 Child Care Centers
 How many child care centers are there?
There are four NIH sponsored child care centers. Three Centers are located in Montgomery County, Maryland; two on the main NIH campus in Bethesda and one on Executive Blvd. in Rockville. One center in Research Triangle, N.C. serves NIEHS.
- What age children do the child care centers accept?
Ages range from six weeks to 12 years. Specific information about each center can be found on Child Care Centers page
- Who is permitted to use the child care centers?
Priority is given first to parents or legal guardians who work for NIH, then to employees of Federal agencies whose official duty station is an NIH facility, and finally to employees of other Federal agencies.
NIH Contractors are not eligible to use the NIH Child Care Centers.
- Who owns the child care centers?
The NIH sponsored child care centers are each “owned” by not-for-profit Corporations comprised of parents whose children attend the center. Each Center has a Board of Directors that sets policy, approves the annual budget and supervises the Center Director.
- Who operates the child care centers?
Each Center Board has hired a qualified Director who is responsible for the day to day operation of the centers. This includes supervising staff, overseeing curriculum, enrolling families, coordinating with NIH and maintaining compliance with health, safety and program requirements.
- How much is tuition?
Each Center sets its own tuition rate depending on center size, ages served and program expenses.
For the most current rates see the Child Care Centers page.
- Who decides the tuition rates?
Each Center's Board of Directors sets their annual tuition rate based on projected expenses. 100% of the Center's operational expenditures are generated by parent tuition and donations.
- Is there any tuition subsidy or reduced fee offered by the child care centers?
Yes, each child care center offers a limited sliding scale or scholarship depending on center size, ages served and program expenses. Specific tuition information can be found in the Parent Handbook for each center.
For more information see the Child Care Centers page.
- Is it a problem to enter the NIH campus due to the enhanced security measures?
NIH employees are issued ID badges to enter campus and can use those to drop off or pick up a child.
Non-NIH parents or guardians who need to enter the NIH campus for child care reasons are issued a special ID badge and Parking Pass to permit smooth entry onto campus.
Please refer to the NIH Security's Frequently Asked Questions for additional information and updates.
- Who do I contact to get information about the child care centers?
You can call each center directly or find specific information about each center on the Child Care Centers page.
For general questions about the NIH Child Care Programs you may contact the NIH Child Care Program Team at 301-402-8180.
- Waiting List
- Why is there a waiting list for the NIH-sponsored Child Care Centers?`
- Who is the Wait List Administrator?
The NIH has contracted with LifeWork Strategies, Inc. (LWS) to maintain the waiting list database and keep information current on children up to five (5) years of age. The waiting list information is updated daily.
Centers use the waiting list to identify which child is the next eligible to fill vacancies, as they occur.
LWS collects information and maintains data. All decisions about vacancies and enrollment offers are made by the child care center's administrative staff.
- What about care for school-age children?
Executive Child Development Center, Inc. (ECDC) provides limited school-age care and maintains it's own Kindergarten and before and after school care wait list. You must contact the ECDC Administrative Staff at (301) 496-9411 to identify participating elementary schools and place your child's name on the school-age wait list.
- Can a Contractor get on the waiting list?
NIH Contractors are not eligible for NIH Child Care Centers due to the large number of Federal employees already registered on the wait list.
Contractors may utilize the NIH Resource and Referral service to locate alternative child care by calling 1-800-777-1720.
- When should I place my child's name on the waiting list?
You may apply for the waiting list as soon as you know you are expecting a child. Registration requires a “due date”.
Employees who indicate that they are adopting a child will be assigned a date of application that is no greater than nine (9) months prior to the placement of the child with the family.
You may complete the Online Waiting List Registration Form or call the Wait List Administrator at 1-800-777-1720 between the hours of 9:00 am until 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Telephone calls will be returned within two (2) business days.
- What is my number/position on the waiting list?
There are no “numbers” associated with the waiting list.
The child care center's administrative staff will call parents on the waiting list based on the following criteria in the order listed below. These very important criteria often make it so that families may not be offered a space even if they have been on the waiting list for a longer period of time.
- Sibling Status
NIH employees who have a child currently enrolled in the same center get "sibling priority" for their other children.
- The Age of the Child
The first family on the waiting list whose child meets the age requirement will be called. Even if a child is first on the waiting list, if they are 14 months old and the opening is for children 9-12 months old, they will not be called.
- Desired Enrollment Date (the earliest date you need care)
Anyone whose desired enrollment date is significantly in the future (more than two months) will purposely be skipped. The Waiting List Administrator encourages employees to review desired date of enrollment on a regular basis. This avoids parents declining spaces unnecessarily.
