There are many difficult and personal decisions parents and guardians must make but none quite as personal as choosing childcare. Along with safety, they must also consider their budget, values, expectations, childcare type, curriculum, and location, not necessarily in that order. The Childcare Choice program empowers employee-parents and guardians to choose their childcare and supplies welcome financial support.
"The ability to choose is priceless," Lourdes A. Rodríguez, manager, childcare and family resources at Life & Work Connections, says. "No matter how hard you try, you can be inclusive, but one size won't fit all. Childcare Choice allows for the diverse needs of families – whether they choose a home provider or a childcare center, private or public, or centered on religion or culture. It is about your family."
The program is open to all benefits-eligible employees with a legal dependent up to 12 years old. The child must be enrolled in a qualifying childcare program when applying for funds. Qualifying childcare programs are those regulated by a state agency (for example, the Department of Education or the Department of Defense), or sponsored by the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, or Northern Arizona University.
"Childcare Choice is one of the best benefits the University offers to parents and guardians. With childcare costs increasing every year, this program has become even more valuable," Amy Glicken, senior project director, Office of University Initiatives, says. "I have participated since my oldest, now 12 years old, was a baby. We used Childcare Choice while both of my kids were in preschool, which helped us afford access to high-quality early childhood education, and as they got older, for their afterschool and summer programs."
Photo Courtesy Christi Castillo
Photo Courtesy Mark Lindholm
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Applications open on August 1 in UAccess, with funding reimbursement retroactive to July 1, the start of the fiscal year. Once the application is approved, employees are allotted $2000.
"Once you sign up for the program, you are allotted that $2000, so you do not have to worry about it running out," Christi Castillo, project coordinator, Campus Health says. “If you don't use it, then other people can, but once I sign up, it’s the allotted amount that I can get throughout the year, so I don't have to worry."
Program participants submit qualifying costs through their UAccess portal. This portal also allows individuals to keep track of what they have submitted over the year. Reimbursements are delivered through the employees’ paycheck.
"Direct deposit reimbursements and a simple application process were helpful for keeping us on track," faculty member D.B. says. "Providing paperwork prior to each quarterly end through UAccess is a streamlined process."
"If you need help with childcare costs, they make it hassle-free and their help is tremendous!" Mark Lindholm, purchasing coordinator, University Animal Care, says.
Applications for Childcare Choice open in UAccess on August 1.
Employees in the Tucson and Phoenix areas can also enroll in Sick & Back-Up Childcare and receive childcare services when there is an unexpected disruption to their regular childcare.