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Total WellBeing

Family Care

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Helping Heels

Helping Heels is a resource for UNC-Chapel Hill faculty, staff and students to find part-time child care, elder care and pet care from fellow Tar Heels.

The list is updated every fall and spring. Since fall 2020, the list is provided in partnership between the UNC Work/Life & Wellness and the Carolina COVID-19 Student Services Corps (Carolina CSSC) supported by the Office of Human Resources and the Office of the Provost.

PLEASE NOTE: The responsibility for screening potential caregivers rests solely and completely with the person hiring them.

Work/Life & Wellness nor the Office of the Provost screens the Helping Heels caregivers listed.

If you’re looking to volunteer or promote your part-time caregiving services outside of the registration window, email totalwellbeing@unc.edu to be added to the Helping Heels list.

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Child Care

Assistance Finding Care

Early Years, a non-profit child care resource and referral agency, administers the UNC-Chapel Hill Childcare Program. UNC-Chapel Hill contracts with Early Years to help employees and students access affordable high-quality care for their children.

UNC-Chapel Hill Child Care Scholarship Program

UNC sponsors Child Care Scholarships through Early Years for full-time UNC-Chapel Hill employees and students with children under 13 years of age. Eligible families must use a 4- or 5-star licensed child care facility in North Carolina.

If you’re interested in applying for a child care scholarship, please contact 919-403-6950 or email familyscholarship@earlyyearsnc.org for additional information.

  • Assistance is limited to 1 full-time equivalent (FTE) of child care per full-time employee/student
  • 1 FTE = 1 full-day child care program
  • 1/2 FTE = after-school program or 1/2-day preschool program
  • Full-time child care in a 4- or 5-star licensed family child care home or center
  • After-school care in a 4- or 5-star licensed program
  • Part-time or preschool care in a 4- or 5-star licensed program
  • Full or part-time summer care in a 4- or 5-star licensed program

Child care facilities are licensed by the State of North Carolina’s Division of Child Development and Early Education. Though after-school and preschool programs of four hours or less are not required to be regulated (licensed), they may choose to do so as a sign of commitment to quality. To encourage quality, UNC-Chapel Hill will subsidize only 4- or 5-star licensed child care programs.

  • Providers must have a policy and practice of prohibiting corporal punishment
  • Providers must be willing to sign a contract with Early Years
  • Provider admissions policies must be inclusive of all children, regardless of their race, gender, creed, color, or national origin
Income eligibility is based on income from all sources, including student aid (with a deduction for the cost of tuition), for eligible students.

Maximum Household Income Requirements
See the following family size and maximum household income requirements:

Family SizeMaximum Household Income (effective January 2025)
Two$84,600
Three$106,600
Four$128,600
Five$150,600
Six$172,600

For employees whose gross household income exceeds the guidelines above, the Dependent Day Care Flexible Spending Account (DDCFSA), a pre-tax spending account program, is applicable and can result in substantial savings. To receive information on DDCFSA, call Benefits Services at 919-962-3071.

Employment/Academic Status for Assistance Eligibility

  • Permanent UNC-Chapel Hill employees (30+ hours/week)
  • Students currently enrolled full-time at UNC-Chapel Hill
  • Some combination of parents or legal guardian being either an employee and/or student
The parent must pay a portion of the child care costs based on a percentage of their income. The remaining portion will be paid by Early Years/UNC-Chapel Hill directly to the designated child care provider.

The parent must pay their respective co-payments to the child care provider and sign an agreement with Early Years.

The employee/student must immediately notify Early Years of any changes in the following:

  • Withdrawal of child from the child care provider
  • Change of child care provider
  • Change in employment/academic status or course load
  • Change in family status or size (divorce, marriage, birth, adoption, etc.)
  • Change in household income

For more information on program requirements and procedures, contact Child Care Services Association at 855-EARLY-ED (855-327-5933).

Below are some questions that are frequently asked regarding the acceptance of a child care scholarship by UNC-Chapel Hill students.

Will the University know if I am awarded a Child Care Scholarship?
No, scholarship recipients names and other personal identifiable information (PII) are not shared with the University. The Office of Human Resources receives quarterly information on the number of children served, amount paid per month, child’s age, race, gender and residing county, family size, household income and the number of families on the waitlist.

Will accepting a Child Care Scholarship impact other financial support a student receives from the University?
Accepting a child care scholarship will not negatively impact any other financial support the student receives from the University. The Office of Scholarships and Student Aid collects outside scholarship information directly from students who receive these funds. If a student receives funding to cover childcare expenses for dependent children under the age of 13, the cost of attendance can be adjusted by the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid to include this amount so that other financial aid is not impacted by this additional funding.

Are there any program or immigration rules on the total amount of money a student is allowed to accept from all sources?
Immigration regulations can be complex. If individuals are in university-sponsored non-immigrant status (such as F-1 or J-1), it is advisable for them to consult with the University’s International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). For those in other immigration statuses, it is recommended they seek advice from an immigration attorney. Additionally, with an immigration attorney, providing an accessible resource for legal guidance.

Am I protected from discrimination?
The University’s Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment, and Related Misconduct prohibits discrimination and harassment based on protected status, including sex. Sex discrimination and harassment can include discrimination or harassment based on parental, family, or marital status. The Policy also prohibits discrimination or harassment based on pregnancy or related medical conditions, which includes failing to provide or implement reasonable accommodations for pregnancy or related medical conditions.

For more information:

Early Years will assist UNC-CH families in finding the appropriate available funding source from a variety of assistance programs (Department of Social Services, Smart Start, etc.).

