Child Care

UCI has several child care options available on campus. At times, these may be full. For information on licensed child care in Orange County, see the Children's Home Society Child Care Resource and Referral site.

Childcare programs through UCI Housing.

Childcare Reimbursement Program - UAW 2865

Under our contract, you are eligible to have up to $1,100 per quarter ($1,650 per semester) of your childcare expenses reimbursed by the University if your child is 12 years old or younger and you’re working an appointment of 25% or more as a TA, tutor or reader. This applies to undergrads and grad students. If you work 25% or more during summer sessions, you’re eligible for the same reimbursement as long you’re a registered student during the terms preceding and following the summer.

This reimbursement is not applied automatically, however! To claim it, you should submit the following to whoever handles payroll in the department where you work:

• Receipts for childcare expenses
• Childcare reimbursement form (request from your department/hiring unit, or download below)

You can submit the reimbursement form as soon as childcare as cost you $1,100 over the course of the term (or $1,650 for a semester). The latest you should submit the form is the last day of the term following the term for which you need the reimbursement. If you needed reimbursement for Winter 20XX, for example, the last day you could submit your reimbursement form is the last day of Spring 20XX.

You will need the caregiver’s Taxpayer ID or Social Security Number to complete the form.

Read the University’s FAQ regarding the program.

Download the Reimbursement form (UBEN 254) from UCOP.

More information on Childbirth and Childcare reimbursement can be found on this Grad Division website.

Health Care for Dependents:

Dependents of Graduate Students

All graduate students who are enrolled in UC SHIP have the option to enroll eligible dependents in a voluntary plan. The plan provides medical insurance and the option to add dental and vision benefits. NOTE: If both student parents are covered by UC SHIP, their children may be covered as the dependents of either student, but not both.

Enrollment in the dependent plan is managed by Academic Health Plans (AHP) and the cost of the dependent premiums is payable directly to AHP. For dependent plan enrollment questions and plan information, please call Academic Health Plans (AHP) at 1-855-427-3206 (6:00 AM - 4:00 PM PST) or by email at ucship@ahpservice.com.

Dependent Plan Benefits: Same plan benefits as Graduate Students. Refer to plan materials located in the section above entitled GSHIP Benefits.

Documentation To Show Proof of Dependent Status

Students are required to provide proof of dependent status when enrolling their dependents in the plan. The following documents are acceptable:

• Spouse - marriage certificate
• Same-Sex Domestic Partner - a Declaration of Domestic partnership issued by the State of California, or of same-sex legal union other than marriage formed in another jurisdiction, or a completed declaration of Domestic Partnership Form issued by the University
• Natural Child - a birth certificate showing the student is the parent of the child
• Stepchild - a birth certificate and a marriage certificate showing that one of the parents listed in the birth certificate is married to the student
• Adopted or Foster Child - documentation from the placement agency showing that the student has the legal right to control the child's health care

Dependent Enrollment Forms By Graduate Student Group

UC SHIP for Graduates Students (Quarter) - Voluntary Student & Dependent Enrollment Form 2019-20

UC SHIP for Law Students - Voluntary Student/Dependent Enrollment Form 2019-20

UC SHIP for Medical Students - Voluntary Student/Dependent Enrollment Form 2019-20

UCI 2019 Summer GSHIP Voluntary Enrollment Form (All Summer Programs)

Student-Led resources and contacts

AGS:

Yenda Prado is a doctoral student and the AGS Family Engagement Chair. For family-related questions or comments, she can be reached by email: ygiovana@uci.edu

Graduate Association of Student Parents (GRASP):

GRASP is a student organization for student parents. For more information contact Stephen Pascoe by email: pascoes@uci.edu

Campus Resources and Services

Source: http://www.oeod.uci.edu/parenting/students/accommodations.php

Disability Services Center:

The Disability Services Center helps in supporting parenting and pregnant students with their academic journey. This includes identifying and securing student accommodations and needs,connecting students with the appropriate counselor(s) to ensure a safe and comfortable transition, and referrals to other appropriate resources. Appointments can be made by calling their office at (949) 824-7494 or sending them an email at dsc@uci.edu.

• Email: dsc@uci.edu
• Phone: (949) 824-7494
• Website: dsc.uci.edu

Graduate Division:

Phong Luong, Psy.D., is here to support graduate students and postdoctoral scholars with their academic journey. This includes additional academic support, time management skills, effective communication skills, and referrals to campus or community resources. Appointments can be made by calling (949) 824-0246 or sending an email.

