Are you an NIH federal employee or fellow/trainee who has previously benefited from the NIH Back-Up Care program and are wondering if you can utilize this valuable resource again? The answer is likely yes! The National Institutes of Health (NIH) partners with Bright Horizons to provide eligible employees like you with access to dependable back-up care solutions for children and adults/elders. This program is designed to support you in maintaining your work commitments, even when your regular care arrangements fall through.
This program is a lifeline when life throws curveballs. Let’s explore when and how the NIH Back-Up Care program can be there for you again.
Situations Where You Can Rely on Back-Up Care Again
The NIH Back-Up Care program is designed for a variety of common scenarios that can disrupt your regular care arrangements. You can access the program again if you find yourself in situations such as:
- Regular Caregiver Unavailability: If your usual nanny, babysitter, or adult/elder caregiver is sick, on vacation, or otherwise unavailable, back-up care can bridge the gap.
- Spouse/Partner’s Unavailability: When your stay-at-home spouse or partner is unexpectedly unavailable due to illness or other circumstances, the program offers crucial support.
- Care Arrangement Transitions: Navigating transitions between childcare or adult/elder care arrangements can be stressful. Back-up care provides a safety net during these periods of change.
- Childcare or School Closures: When your child’s daycare center or school unexpectedly closes due to holidays, weather, or other unforeseen reasons, back-up care ensures you can still go to work.
- Mild Illness Support: If your child or adult/elder relative is mildly ill and unable to attend their regular care facility, the program offers in-home mildly ill care.
- Self-Care Needs: Recognizing the demands of work and personal life, the program even extends to self-care, providing you with care when you need it to attend appointments or handle personal matters.
Types of Back-Up Care Available To You
As an NIH federal employee or fellow/trainee, you have access to a comprehensive suite of back-up care options. You can utilize these again and again, whenever the need arises, within the program’s guidelines:
- Center-Based Child Care: High-quality childcare centers are available for your children, providing a stimulating and safe environment.
- In-Home Child Care: For personalized care in the comfort of your home, in-home child care brings qualified caregivers directly to you.
- In-Home Mildly Ill Child Care: Specifically designed for mildly ill children, this in-home service ensures they receive attentive care while you fulfill your work obligations.
- In-Home Adult/Elder Care: Providing compassionate support for adult or elder family members in their homes, ensuring their well-being when you can’t be there.
- Self-Care: Arranging care for your loved ones so you can attend to your own health appointments or personal needs.
Re-Accessing and Utilizing the Program: Getting Started Again
If you’ve registered with Bright Horizons before, accessing the program again is straightforward. If you are a first-time user, the initial registration is also simple and free. Remember, a valid NIH email address is required for registration.
Register or Re-access Today for Future Peace of Mind:
It’s wise to be prepared. Registering or re-accessing your Bright Horizons account now ensures that when unexpected care needs arise, you’re ready to arrange back-up care quickly and efficiently.
First time access information for Bright Horizons (NIH Access Only through VPN)
Planning and Reserving Care: What to Expect When You Use the Program Again
Reservations can be made conveniently, up to a month in advance or even on the same day care is needed, depending on availability.
You can reserve care through these user-friendly methods:
- Online: Visit the Bright Horizons website designed for NIH employees: https://clients.brighthorizons.com/nih
- Phone: Call the dedicated Bright Horizons phone line at (877) 242-2737.
- Mobile App: Download the Bright Horizons Back-Up Care mobile app from the App Store or Google Play for on-the-go reservations.
Understanding the Cost of Care: What You’ll Pay
The NIH Back-Up Care program offers subsidized rates, making it an affordable solution when you need it most. Here’s a reminder of the cost structure:
- In-Home Care (Children & Adults): $16.00 per hour, for up to three children or adults.
- Mildly-ill Care (In-Home ONLY): $16.00 per hour, for up to three children or adults.
- Self-Care: $16.00 per hour.
- Center-based Care (Children ONLY): $6.00 per hour, per child.
Need More Information or Assistance?
For detailed information, refer to the NIH Back-Up Care Program Frequently Asked Questions.
If you have further questions or require assistance, please contact the NIH Child and Family Programs team at 301-827-3250. They are there to help you navigate the program and ensure you can access this valuable benefit whenever you need it again.
Take advantage of the NIH Back-Up Care program – a reliable resource designed to support you in balancing your work and family responsibilities. Re-familiarize yourself with the program today and be prepared for any unexpected care needs that may arise.
Explore other resources available to NIH families, including childcare subsidies, resource and referral services, and the parenting listserv, to further enhance your work-life balance.
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