The University of Thessaly (UTh) recognizes that access to reliable and affordable childcare is vital for fostering a supportive, inclusive, and productive working environment. This policy ensures that all faculty and administrative staff with family responsibilities are provided with opportunities for childcare support, in line with the University\u2019s commitment to gender equality, well-being, and work\u2013life balance.<\/p>\n
Purpose and Strategic Framework<\/p>\n
This policy aims to:<\/p>\n
Facilitate work\u2013life balance for faculty and staff with young children.<\/p>\n
Support gender equality by reducing barriers for parents\u2014especially women\u2014to pursue academic and professional advancement.<\/p>\n
Comply with Greek Law 4808\/2021, Law 1566\/1985 (Article 7), and European Directive 2019\/1158 on work\u2013life balance for parents and carers.<\/p>\n
Enhance staff retention, satisfaction, and performance through family-friendly infrastructure and benefits.<\/p>\n
Scope<\/p>\n
Applies to:<\/p>\n
All academic, research, and administrative staff of the University who are parents or legal guardians of children under six (6) years of age.<\/p>\n
University departments responsible for Human Resources, Infrastructure, and Welfare Services.<\/p>\n
Key Provisions<\/p>\n
The University shall establish and maintain on-campus childcare centers, either directly or in partnership with municipal or private licensed providers.<\/p>\n
Facilities will operate during standard working hours, with extended services during examination or peak academic periods.<\/p>\n
Enrollment priority is given to:<\/p>\n
Single parents,<\/p>\n
Faculty and staff with young children, and<\/p>\n
Families with documented caregiving needs.<\/p>\n
Staff members may also access national or European funding schemes that support work\u2013family balance (e.g., \u0395\u03a3\u03a0\u0391 childcare vouchers).<\/p>\n
Facilities must comply with Greek national childcare regulations, including building safety, hygiene, and child\u2013staff ratio standards.<\/p>\n
Staff employed in childcare centers must be qualified early childhood educators.<\/p>\n
Regular inspections and quality reviews shall ensure continuous improvement.<\/p>\n
Faculty and staff who are parents of young children may request flexible work schedules, remote work, or adjusted teaching hours in coordination with their supervisors.<\/p>\n
These arrangements will not negatively affect promotion, evaluation, or remuneration.<\/p>\n