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Backup Childcare and Adultcare Referral Program

All MIT benefits-eligible faculty, staff, and postdocs can receive care at home through Parents in a Pinch, Inc. Whether the need is child care, care for an aging parent, another family member who needs assistance, or even yourself, consider Parents in a Pinch. The screened and trained caretakers are available day or evening, 7 days a week.

Backup childcare providers can assist when normal childcare or school arrangements are disrupted by school closings, vacations, or provider illness, or when a child is mildly ill. Childcare providers are available to come to your home, workplace, or another meeting place.

Backup adult care providers can offer companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, or prompts for medications. They can also accompany an adult to a doctor's appointment via The Ride or taxicab. Adult care providers are available to come to your home or to the home of your relative.

MIT faculty, staff, and postdocs can request up to 15 childcare and/or adult care referrals annually without being charged any registration or placement fees. You are responsible for paying the child and adult caregivers the established hourly rate, which is $15.00 per hour (with a minimum of four hours per day).

Care is available any time of day or night, any day of the week. When service is needed, you call Parents in a Pinch at 617-739-5437 (1-800-688-4697) during call hours (Monday - Thursday, 7 a.m. - 8 pm.; Friday, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Sunday, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.).

For additional information about the backup childcare and adult care referral service, please see the Frequently Asked Questions for childcare or adultcare and Tips for Working with a Temporary Caregiver.

You must pre-register for this service through the Center for Work, Family and Personal Life; please complete the pre-registration form on-line, or call the Center at 617-253-1592 for additional assistance.