Backup Care Program

Northwestern faculty, staff and students will have access to center-based backup care at 10 designated KinderCare Learning Centers locations throughout the Chicago area for up to 20 days per year. Backup care is also available at the McGaw YMCA Children's Center in Evanston.

What is Backup Care?

Backup childcare is available when regular childcare arrangements are disrupted in order to supplement, not replace, primary childcare. This program is not intended for use when a child is ill, but rather,

• When the regular provider is ill or on vacation.
• When the individual needs to be at work on a school holiday.
• When families are relocating and haven’t found permanent care.
• When individuals are transitioning back to work from a leave of absence.

How to use KinderCare Backup Care

• Pre-register as soon as possible by contacting the center director at KinderCare @ Northwestern at (312) 867-7056. She will help you register at a designated KinderCare center ( PDF) that is most convenient for you and your family.
• Complete the KinderCare Backup Care Enrollment Form ( PDF) and fax it to (312) 867-7058.
• Make a reservation between 24 hours and 14 days in advance, if possible, by calling the center director at KinderCare @ Northwestern University at (312) 867-7056.
• Bring appropriate items such as a change of clothing, diapers, and a comfort item like a blanket or favorite toy.
• Bring a $75 personal check, cashier's check or money order for each child.
• Sign in and walk your child bak to the appropriate classroom. Let the teacher know of anything that might help them care for your child.
• Plan to spend an extra 10-15 minutes with your child at the center to help them settle in.
• Obtain a backup care receipt for Dependent Care FSA Backup Care Match
• Submit a Backup Care Match claim of $25 per use up to $150 per year to your Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
  

Frequently Asked Questions brochure ( PDF)

How to Use McGaw YMCA Children's Center Backup Care

• Complete the Enrollment Forms ( PDF) and return them to the center at 1420 Maple in Evanston or fax them to (847) 733-2562.
• Pre-registration is required.
• Complete the Illinois Department of Health Certification of Child Health Examination Form
• Call the YMCA director at (847) 475-8580 (early childhood or school age) to determine is space is available as soon as you know you'll need backup care.
• When you arrive at the center, remit payment for the appropriate aged-based backup care fee and obtain a receipt for remibursement in the Dependent Care FSA Backup Care Match program.
• Submit a Backup Care Match claim of $25 per use up to $150 per year to your Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account.

Dependent Care FSA Backup Care Match Plan