Child Care Support
The Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences is committed to supporting student parents as they pursue their graduate studies. The School provides a range of resources to support students throughout pregnancy, adoption, and parenthood, including support in planning and requesting accommodations, two financial stipends (one following the birth or adoption event and one annually), academic flexibility, Year of Graduate Study (G-Year) adjustment support, a free Care.com premium membership, and help with fostering connection through student groups and other campus communities.
All students enrolled in Harvard Griffin GSAS PhD programs are eligible for the Parental Accommodation and Financial Support (PAFS) program following a childbirth or adoption event, which provides a one-time supplemental stipend and academic adjustments. PAFS is not a retroactive program. Students are strongly encouraged to schedule a meeting with student-parent resource coordinators Sarah Glessner, Harvard Griffin GSAS Interim Director of Student Success, and Stephanie Clendenin, Program Officer for Community Support and Nondiscrimination, at least four months in advance of the anticipated birth or adoption event. This advance notice allows adequate time to review guidelines, benefits, and assess student needs. To set up an appointment, please email gsasfamily@fas.harvard.edu or schedule a meeting time via our booking link.
Student parents enrolled in PhD programs at Harvard Griffin GSAS are eligible for a child subsidy benefit. The subsidy is intended to help offset costs associated with raising children while enrolled in a PhD program. This benefit is separate from and in addition to the Parental Accommodation and Financial Support (PAFS) program, which provides support following the birth or adoption of a child.
Harvard Griffin GSAS will provide PhD students with a free Care.com premium membership (typically $165/year) and subsidized access to backup care for children and adult family members. Care.com enables students to use a self-service, digital platform to search for, vet, connect with, and ultimately select caregivers in a reliable and easy way.
For students being paid from a T32 or F31 grant, NIH offers up to $3,000 in support for qualified childcare costs provided by a licensed childcare provider during the term of appointment. Childcare is supported for children up to age 13 (age 18 for children who are disabled). Contact ogephd_grants@hms.harvard.edu if you think you qualify.
Harvard Griffin GSAS Student-Parents Group
Provide a supportive community for fellow graduate students with children and host a variety of community-building events and initiatives.
Harvard Student Spouses and Partners Association
Promotes social fellowship and intellectual enrichment.