- Position on Waiting List
The first child on the waiting list who meets the age requirement for that space will get the first offer.
- I hear that the waiting list is very long. How long is the wait?
The waiting list is very long, over 1,000 names. The largest demand for child care is for children under the age of 2 years. Some children wait several months; some children may never receive a space at a NIH child care center.
Number of Children on Wait List by Center and by Age (as of June 30, 2012)
Fortunately, NIH offers a personalized Child Care Resource and Referral Services to employees, and contractors, to assist you in researching alternate child care options. Employees should feel comfortable exploring alternate child care options near their home, work or relatives, and choose a program that meets standards similar to the NIH child care centers.
For additional information about the NIH Child Care Resource and Referral Services  , you may call 1-800-777-1720 between the hours of 9:00 am until 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
When you contact the NIH Child Care Resource and Referral Services, a child care specialist will discuss your family child care needs and conduct a search for programs that meet those needs. The child care specialist will send you written materials to help you understand licensing standards, program differences and quality indicators. A list of helpful questions will make you feel more comfortable during your search and making your decision about care.
There are many child care programs located in the Washington Metropolitan area that are noted for high quality child care licensing standards and a professional approach to the provision of quality regulated child care.
You may find the alternate care is more convenient, more affordable and/or more appropriate for your family needs.
You may also use the NIH Child Care Resource and Referral Services as often as you wish, at no cost.
- Who do I call to check on my child's waiting list status?
- How are children chosen for enrollment?
- Highest priority in the enrollment process will be given to children of NIH employees who have siblings currently enrolled in the same center.
- Priority is given next to parents or legal guardians who work for NIH.
- Priority is given next to employees of Federal agencies whose official duty station is an NIH facility.
- Priority is given next to employees of other Federal agencies.
NIH Contractors are not eligible to use the NIH Child Care Centers.
- Why is there a "sibling priority" policy?
The sibling priority policy has been instituted in recognition of the paramount importance of family relationships for children during their formative years. Families have more time to develop stronger connections with the center and other NIH families. Siblings are able to interact with one another and to have similar daily experiences with familiar staff and children. This arrangement benefits both the NIH as an employer and the NIH employees by reducing the stress and time placed on families during their transitions to and from home and work.
If you have a child enrolled at one of the three (3) NIH Sponsored Child Care Centers in the Bethesda/Rockville, Maryland area, you will be eligible for sibling priority at the center your child attends. You must register all siblings on the NIH Child Care Center Wait List.
- What happens to my child's wait list status if I leave NIH?
If you are no longer a NIH or a Federal employee, you are not eligible for a space in an NIH sponsored child care center. Your name will be removed from the wait list.
If you accept another Federal position within another Federal agency, you will receive a new priority level of "Employees of Other Federal Agencies".
- If both parents work for the NIH, do they get a higher priority?
- Do I have a better chance getting my child in the center if s/he is on all three centers ’ lists?
No. Each center receives independent data about the names of children waiting for space in that center.
- Why did my co-worker’s child get a space before my child when they put their name on the waiting list after me?
Some of the most common reasons for this circumstance may be:
- The child may have had a sibling already enrolled at the center.
- The child was the appropriate age for the available space.
- The child was offered a space in a center that you did not select.
- Who do I call if I have a question about the waiting list or wish to update my information?
Call the Wait List Administrator at 1-800-777-1720.
- Enrollment Process
- I understand the process can be confusing. Can you provide a better understanding of the enrollment process?
The enrollment process is completed by each of the child care center's administrative staff. LifeWork Strategies (LWS) is contracted by the NIH to be the Wait List Administrator and to ensure accurate information is provided to the centers. Openings at the child care centers occur throughout the year when the children “age out” of a program, leave the center for another program or school, move out of the area, etc.
At ChildKind Inc., openings occur all during the year as the oldest children turn 36 months and move to other programs. Parents of Preschoolers, Inc. (POPI) and Executive Child Development Center (ECDC) find most enrollments are at the beginning and end of the school-year (end of August and mid-June, respectively).
When there is an opening at one of the centers, the center's administrative staff must first determine if there is another child in the center who needs that space. The number and ages of children in each classroom is determined by the Maryland State Department of Education and the National Association for the Education of Young Children  .
For example,
- If a three-year-old child leaves the program, there may be a child in a two-year-old room who needs to transition to the older age group. Therefore, when a three-year-old leaves, there could be a space in a three-year-old classroom or in a two-year-old classroom.
Once it is determined where the space in the center exists, the center's administrative staff will determine the age or birth date range for the child who will be assuming that space. The center's administrative staff will then request a list from the Wait List Administrator of children who meet that age range requirement.
