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Click here to access information on the current status of the NIH Child and Family Programs.

NIH Back-up Care Program

Backup Care Img

 
"Absolutely love it, been able to go to work when I wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity. It would have been frustrating to call all those centers myself."   
(Comment from Back-up Care Participant)

 

Care when you need it most 

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has contracted with Bright Horizons to offer NIH federal employees and fellows/trainees access to back-up care when they need to be at work and their regular child or adult/elder care is unavailable.

This program can help when:

§  Your regular caregiver or stay-at-home spouse is unavailable                                                      
§  You are transitioning between child or adult/elder care arrangements
§  Your child's regular center or school is closed
§  Your child or adult/elder relative is mildly ill or needs temporary assistance
§  You need care for yourself
 
NIH federal employees and fellows/trainees have access to the following back-up care programs:
§  Center-based child care
§  In-home child care
§  In-home mildly ill child care
§  In-home adult/elder care
§  Self care (when YOU need care)
 
Wondering if you need backup care ... check out this video:
NIH Back-up Care Video  

Register today to ensure peace of mind tomorrow 

You must register with Bright Horizons before you can reserve care.                                                            

First time access information for Bright Horizons (NIH Access Only through VPN)
 
It is FREE and easy to do. A valid NIH e-mail address is required. 

Plan Ahead 

Reservations for care can be made one month in advance and up to the day care is needed. 
 
You can reserve care three ways:
- Online at Bright Horizons website, https://clients.brighthorizons.com/nih External Web Site
- By telephone at (877) 242-2737
- Via the Bright Horizons Back-Up Care mobile app (found in the App Store or at Google Play)

Cost of Care 

In-Home Care (Children & Adults):   $16.00 dollars per hour, up to three (3) children or adults
Mildly-ill Care (In-Home ONLY):        $16.00 dollars per hour, up to three (3) children or adults
Self-Care (when YOU need care):     $16.00 dollars per hour
Center-based Care (Children ONLY): $  6.00 dollars per hour, per child

Need More Information 

NIH Back-up Care Program Flyer 
 
 
 
 
Please refer to the NIH Back-up Care Program Frequently Asked Questions.
 
If you have additional questions or need more information, please call the NIH Child and Family Programs team at:  301-827-3250.
 
Please print, post, and share this flyer. 




 

 

Child Programs and Services

 

Learn about other programs for NIH families, including the child care subsidy, resource and referral services, and the parenting listserv.