The purpose of the IMS Child Care Initiative is to encourage and support the participation at IMS Annual Meetings of IMS members who have child care responsibilities. The next IMS Annual Meeting is at JSM in Seattle, WA, USA, August 8-13, 2015 [http://www.amstat.org/meetings/jsm/2015/].

The IMS will reimburse members 80% of the costs of privately arranged child care* (for a dependent under the age of 13) at the IMS Annual Meeting, up to a maximum of US$250 per family. Priority will be given to those presenting papers or posters at the meeting. Not more than 40 grants may be awarded. For details, see https://www.imstat.org/meetings/ims-child-care-initiative/

A letter requesting funds must be submitted to IMS Executive Director, Elyse Gustafson, at the IMS office (see panel on page 2 for address) by June 1. The letter should include the following:
• The member’s name and email address,
• Copy of registration, and copy of receipt for abstract submission (if applicable), and
• Projected amount of child care expenses for the time of the meeting.

After the meeting, please submit a complete receipt showing total amount of child care expenses, dates of care and names and birth dates of dependents, together with the claiming member’s name and address.

* If, instead of hiring a child care provider, the member chooses to bring an unpaid family member or friend to the JSM to provide child care, the IMS can reimburse 80% of the cost of their travel, up to $250.