Childcare/School for Your Children
Ask for Help: Tell us the ages of your children. We can help you find schools or daycares that match your needs.
School and Daycare Options: In the US, children usually go to school based on where they live. Once you have your housing, we can help you find schools near your home. For younger children, we can help you find daycare centers. We will provide links and contact information so you can reach them directly. ChildCare.gov can help you access safe and quality child care services in your community that best suits your family’s needs. It provides links to State or Territory child care websites that you can use to search for child care and consumer education information.
After-School Care: Most schools run from 7:30 AM to 3:00–3:30 PM. If you work past this time, you need to plan for care after school. This could be a family member, friend, or after-school program. Sponsors usually cannot adjust your work schedule for childcare. Plan ahead so your children are cared for while you are working.
Backup Plan: Have a plan if your child is sick, school closes for holidays, or there is bad weather. This could include a trusted family member, friend, or backup daycare. Planning before starting work helps you avoid problems.
Pregnancy and Work
Starting Work While Pregnant: Usually, you should be ready to work during pregnancy unless your doctor says it is unsafe. If you are in your 3rd trimester, you may start work after your baby is born and your doctor clears you. Most healthy pregnancies allow work until close to birth, but complications can change this. You may need to present a doctor's note for any requests for medical /sick leave.
Maternity Leave: In the U.S., paid maternity leave is not always guaranteed. Many employers follow the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which allows up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for the birth of a child. FMLA usually applies only after one year of full-time work with the employer.
Some sponsors/employers may allow about 6 weeks off after a healthy birth, but each employer is different, so it is important to ask your sponsor directly about maternity leave, pay, and returning to work; your sponsor may save your position, but this is not guaranteed.
Post-Birth Planning: This includes planning your return to work after recovery. If needed, your sponsor may request a doctor’s note describing your recovery time and start date. You may also ask about accommodations like a private space for pumping milk after birth. US law requires employers to provide this if requested (other than a bathroom) for nursing employees, in accordance with Department of Labor guidelines. If you are already working, start discussing these with your manager or HR.
Tips for Easy Planning
Keep contact information for schools, daycare, and your doctor.
Ask for help if you do not understand instructions or need guidance.
Plan childcare based on your work schedule before starting work.
Always have a backup plan for emergencies, school closures, or sick children.
Check your employer’s policies for work hours, leave, and accommodations; they have the final rules you must follow.
Important reminder: We are not your employer. We can give guidance and suggestions, but your sponsor/employer makes the final decisions. You must follow their policies for work schedules, leave, and accommodations.