Back-to-school prep made easy

The intersection of work and life is continually shifting, and Stanford meets you where you are. The start of a new school year brings excitement and its own unique set of challenges.

The WorkLife Office provides 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
• 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 how to use your back-up care days

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% discount (or $100 off) on babysitter registration fee with Jovie: Access nationwide babysitter services.
• Discounts on tutoring services: Register your child for virtual 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 via SSO

Emotional support for a range of everyday challenges 

Back-to-school transitions can take a toll on your mental and emotional well-being. You and your family have access to mental and emotional health care, as well as substance abuse care. Learn more about what’s available to you on Cardinal at Work: such as the Faculty Staff Help Center, resources for out-of-state employees, online resources, and mental health coverage available through your medical plan.

• Read stress management tips for parents on Google Drive (please note: Supportlinc services are for employees living outside of CA)

Financial assistance programs to help make life more affordable

From child care to college tuition, Stanford’s financial support programs provide assistance in helping to meet 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 22, 2025.
• The Faculty Child Care Assistance Program (FCCAP) provides a salary supplement to eligible faculty to offset qualified child care expenses. 2026 applications open in October. If you received the FCCAP grant in 2025, 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.

Still looking for child care?

Stanford has six on-site early childhood education programs designed to support families in the Stanford community. Several of our on-site child care centers have preschool program vacancies for children 2-5 years old. These programs offer nurturing care, help children build strong social and emotional skills, and prepare them for success in kindergarten and beyond. To learn more and find the right fit for your family, explore the centers on Cardinal at Work.

Explore what matters to you

Learn more about the benefits and employee programs that matter to you on Cardinal at Work’s Faculty & Staff Benefits Overview page.