Note: This program is funded by Duke University Health System for its employees to support its critical staffing needs. University employees are not eligible for this program with the exception of faculty physicians receiving funding from Duke Health Integrated Practice.
Benefit eligible DUHS team members have access to a network of high-quality childcare centers and in-home care providers to provide temporary care when there is a disruption in regular care arrangements.
DUHS team members can access up to 10 annual days of back-up care at subsidized rates. Complete your profile before care is needed! Reservations can be made up to 90 days in advance. Center-based care is $15 per child/day or $25 per family/day. In home care for both children and adults is $6 per hour. One in-home caregiver can care for up to three care recipients. A day of in-home care is a minimum of 4 hours up to a maximum of 10 hours of care.
Rely on back-up care when:
- Your child’s school is closed for inclement weather, break, or holiday
- Your stay-at-home spouse has a doctor appointment and needs additional support
- Your regular daycare is closed and you need an in-home care provider
- Your child is mildly ill and you are working from home
- Mom or dad’s regular caregiver is unavailable or on vacation
- Your adult loved one is recovering from a scheduled surgery and needs help in their home anywhere in the U.S.
Contact Information
1-877-BH-CARES (242-2737). Care consultants are available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.
Additional Resources
Start Making Your Life Easier.
Click the button below and select JOIN TODAY to complete your MyBright Horizons registration.
Bright Horizons Back-Up Care Benefits Overview
Watch this video detailing the back-up care options available through Bright Horizons.
Webinars
Parents and caregivers: tune into Bright Horizons® webinars for advice you can use, for young children through high schoolers. Special guests, our own experts, and former college admissions and financial aid officers dive into a variety of topics — from setting boundaries and repairing after conflict, to healthy screen-time habits, to preparing for college, and more.
Family Webinars
Raising Healthy Eaters
April 15, 2026 | 3:00 p.m. ET
Squished peas on the floor? Refusing anything but chicken nuggets? Discover simple, research-backed ways to support your child’s nutrition and make mealtimes less stressful.
The Different Ways Children Play
June 10, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. ET
Imaginary play, independent play, guided play, sensory play: what are they and why are they important? Learn the benefits and get ready to celebrate the International Day of Play on June 11.
Raising a Compassionate Child
August 12, 2026 | 3:00 p.m. ET
Let’s make the world a better place, together. Get our experts’ take on how to help your child become caring, inclusive, and respectful.
Healthy Screen Time for Young Kids
October 14, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. ET
When it comes to screen time, what amount is considered “okay”? What activities are best? Worst? Get your questions answered and learn how to set up healthy habits at home.
The Sandwiched Caregiver
December 9, 2026 | 3:00 p.m. ET
Are you juggling child care along with senior care? This huge responsibility comes with a lot of pressure — learn where to find the right support.
Family Care You Can Trust
Live webinar offered monthly on Tuesdays
When school’s out, schedules change unexpectedly, your parent’s caregiver is unavailable, or any time you need an extra hand, your Bright Horizons Back-Up Care™ benefit can help. Join our webinar to learn about reliable child care at centers near you and in your own home, and trusted in-home care for adult and senior loved ones.
Podcasts
Plus, Bright Horizons hosts expert podcasts designed for working parents:
Teach. Play. Love (Listen here)
Parenting comes with questions — big ones, small ones, and everything in between. Hosted by early childhood experts Rachel Robertson and Claire Goss, each episode offers practical advice, research-backed insights, and real-world strategies for raising kids ages 0-8.
Getting In: A College Coach Conversation (Listen here)
Your student deserves every chance, and no one knows the complex process of getting into college quite like our College Coach experts. Tune in for their behind-the-scenes insights — this is where college planning gets smart.
Ask a College Expert
Launching Your College Search
May 5, 2026 | 3:00 p.m. ET
How can you help your child figure out where to apply? What’s the “right” number of schools? Learn how to approach the college search process.
Maximizing Financial Aid & Scholarships
September 1, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. ET
Your family may end up paying significantly less than a college’s sticker price. Learn how to make the most of need-based financial aid and merit scholarships.
Planning for Summer & High School Course Selection
December 1, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. ET
What activities are best? How important are community service and internships? Which AP courses hold the most weight? Help your child plan ahead.
Back-up Care subsidization may be considered a taxable benefit based on IRS guidelines. DUHS has funded this program to cover tax liability for employees eligible to use this service.