Backup Care: Bright Horizons Back-Up Care for Today’s Working Families

We believe that reliable care support is key to both family peace and workplace productivity. The Bright Horizons Back-Up Care program offers a smart safety net for working families when the unexpected happens.

What is Bright Horizons Back-Up Care?

The Back-Up Care service from Bright Horizons is an employer-sponsored benefit designed to fill care gaps when normal arrangements fall through — whether that’s child care, elder care or even pet care. brighthorizons.com+2brighthorizons.com+2
In practice, this means when a nanny calls in sick, school closes unexpectedly, or an aging parent needs urgent support, employees can tap into a vetted network of care options. brighthorizons.com+1

Why it matters—for employees and employers

For families:

• Reduces the stress of last-minute caregiving emergencies. brighthorizons.com+1

• Allows you to stay focused on work, knowing your loved ones are in capable hands. brighthorizons.com+1

• Offers coverage for multi-generational care: children, elders, and even pets. brighthorizons.com+1

For employers:

• Improves business continuity by reducing absenteeism and lost productivity due to care crises. brighthorizons.com+1

• Strengthens recruitment and retention by offering family-friendly benefits. brighthorizons.com

How the program works

1. Registration – Employees register online or via app, complete their care profile and dependent information. myfamily.ucsb.edu+1

2. Reservation – When a care gap arises, employees contact Bright Horizons (24/7 call centre or online/app) and reserve care. brighthorizons.com+1

3. Care delivered – Depending on need: centre-based care, in-home care, or elder/pet care is arranged. brighthorizons.com+1

4. Cost/usage – Co-payments vary by plan and employer; some programs specify the number of uses per year. Human Resources+1

5. Employer tracking – Employers monitor usage and outcomes to measure ROI and adjust benefit design. brighthorizons.com

Key benefits at a glance

• Broad care coverage (children, elders, pets)

• Nationwide network of vetted providers

• 24/7 access for emergencies

• Easier work-life integration

• Positive employer brand and talent leverage

Things to consider / tips for making the most of it

• Know your plan details: Understand how many uses you have, what the co-pays are, and what kinds of eligible events apply. Human Resources+1

• Register early: Complete your profile ahead of time so you’re ready when you need care.

• Use it for true emergencies: It’s most impactful when regular care fails — not meant for planned long breaks. Human Resources

• Communicate with your employer’s HR/benefits team: Make sure you understand how to access the benefit and any tax implications. myfamily.ucsb.edu

• Give feedback: If something was great (or could be improved) share it with your employer so the program evolves.