Starting this semester, registered and enrolled University of Michigan students will have access to subsidized backup care for children, adults and elders through Bright Horizons, one of the nation’s leading providers of backup care and family support.

Previously available only to benefits-eligible staff and faculty, this program now allows student caregivers to arrange occasional care when regular plans fall through, helping them remain focused on their academic commitments.

“Expanding access to backup care is one way we can help support the broad needs of our student community and make campus life more manageable for those with caregiving responsibilities,” said Laurie McCauley, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “We know that family and personal obligations can create unexpected challenges, and we are committed to providing resources that help students thrive at U-M.”

Christine Snyder, director of Child and Family Care, said the expansion reflects a campuswide commitment to supporting students’ well-being. 

“Student parents and caregivers juggle a lot, and we heard from many that backup care can make a real difference during stressful times,” Snyder said. “We’re excited to make this important resource available to all registered and enrolled students, so they have more peace of mind when their regular caregiving arrangements are disrupted.”

The Bright Horizons backup care program provides access to a vetted network of child care centers and in-home care providers, offering flexible options when students face unexpected disruptions to their usual care arrangements. Support also includes adult and elder care for family members.

Key features of the program include:

• Subsidized access to care providers for children, adults and elders.
• 24/7 support and mobile scheduling.

The expansion of backup care is made possible through a collaboration among University Human Resources, Student Life, Michigan Medicine, and financial support from university executive leadership. U-M’s initiative aligns with similar programs offered at peer institutions, ensuring students have access to the resources needed to thrive.

Information sessions and a recorded webinar, hosted in partnership with Bright Horizons, is planned for later this fall to help students and campus partners learn more about the service and how to access care.