Becoming a Parent - Family Care Office

There are many students on campus who successfully complete their programs of study while caring for a child.

The FCO hosts workshops and in-person family events throughout the year. Attending FCO programming is an opportunity to connect with other student parents. We host many virtual workshops about parenting. In addition, each semester we host a virtual Expectant Parents group which is open to students and their partners.

Our website has information about:

Child care (Waitlists are long! Research child care as soon as you are expecting or, if you are starting a program at U of T, as soon as you find out you are admitted.)
Housing for families
Leaves from employment, including CUPE employment (TAs, Course Instructors, etc.)
Health insurance

Additionally, you can check out the Family Care Resource Centre for services and supports within the community.

Meet with a Family Care Advisor

Our Family Care Advisor can help with questions on diverse topics such as balancing your studies and family obligations, childcare, schools and other family issues. Use our scheduling system to book a virtual appointment.

Book an appointment

Taking a leave from your studies

If you are expecting a child, you may discern that you will take a break from your studies. Browse through this section for some tips that may assist you in this process.

You should plan to meet with an advisor in your Registrar’s Office as early as possible to map out plans for taking a leave and/or continuing your studies. While there is no standard policy for undergraduate students wishing to take a leave of absence from their studies for the birth or adoption of a child and/or for the caregiving responsibilities of another family member, the University supports students in facilitating breaks from, and successful returns to, studies.

Speak to your college’s Registrar’s Office about financial supports available to you as a student parent. If you have government student loans (e.g., OSAP), a leave of absence can impact your funding and your repayment status. Contact the University Registrar’s Office to discuss your options.

Consider talking to your professors so that they are aware of your pregnancy and issues that may arise as a result. If you require accommodations related to your own health, reach out to Accessibility Services.

If you are also considering taking a leave from employment, review our Pregnancy and Parental Leave information.

Another useful resource can be your student union.

Graduate students can apply to the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) for a parental leave of absence for up to three sessions. To discuss your leave, speak with your graduate faculty supervisor, and refer to your unit’s handbook to understand who else should be notified (this may be your Graduate Associate Chair, Graduate Coordinator, and/or Graduate Administrator).

In addition, the SGS Parental Grant program provides financial support to doctoral students within the funded cohort by helping to offset the loss of their program’s base funding as a result of taking an approved parental leave of absence.

If you have your own research funding or are on a stipend, you should find out how interrupting your award for reasons such as pregnancy, child rearing, illness or health-related family responsibilities will impact your funding. Some research councils offer benefits. It is important to find out what the policy is for your particular research award. If you need assistance in acquiring this information, you can contact Graduate Awards at the School of Graduate Studies.

Make an appointment to meet with an SGS Financial Aid and Awards Advisor to explore additional avenues of financial support and to discuss the impact your leave can have on your student loans, if applicable.

Consider talking to your professors so that they are aware of your pregnancy and issues that may arise as a result. Graduate students should connect with their academic supervisor to discuss your plans. If you require accommodations related to your own health, reach out to Health and Wellness.

If you are also considering taking a leave from employment, including CUPE positions, review our Pregnancy and Parental Leave information.

Another useful resource can be your Graduate Students’ Union.