Back-Up Childcare

Bright Horizons Back-Up Care™

WGU knows that childcare needs don’t always follow a schedule. That’s why we’re excited to introduce urgent and unplanned childcare support, designed to help when unexpected situations arise.

This program connects you to dependable care options when you need them most, including center-based, in-home, and summer camp programs. You’ll have access to a large, trusted network of more than 3,200 childcare centers serving children ages 6 weeks to 6 years, as well as more than 200,000 in-home providers available for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years. In-home care also includes care for dependent children of any age who have developmental and special needs. Experienced care consultants are also available to help coordinate arrangements and make the process as smooth as possible.

Your Cost

Back-Up Care Service	Back-Up Care Copay
Center-Based and After School Care	$15 per child/day or $25 per family/day
In-Home Care	$8 per hour (up to 3 children, up to 10 hours per day)

Copays are paid directly through Bright Horizons’ website or mobile app. Eligible employees receive 20 care units per calendar year (one unit equals one child for up to one full day of care).

If a reservation is made and is no longer needed, the reservation must be canceled 2 business days prior to the reservation date.

If all 20 back-up care units are used before the end of the calendar year and still require care, you may coordinate arrangements directly with your preferred care center or in-home care provider. Once all annual units have been exhausted, Bright Horizons is unable to assist with reserving additional care for the remainder of the calendar year.

Who’s Eligible?

All regular employees on the U.S. payroll who are in positions classified to work 30+ hours per week. For employees whose positions are classified as part-time, intermittent, temporary, or intern are not eligible for FTO. Non-U.S.-based employees are also not eligible.

Register for Bright Horizons

Frequently Asked Questions

What is back-up care and when can I use it?

Care you can count on, for planned and unexpected needs — schedule changes, no-school days, and more

Who is eligible to use the back-up care benefit?

Regular, full-time employees on the US payroll scheduled to work 30+ hours or more per week

Who qualifies as a care recipient?

Children between the ages of 6 weeks - 12 years of age; Adult children with developmental and special needs are eligible for in-home care

Who do I contact if I have billing issues?

Contact Bright Horizon's directly at 877-BH-CARES (242-2737)

Who do I contact if I have concerns about the care my unit(s) received?

Contact Bright Horizon's directly at 877-BH-CARES (242-2737)

Is the service available nationwide or only in certain locations?

Bright Horizon's has 3200+ network locations nationwide, over 200K in-home providers use their website or app to find a location near you

What types of care are offered?

Care options include center-based daycare, camps, after-school programs, and in-home care services designed to support a variety of family needs.

Can I use back-up care for mildly ill children or adults?

A small number of in-home providers will provide care for mildly ill children

What services do caregivers provide?

An in-home caregiver can perform light housekeeping as it relates to the care of the care recipient only. Light housekeeping normally includes: cleaning kitchen after meal/snack preparation, straightening up family/living room and child’s room (if the child has played in the room during the day), etc. Light housekeeping does not include the following: vacuuming, laundry, dusting, cleaning of restrooms/bathing areas, etc. The only time a caregiver may provide any of the above services is when the care recipient has created a mess requiring the above services. An in-home caregiver can prepare meals as it relates to the care of the care recipient only. Meal preparation normally includes: cooking meals and preparing snacks for the care recipient to be eaten during the hours of care. Meal preparation does not include preparing meals for upcoming days/weeks or preparing meals for other family members not using the benefit.

How do I book back-up care?

Visit the Bright Horizon's website, mobile app, or call 877-BH-CARES (242-2737)

How far in advance can I book care?

Care can be reserved up to 90 days in advance

Do I need to register before using the service?

Preferred, but not required. Registration can be done at the time of registration/recommended for EEs to review the website and available providers to ensure they meet the needs they are seeking for care

What is the cost to employees?

$15 for one child for daycare/camps/after school, $25 for 2 or more children; $8 per hour for in-home care (up to 3 children, up to 10 hours)

Can I use my DCFSA funds?

Yes, a Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA) can be used for back-up care, such as emergency babysitting, nanny services, or sick-child care, provided the care enables you and your spouse to work. Funds are used for children under 13 or dependent adults to cover temporary gaps in care, including last-minute, non-routine arrangements.

How do I pay for care or submit reimbursement?

Center and in home care copayments will be drafted from the card on file when you register/create your back-up care account. OONC reimbursement requests will be submitted via clients.brighthorizons.com/wgu

Is there a limit on the number of back-up care days?

Yes, 20 units per year (each unit = 1 child)

What is the cancellation policy?

2 days prior to care to avoid copay charge and loss of a care unit

Can I use my own caregiver and get reimbursed?

An Eligible Employee may use Out-of-Network Care only when authorized by Bright Horizons where no other option for services in the Network is reasonably available

How are caregivers screened?

Caregivers are all employed by Bright Horizons or the agencies Bright Horizons has contracted with and they are professionally trained, screened, and credentialed. Experienced in child or geriatric care, caregivers are carefully selected and meet stringent credentialing requirements, pass extensive background checks and screening processes, and are trained in CPR/First Aid.

Are back-up care centers licensed?

Yes- all centers are licensed and in good standing with state licensing requirements.

Do I have to pay upfront?

Copays are collected at the completion of care

What about disabled children above the age of 12?

Children with developmental or special needs who are over the age of 12 can still reserve in-home care.

Is after school care part of this benefit?

After school care arrangements can be scheduled through the Enhanced Family Supports program, allowing employees to self source and self fund after school care through various providers at a discount.

Is in-home care at employees home or caretakers home?

In-home care is done at the employees own home.

What are the days and hours of availability for an employee to access the program?

Bright Horizon's care associates can be contacted 24/7/365 at 877-BH-CARES (242-2737)

Can the caregiver provide updates or check-ins while care is in progress?

While utilizing Bright Horizons center based care, families would have access to the My Bright Day app. This would allow them visibility into their child’s day including meal times, changings, and activities.

Does the employee have to have benefit coverage with WGU in order to participate in this program?

No, this benefit is available to all regular, full-time employees whether or not they are enrolled in a WGU medical plan.

Can I use this for childcare needed on a non-work day?

The intent for this benefit is to help employees during regular work hours.