Support for Students and Postdocs with Families
The Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies recognizes the unique challenges faced by graduate students and postdocs with partners and families. We are committed to providing resources and policies that support students balancing academic and family responsibilities.
The Guarini Childcare Subsidy helps alleviate childcare costs for eligible graduate students.
- Available to full-time stipend-supported graduate students in Guarini School programs.
- Provides financial assistance to offset childcare expenses.
- Application details and eligibility requirements can be found here.
Most postdocs are eligible for Dartmouth’s employee Child Care Subsidy as part of their benefits.
Guarini’s Child Accommodation Policy for graduate students provides financial and academic accommodations for primary caregivers immediately following the birth or adoption of a child.
- Eligibility: Full-time, stipend-supported graduate students in Guarini School programs.
- Duration: Up to 12 weeks of accommodation, with six weeks of funding from Guarini and an additional six weeks from the student’s department.
- Parental Leave Sharing: If both parents are full-time, stipend-supported students, they may share up to 24 weeks of leave.
- Enrollment & Benefits: Students will remain enrolled, retain health benefits, and receive an automatic one-term extension to complete their degree.
- Planning: Students should consult with their advisor and a Guarini dean as early as possible to coordinate accommodation plans.
- More details on this policy are available here.
Relocating with children can be challenging, but the Upper Valley offers a supportive community and excellent resources for families.
Daycare & Schooling
- Daycare Enrollment: Spots fill up quickly, so apply as early as possible, even if your housing is not finalized.
- Cost: Full-time daycare ranges from ~$1,000/month, with higher costs for children under age 3.
- School Districts: Residency may determine which public school your child can attend.
- After-School Care: Some daycare centers offer after-school programs for primary school children.
Community & Family Resources
- Local Events – Find family-friendly activities on the Dartmouth local events Slack channel.
- Upper Valley Connection – Online event and resource hub for families.
- Dartmouth Child Care Center – On-campus childcare option for Dartmouth-affiliated families.
- Slack Channel: FamilyMatters – Connect with other Dartmouth families via the FamilyMatters channel.
