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Childcare and Parenting Resources

mother and childGraduate parents constitute a vibrant part of our learning community at the University of Michigan. Rackham believes in supporting graduate parents both academically and socially. Because each graduate parent has distinct needs, Rackham has designed a rich variety of programs and events, such as get-togethers, childcare information, and support groups. Abundant resources exist for parents in the Ann Arbor area; however, finding them can be a daunting task. Rackham created this site to help parents quickly transition into life at the U-M and in Ann Arbor.

Rackham Graduate Parents Quarterly Newsletter

A great place to begin to learn about the resources in the community is with our Rackham Graduate Parents Quarterly Newsletter.

Events and Workshops

Rackham provides several social events and workshops for student parents each semester. In the fall, Rackham sponsors the Graduate Parent Workshop and Resource Fair, a fun-filled day offering informational programs and activities for graduate/professional student parents and their children. In addition, several social events are planned to exciting places such as the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum and Domino's Petting Farm. Many of the activities do require pre-registration. For a list of upcoming events, please go to our Events Calendar.

Get on our list!

If you would like to be added to Rackham's Graduate Student Parent e-mail group to receive information about upcoming activities and new programs please contact Graduate Student Affairs

If you have any questions about anything related to graduate student parent issues, please feel free to contact Graduate Student Affairs or call (734) 615-3682.

Useful Links

U-M Resources

Students with Children Website

There are a number of resources available to U-M students who have children, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Rackham, the Work/Life Resource Center and the Center for the Education of Women. Resources include assistance in locating quality child care, subsidy programs to offset the cost of using licensed care, policies relating to dependent care issues, sources of social support and information about family friendly activities.

Work/Life Resource Center

The Work/Life Resource Center provides information and resources regarding the healthy integration of work life and personal life.

What Do Parents Need to Know About Childcare?

During the past two decades, there has been a big increase in the number of families with two parents working outside the home. Currently, about 80% of kids entering school have had regular care in either child care centers, preschool, their own homes, relative’s homes, or family day care homes. The quality of care in these crucial early years varies, and parents need to make informed choices regarding child care.

Reports and Policies

Student Parent Task Force Report (PDF, 2001)

The final report to the Provost from the Student Parent Task Force appointed by the Center for the Education of Women (CEW) and Rackham Graduate School.

Child Care Subsidy Program

Information on how to apply for the subsidy, and how you can use it.

Rackham Policy on Time Limits and Extensions for Candidacy, Completion of Degree, and Eligibility for Rackham Fellowships

This information from the Rackham Student Handbook of Policies and Procedures explains the extension policy for childbearing.

Campus Housing

Healthcare and Pregnancy Information

Activities for Parents and Children

Childcare

Baby Clothes and Goods

Camps, Lessons and After School Activities