2024, there is still time to submit your receipts. 
• The Tuition Grant Program (TGP) helps eligible faculty, staff, and retirees pay for the cost of undergraduate college education for their eligible children. Applications are accepted throughout the academic year starting April 1. 
• Ask Fidelity workshops provide financial education to improve your fiscal fitness no matter where you are in your life and career. For parents and caregivers with high school seniors, consider registering for College Planning: Navigating the Road to Admissions on Aug. 15.

Still looking for child care?

Stanford has six on-site early childhood education programs that serve children in the Stanford community. Many of our on-site child care centers have preschool programs vacancies for children 2-5 years old. All offer the highest level of care, supervision, and education. 

Explore the centers on the Early Childhood Education page

Explore what matters to you

Learn more about the benefits and employee programs that matter to you on Cardinal at Work.