No specific education is required- all current UK students and recent alumni are eligible to apply.

No previous experience of paid childcare is required to apply.

No specific license, registration, or certification is required to apply.

Applicants must be able to lift (children) up to 50 lbs.

Shifts/work schedules and pay rate for applicants will be determined and agreed upon by the student-caregiver and the UK family for which they are providing child or pet care.

Big Blue Family Care (BBFC) is a child/pet care referral network that offers current UK undergraduate, graduate students and recent alumni of the program the opportunity to offer occasional (part-time or full-time) care-giving (i.e. child care, pet care) to UK families. By submitting this application you are applying to become a care-giver in the BBFC program. A standard background check (pre-employment screening) will be completed for all applicants before they are referred to parents. Caregivers are welcome to provide care for as many families as their schedule allows. Successful applicants are welcome to participate in the BBFC program the entire time they are a UK student.
Referrals are made on an “as needed” or “by request” basis with a UK family once an online a request form is submitted.
Payment rates and type of payment (cash, electronic, check) is determined and agreed upon by both the UK family and the UK student-caregiver. The UK family will pay the UK student-caregiver directly. All majors are welcome to apply. Previous childcare experience is recommended.
Parents may require proof of COVID-19 vaccination, CPR, BLS or other trainings or safety documentation (optional).

Desire to care for children (ages vary). Ability to problem solve, offer positive feedback and manage behavior of children. Ability to provide basic care for the children including engage in healthy play, offer meals. Ability to assist children with school work is helpful but not required. Ability to transport children to activities is sometimes desired but not required.
Familiarity with childhood behavior is helpful.

Preferred experience for applicants is 1 year of child/youth care-giving. Previous paid or unpaid childcare related experience is desired.

The University of Kentucky is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce by ensuring all our students, faculty, and staff work in an environment of openness and acceptance. We strive to foster a community where people of all backgrounds, identities, and perspectives can feel secure and welcome. We also value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strongly encourage veterans, individuals with disabilities, women, and all minorities to consider our employment opportunities.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.