UA Lunar Lab honors Apollo program designer

Sept. 29, 1999




by Tina Alvarez
UA News Services

If you have a sick child and you're needed at the University to give an important lecture, attend a mandatory meeting or take that crucial mid-term, the UA's Sick Child Program (SCP) can help you.

The SCP is available to benefits-eligible employees and UA students for their children through 12 years of age. The University contracts with local community vendors that provide caregivers. The caregivers go to the parent's home when their children cannot attend school or daycare. Program participants pay a nominal hourly fee plus a caregiver transportation fee while the University pays the majority of the cost on behalf of its campus population.

The SCP is administered by UA Life & Work Connections' Child Care and Family Resources. Pre-registration is required annually to access this service.

"This service is in response to the dynamic and changing environment at the University regarding work/life issues," said Caryn Jung, program coordinator. "The University is committed to providing services and support to faculty, employees and students in response to their work, family and personal life needs."

In the fall of 1999, an SCP review team of faculty, staff and students recommended new program guidelines that went into effect July 3. A copy of the full team report can be viewed online. The registration form also is online.

"We're really excited with the program enhancements," Jung said. "Full or half-day increments may be used within a new two-tiered fee structure to allow for greater flexibility by parents. And we have worked to coordinate services to provide reasonable accommodations for children with special needs.

"Another enhancement is a program participant user card that will record and confirm sick-child program services at the University subsidized rates. Additionally, Child Care and Family Resources has developed specialized in-home child care resource materials to complement the SCP that is available to faculty, employees and students upon request," she said. "An array of work-life services and resources and the SCP is one of many such offerings available through UA Life and Work Connections."

Child & Family Resources Inc., a community agency not affiliated with the UA, is the primary vendor used to provide caregivers. Among other requirements, a background check with Child Protective Services and an FBI fingerprint check are performed on caregivers. The Caregivers also must complete a 65-hour training program.
"We've found parents feel very comfortable about choosing the program," she said. "They are very appreciative of the University providing not only the access to the service but also the generous subsidy.

For more information or to request registration forms call Jung at 621-9870 or Diahn Lehmkuhl, human resource specialist at 621-4365. Offices are located at 1545 E. Helen St. In addition, information can also be found at the department's website.

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