Family Support Services
In order to support our staff employees as they manage family and child care obligations, we have outlined several resources available to support those needs. For resources specific to student families, you can access the Student Family Services webpage.
Leave Programs to Support Families
We all have times when we need to put family responsibilities first. The UC offers various leave programs to accommodate family needs. If you need to take time off from work to care for a family member who needs your help—or because of a serious health condition of your own—then you may be eligible to take Family and Medical Leave (FML). FML can provide a respite from work obligations so you can focus on what you and your family need. Additionally, the University offers Pay for Family Care Bonding, which provides eight (8) weeks of paid leave at 100% of wages for UC faculty and staff who need time off to care for a seriously ill family member or bond with a new child. You can contact your Leave of Absence Coordinator for consultation and guidance on various leave options available to staff employees.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Employees needing additional support can utilize the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). EAP offers up to six (6) Assessment and Referral sessions per participant per problem per calendar year with our EAP provider. There is no charge for this service. The program is designed to deal with a broad range of human relations problems, such as alcohol or drug abuse, financial problems, emotional or behavioral disorders, family and marital discord, legal and other personal problems. The program is available to all faculty and staff employees of UCSC, and their family members. The EAP brochure provides a summary of the services available.
Therapy Assistance Online (TAO)
Therapy Assistance Online (TAO) is a self-service mental health and wellbeing resource, which: “includes over 150 brief, effective, educational sessions covering over 50 common topics and skills related to mental health, wellness, and substance use issues. TAO Includes interactive sessions, mindfulness exercises and practice tools all aimed at helping you achieve your goals.”
Bright Horizons Advantage Program
The Bright Horizons Advantage Program provides access to pre-screened care providers and services via Sittercity, Years Ahead, BrightStudy and Bright Horizons preferred enrollment. UC covers the cost of enrollment in the Advantage program and the employee pays the cost for any services utilized.
You can activate your membership in Bright Horizons Advantage here.
Employee Childcare Placement Program
The UCSC Employee Childcare Placement/Referral Program aids employees in securing childcare placements by connecting them with a network of childcare providers. These providers prioritize UCSC employees through referrals. Link to the Childcare Waitlist Placement Request Form.
Lactation Rooms
UC Santa Cruz has several lactation rooms located across the campus. Employees can use the interactive map at https://maps.ucsc.edu/ and select “Lactation Rooms” from the menu on the left to identify the location nearest to them.
Enrichment Programs for Children
The campus offers several enrichment programs for children. COVID-19 has impacted the modality of these programs. Check with the program sponsors to learn about changes resulting from the pandemic.