To request information about subsidy options or be placed on the waiting list for assistance through Early Years, e-mail referral@earlyyearsnc.org or call 855-EARLY-ED (855-327-5933) to reach a Child Care Referral Specialist.

For information about scholarship program requirements, finding or paying for child care, including educational events:

Visit earlyyearsnc.org/families
Email referral@earlyyearsnc.org
Call 855-EARLY-ED (855-327-5933) to reach a Child Care Referral Specialist

Discounted Child Care Centers

Conveniently located by the UNC Friday Center, the University Child Care Center is UNC’s exclusive child care and early education center for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years of age of University and UNC Health families. Open Monday-Friday 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., the Center offers industry-leading, enhanced health and safety protocols and Discovery Driven LearningTM. Call to enroll your child today!

University Child Care Center
130 Friday Center Drive | Chapel Hill, NC 27517
919-929-2662
unc@brighthorizons.com

University Child Care Center Flyer

Close to UNC, on the bus line and plenty of parking. Accepts families that qualify and accept state subsidy programs. Redeem with UNC One Card. Receive 10% discount off tuition rate for one child.

Childcare Matters Day Care & Preschool
825 North Estes Drive | Chapel Hill, NC 27514
919-929-8190

Save 10% on childcare tuition. Explore saving on Working Advantage with code Working Advantage. Redeem with voucher.

KinderCare
Find the KinderCare location near you

Get a 10% discount on tuition at the 5-star NC Review Rating school, as well as preferential placement for UNC employees’ children. Additional scholarship available based on the financial needs of the family. Redeem with UNC One Card.

Legacy Academy Preschool
515 East Winmore Avenue | Chapel Hill, NC 27516
919-929-7060

Primrose Schools in Durham offers premier early education and childcare experience for children and families. Located just minutes from Eastgate Crossing Shopping Center on Pope Road, UNC Employees can receive 5% off tuition fees for one child. Redeemable with a valid UNC One Card.

Primrose School Chapel Hill East
4527 Pope Road | Durham, NC 27707
919-491-5686

Additional Resources

Juggle helps make life a little easier with seamless payment and on-demand services. With Juggles, choose from a pool of energetic, educated and experienced sitters and recent grads to provide safer, smarter and simpler child care (and pet care too!). UNC-Chapel Hill employees now receive their first booking fee waived.

PLEASE NOTE: The UNC-Chapel Hill Office of Human Resources promotes JUGGLE as a convenience to University faculty, staff, and students. OHR does not screen the caregivers provided by JUGGLE and makes no representations about their qualifications, conduct, or the services to be provided. OHR cannot recommend one particular party to another, and any employment relationship that results from the JUGGLE site does not involve the University. Users of JUGGLE are responsible for performing any screening or evaluation they desire. Caregivers and users must acknowledge that the University is not responsible for and will be held harmless against any injury, loss, claim, lawsuit, or other damage arising from or related in any way to the use of this care resource.

See the Parenting section of the Total WellBeing On-Demand Library for more resources.


Elder Care

Providing care for another adult is complex and presents a variety of challenges including managing another person’s health, medical care, legal and financial responsibilities as well as taking care of one’s self, relationships and work responsibilities. Resources and services are available at the University, in the community and through government programs that can help you with the challenges of family caregiving.

Finding proper elder care services for your loved one can be a challenge. The experts at GuidanceResources® can offer support, resources and information to help you and your family make these important decisions.

Call or go online 24/7 for free and confidential assistance with these and other elder care issues:

  • Long-term care insurance
  • Paying for elder care
  • Dealing with caregiver stress
The Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) answers questions and counsels Medicare beneficiaries and caregivers about Medicare, Medicare supplements, Medicare Advantage, Medicare prescription drug plans, long-term care insurance and other health insurance concerns. The counselors offer free and unbiased counseling on Medicare health care products. The North Carolina SMP Program provides assistance with Medicare/Medicaid billing errors, fraud and abuse.

The program acts as a link between senior citizens and information about their health insurance. You can contact SHIIP at 1-800-443-9354 or (919) 807-6900.

Brookdale Senior Living

Save 10% off the private duty home care basic rate and 7.5% off monthly fee/basic service rate on Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care.*

Redeems with proof of UNC employment or proof of UNC Chapel Hill retiree. Discount good through December 31, 2025.

*Available for new residents only.  |  **Additional restrictions apply.

Contact Information:
Brookdale Senior Living
2230 Farmington Dr
Chapel Hill, NC 27517

Homewatch CareGivers of the Triangle

UNC-Chapel Hill employees receive 10% off exceptional in-home care and companionship services for dependent family members in Orange, Durham, Chatham and Wake counties.

Services include hourly, 24-hour and live-in care; comprehensive personal care, specialized care for Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Simply mention this ad and that you are faculty or staff at UNC-Chapel Hill.

Contact
Homewatch CareGivers of the Triangle
Matt Wright, Community Relations Manager
101 Cosgrove Ave., Suite 120
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
919-960-6038
MWright@homewatchcaregivers.com

Orange County Department on Aging

Orange County Department on Aging (OCDOA) is a one-stop resource where older adults and caregivers can meet their social, mental, physical, financial and day-to-day practical needs.

Triangle J Area Agency on Aging

Triangle J Area Agency on Aging (TJAAA) focuses on its partnership efforts as a means of leveraging a quality continuum of support for the region’s older adults.

Contact UNC Total WellBeing

Jessica Pyjas, Senior Total WellBeing Manager
Meriem Alqoh, University Program Associate
Email | totalwellbeing@unc.edu