Child care & parenting
Child care at UW
Securing convenient, affordable and reliable child care is a top priority for most new parents. Start here to learn how UW supports student parents and employees with families in accessing care.
Off-site child care
UW faculty, staff, and students are eligible for enrollment priority at designated Bright Horizons and KinderCare centers on a first-come, first-served basis. Enrollment priority does not guarantee placement, but it will move you up their waitlist as a UW priority.
UW Children’s Centers
University of Washington Children’s Centers (UWCC) offer year-round care for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers at four Seattle campus locations.
Child care at Harborview
The University of Washington Children’s Center at Harborview provides priority child care to medical center faculty and staff. It offers year-round care to infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Child care at UW Medical Center – Northwest
Eligibility and priority details about year-round care at UWMC Children’s Center at Northwest for infants, toddlers and preschoolers.
Child care at UW Tacoma
In collaboration with the Children’s Museum of Tacoma, UW Tacoma is offering The Muse: A Children’s Center which offers high quality, licensed child care that emphasizes a child-centered approach to early learning.
Backup and sick-child care
Backup care is available at locations throughout Puget Sound and nationwide. Sick child care is available in your home 24 hours a day, seven days a week, whenever you need to attend to academic or work responsibilities.
Nannies, after-school programs and assistance programs
Resources and discounts that may be helpful for securing in-home care, before- or after-school care, and summer camps.
UW programs for kids
If you’re looking for a school, camp, or other program for your child to attend, UW provides unique opportunities for children of all ages and interests.
Lactation stations
UW provides many private, secure, and clean lactation stations. You’ll find them in buildings across campus and at medical centers and other UW offices.
Additional parenting resources
This page collects helpful resources for parents including medical and dental care clinics as well as other programs that help you and your family flourish.
Critical hire & retention designations
APS 51.1: Enrollment for University On-Site Childcare Centers Located in Seattle outlines a process in which appointing authorities may recommend priority child care placement for a faculty or staff member who plays or will play a key role within a unit.