Sick and Back-Up Childcare

Sick and backup childcare services are available when there is an unexpected interruption in your regularly scheduled childcare. These services are designed to help support employees in fulfilling work-related commitments and students in fulfilling coursework-related commitments. The University of Arizona offers eligible employees and students up to 10 sick and backup childcare usages per fiscal year. These services are available in the greater Tucson and Phoenix areas. Once registered, you can immediately begin using the Sick and Back-Up Childcare Program!
Important Program Information
Program Guidelines - English
Learn what circumstances qualify for sick and backup childcare services, what the fee structures are, and how to begin using services.
Directrices del programa - Español
Conozca qué circunstancias califican para los servicios de cuidado de niños enfermos y de respaldo, cuáles son las estructuras de tarifas y cómo comenzar a usar los servicios.
Service Exception Dates
Services are not available during academic closures or University holidays. If you have commitments during these times, please call 520-621-1530 at least five days in advance.
Meet the Provider
Requesting Care
Sick and backup childcare can be requested Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., by phone or email.
- Call Trusting Connections at 520-585-5912.
- Email (for Tucson): caretucson@trustingconnections.com.
- Email (for Phoenix): carephx@trustingconnections.com.
All requests outside of these hours must be made by calling 888-622-9559.
All cancellations must be made by phone at least four hours in advance of service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. All eligible employees and students must apply each fiscal year to receive subsidized sick and backup childcare services.
No. Eligible University of Arizona employees do not have to pay a membership fee to receive subsidized sick and backup childcare. However, program participants may be responsible for paying the nonsubsidized hourly rate in some circumstances. Refer to the Program Guidelines above for details.
Yes. Registration in the Sick and Back-Up Childcare Program is a two-step process: University registration and vendor registration.
Yes. In the case of two eligible parents – a pair of employees, a pair of students, or an employee-student pair – each may register for the service using their NetID and password.
Dependent Care and Tax Liability Issues - Employees
The Internal Revenue Service has determined that employees may allocate up to $5,000 per year in a dependent care assistance account established by their employer. This $5,000 allocation includes the combined monies applied to the following UA-sponsored pre-tax programs:
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)* for dependent (child and/or elder) care only (excludes medical expenses)
- UA Childcare Choice Employee Reimbursement Program for Qualified Childcare Expenses
- Employee Sick and Back-Up Childcare (includes the entire value of the program -employee and employer costs)
*You may designate an amount of pre-tax salary to be placed in a dependent care-related and/or medical expenses-related FSA. These tax-free dollars may then be used to reimburse you for qualified out-of-pocket medical care and/or dependent care (childcare/elder care) expenses. You reduce your taxable income, as no Social Security, federal, or state income taxes are taken from the designated dollars and this amount is excluded from your taxable income.
Please note that dependent care expenditures that exceed the $5,000 limit may be subject to income tax. The annual FSA figures (total costs) will appear on your Form W-2 Wage and Tax Statement. This information is not intended to serve as tax advice. Please consult your professional tax advisor to identify the full tax implications of program use and to determine the optimal use of dependent care offerings. For information about the status of your FSA or qualified deductions, contact ASI at http://www.asiflex.com or at (800) 659-3035.
Dependent are and Tax Liability Issues - Students
Childcare can be a major expense for many students. Please contact a professional tax advisor to determine if you are eligible for a tax credit. Additionally, subsidized monies applied toward childcare can be considered “scholarship” income and may be subject to taxation. This information is not intended to serve as tax advice. Please consult your professional tax advisor to identify the full tax implications of program use and to determine the optimal use of dependent care offerings.
Contact Us
Have questions about this program?
Connect with the Life & Work Connections Team
Phone: 520-621-2493
Email: lifework@arizona.edu
Have questions about your benefits?
Connect with the HR Solutions team
hr.arizona.edu/contact-us