• Email: pbluong@uci.edu
• Phone: (949) 824-0246

Student Success Initiative (SSI)'s Pathways to Parents and Adult Learners Success (PPALS) program:

PPALS was developed to help ensure that students 25 years of age and older and students with children/dependents are successful at UCI. PPALS aims to help student parents and adult learners with their academic, social, and personal needs.

• Contact Name: Tameyka Love
• Email: tlove@uci.edu
• Phone:(949) 824-3670
• Website: www.ssi.uci.edu/ppals/

Campus Social Worker:

The office of the Campus Social Worker provides services that are available to the entire UCI community at no cost. Some of these services include private support for individual students, staff, or faculty during a medical, physical, familial and/or emotional crisis. Only students that are referred to the campus social worker by either a staff or faculty can be accommodated at this time.

• Email: campussocialworker@uci.edu
• Phone: (949) 824-0101

Lactation Stations

Lactation Stations are quiet, comfortable, secure rooms where moms can breastfeed or pump for their child. UCI currently has several lactation stations on campus.

Lactation Rooms at the UCI Campus:

• Student Wellness & Health Promotion, Student Center - Room G319
  • The space is available on a first come, first served basis, with a 30 minute time allotment.
  • Open from 8am - 5pm, Monday - Friday
  • Please contact Student Wellness & Health Promotion at 949-824-9355 or studentwellness@uci.edu if you have any questions or concerns.

• Biological Sciences II, McGaugh Hall - Room 1301
  • The room will be locked inside when occupied
  • Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • Please contact the School of Biological Sciences at (949) 824-5444 if you have any questions or concerns.

• School of Social Ecology, Social Ecology I - Room 261
  • Open from 7am - 11pm, Monday - Friday
  • Email Rick Orth (rorth@uci.edu) or visit the Social Ecology Student Service Office to request a key code

• UCI Childcare Services, Infant and Toddler Center, 533 California Ave
  • This room is for Child Care employees and parents only.

• UCI Law School, 401 E. Peltason Drive, Suite 1000
  • This room is for Law School employees and students only.
  • New mothers may reserve the private lactation room. Please make arrangements through the Director of Student Life.

Lactation Rooms at the Medical Center:

• UCI Medical Center
  • A private room for pumping milk is available to residents and students
  • Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • The key is at the desk in the main lobby until 9:30 p.m. when the desk closes. The key is given to the security desk at that time so that is it accessible during the night. We do ask that the key be signed out so that we can track the room's usage, and to keep people from using the room to take breaks or sleep.
  • Please contact the Health Education Department at 714-456-8433 if you have any questions or concerns regarding the room or the process.

For more information about Lactation Stations, visit the UCI Student Wellness & Health Promotion page or view the UCI Lactation Accommodations Guidelines.

Parking

Students who need a Temporary Disability Placard should apply for one through their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). A placard is valid for up to 180 days (six months) or the time noted by your licensed medical professional on the application. Please note you must meet the criteria set by the DMV in order to receive one.

For frequently asked questions about applying for a Temporary Disability Placard or information on how to fill out an application, visit the California DMV website: CA DMV Brochure.

Ring Road Rides

To help students travel across campus, UC Irvine offers personalized site to site transportation between pre-defined campus locations under the Campus Accessibility, Rides, and Transportation (CART) Module called Ring Road Rides (RRR).

Riders eligible for this accommodation include students, faculty, and staff with qualifying permanent or temporary disabilities, e.g. broken legs, sprained ankles, manual wheelchairs, etc. There is no cost to the rider for this service, but pre-registration is required and there is a limit to the number of carts and drivers available. For more information, visit the Ring Road Rides page.

ARC Membership rates for family members/domestic partners

Housing Considerations

There are several considerations for families to take into account when deciding whether to live in on-campus housing in Palo Verde or Verano Place. Some information to address some common concerns:

• Amenities: Note that units do not come with a dishwasher or in-unit washer/dryer. However, there are several washer/dryers within walking distance of the units.
• Proximity to campus-based child care: On-campus housing is a short walk to the Infant-Toddler Center and other Early Education Centers.
• Proximity to campus: For on-campus housing, a car can be registered for free (note: parking is within the housing community only). For families who commute, parking permits for main campus runs close to $1000 a year.
• Access to playgrounds and the ARC (UCI gym, see our Fitness/Sports page for more information): Several playgrounds are available in both housing communities and nearby. There are opportunities for children to swim for free on the weekends (confirm with the ARC schedule).
• Community Opportunities: There are regularly schedule playgroups and classes. There is also a community garden (note: plots must be requested)