​Do you have a Plan B for your children when schools are closed? If not, don't panic – the NIH Back-up Care Program can help.

The NIH Back-up Care Program is designed to help NIH federal employees and Title 42 Scientists avoid missing work when schools or child care are not in session or when a child is mildly ill. You can save up to 10 calendar days of leave each year by using the program.

Visit the NIH Back-up Care webpage at https://backupcare.ors.nih.gov to learn more about this program, cost of care, adult dependent care options, and how the new mobile app makes reserving care easy.  

The first step is easy – register for free today. You can reserve care up to 30 days in advance, so mark your calendars for those upcoming school closures. For unexpected emergencies and mildly-ill care situations, you can reserve care as late as the day you need it. 

For Fellows, Trainees, and Contractors, the Office of Research Services (ORS) Resource and Referral Services, 1-800-777-1720, is available to assist with back-up care options.

If you have any questions about this program and other school-age resources, please contact the Child and Family Programs Team, Division of Amenities and Transportation Services (DATS), ORS, at 301-827-3250. For additional information about NIH Child and Family Programs, including the NIH Child Care Subsidy Program, Lunch and Learn Webinars, NIH Parenting Coach, Legal and Financial Resource and Referral Services and more, visit: https://www.childfamilycare.ors.nih.gov. 

You may follow us @NIHEmplSrvcs on Twitter for more information about services that can assist you with balancing work and family, making healthy food choices, as well as other programs and employee services to improve your wellbeing. The DATS manages many NIH LISTSERVs that may also be of interest to you, which you can find at https://go.usa.gov/x5axV.