Additional Resources for Parents
It takes a strong community to support parents and children. Harvard is here to help by connecting you to resources so that you and your family can thrive and succeed. We offer guidance and referrals through our Employee Assistance Program, financial support, and information for faculty and staff on a range of topics.
Current faculty and staff can find additional information on the employee website, HARVie's Caring for Children section (HarvardKey required).
Public and private school information
All cities and towns in Massachusetts must provide public education starting with kindergarten; the age for admittance to kindergarten varies by community. You can find that information along with links to the websites for the public schools systems closest to Harvard's campuses on this information sheet.
Independent private schools determine their own mission and curriculum. Learn more about these schools at the Association of Independent Schools in New England.
Parochial and other religious schools provide some religious instruction in addition to a secular curriculum. You can find a list of the state’s private schools by religious affiliation at the Private School Review.
After-school programs
Harvard’s Employee Assistance Program offers a dependent-care resource and referral service and can provide you with a customized list of after-school options.
Summer camps
Benefits-eligible faculty and staff can use Harvard's Employee Assistance Program to help locate camps that meet your family's needs. The EAP will provide a list of summer camps that meet your specific criteria, free of charge. Call 877-EAP-HARV (877-327-4278).
Adoption Assistance
Harvard's Adoption Assistance Plan provides reimbursement grants of up to $10,000 to defray many of the costs directly related to legal adoption of a child, including the legal adoption of a spouse/partner's child. Grants are not need-based and are available to all benefits-eligible faculty and staff members. To learn more and request an application, please email childcare_scholarships@harvard.edu.
Resources for Parents of Children with Disabilities
Parents of children with disabilities can contact the Employee Assistance Program for help with services ranging from identifying strategies and finding resources to seeking emotional support and securing legal and financial assistance. You can reach the EAP any time at 877-EAP-HARV (877-327-4278).
New Parent Support
Returning to work after having or adopting a child can be challenging. Harvard's Employee Assistance Program offers support through KGA, which provides free, confidential phone counseling with licensed professionals. They offer guidance on issues such as postpartum depression, balancing work and home life, separation anxiety, managing parental guilt, and finding childcare. For more details, contact KGA at 877-EAP-HARV (877-327-4278) or visit the childcare and parenting section on their website.
Connecting with other parents
- Harvard Neighbors hosts a range of interest groups for faculty and staff and their families, including an infant-toddler playgroup.
- Harvard Students Spouses and Partners Association Open to spouses and partners of all Harvard students.
- Graduate Students Parents List Open to students at Harvard who are parents.