Using the waiting list of appropriately-aged children, the center's administrative staff would first check to see if there are any eligible siblings of currently enrolled children waiting for that space. If there are none, the center's administrative staff would call the first person on the waiting list based on date of application and the desired enrollment date.
- Sibling Status
NIH employees who have a child currently enrolled in the same center get "sibling priority" for their other children.
- The Age of the Child
The first family on the waiting list whose child meets the age requirement will be called. Even if a child is first on the waiting list, if they are 14 months old and the opening is for children 9-12 months old, they will not be called.
- Desired Enrollment Date (the earliest date you need care)
Anyone whose desired enrollment date is significantly in the future (more than two months) will purposely be skipped. The Waiting List Administrator encourages employees to review desired date of enrollment on a regular basis. This avoids parents declining spaces unnecessarily.
- Position on Waiting List
The first child on the waiting list who meets the age requirement for that space will get the first offer.
The amount of time between the center calling the parent and the actual opening varies anywhere from an immediate opening to 3 months.
For example,
- A parent leaving the center is required to give a 1 month's notice in writing. The first person on the waiting list would have approximately 1 month before the space opens. If, however, the first person does not accept the space, the people further down on the waiting list would have less than 1 month. If many people are called, the timeframe could be very short.
When the center's administrative staff contacts a parent about a space, the parent has 2 business days to respond to the initial phone call or email regarding this space. As long as the response is within the 2 business days, the parent will then schedule a tour of the center if they have not already. This visit is usually scheduled within 2 days. A decision accepting or declining the space is expected the morning after the tour of the center.
For example,
- If the center's administrative staff calls on a Thursday at 2:30 p.m., the parent has until Monday at 2:30 p.m. to return the call. If the parent tours the center on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m., the center's administrative staff will expect a decision by Wednesday morning.
The center's administrative staff will not call for a current space in the center if the desired enrollment date is significantly in the future (more than two months).
It is extremely important to keep an accurate desired enrollment date.
If the first parent declines, the center's administrative staff would call the second person on the waiting list based on date of application and the desired enrollment date, then the third person on the list, then the fourth, etc.
The center's administrative staff then reports all of the information regarding calls made, enrollments, and declines to the Wait List Administrator for data entry. Anyone not returning a phone call or not showing up for an appointment is documented as having declined the space.
Any parent who is documented as having two declines will be given a new application date that coincides with the date of their second decline. That means when the second decline is documented, they go back to the bottom of the waiting list.
It is imperative for parents to keep the desired enrollment date accurate to avoid enrollment offers at inopportune times that will result in declining frequently. Parents can do this by contacting the Waiting List Administrator at 1-800-777-1720.
- How are enrollment selections made from the list?
Centers enroll children for specific age groups, using licensing requirements to determine ages of children permitted in certain size groups (the younger the child, the smaller the group). So, Centers enroll based on children’s age.
Within a specific age group, parents are called on a first-come, first-served basis, using the date they were placed on the waiting list, their desired date of enrollment, and in accordance with the priority order mentioned above.
- Do Centers have “peak” enrollment times, when there are many openings?
Enrollment occurs year-round. However, specific centers may have “peak” times.
ChildKind, Inc. reports: “Openings occur all during the year as our oldest children turn 36 months and move to other programs”.
Parents of Preschoolers, Inc. (POPI) reports: "Although enrollments occur at all times during the year, most enrollments are during June and August”.
Executive Child Development Center reports: “Although there are occasional openings throughout the year, the beginning of the school-year (end of August or beginning of September) creates many enrollment openings. The end of the school-year (mid-June) also brings about openings.”
- Who can I call to find out about the likelihood of a space becoming available?
- Who will contact me about an opening?
The child care center's administrative staff will contact you via telephone or e-mail, so keep your contact information up-to-date. If you are out of the office for an extended period of time, such as vacation or maternity leave, please make sure it is indicated on your voice and e-mail.
- How much advance notice do I receive if there is an opening for my child?
Centers try to give parents as much notice as possible, however, in the event of an unexpected vacancy, the center director will work with you to accommodate the specific situation.
- How much time do I have to make up my mind about accepting a space when it is offered?
Once you receive notice of a vacancy from the center, you will have two business days to respond to the center.
If you do not respond to the notice within two business days, you will be documented as having declined the space.
If you have not visited the center previously, an appointment will be made.
- How do I schedule a tour of one of the centers?
- What happens if I decline a space?
Each family is permitted one free decline.
When a family is contacted by a center and offered a space, and the space is declined, this information will be documented in your record as your first decline. It is the family's responsibility to notify the center in two business days of your intentions to either accept or decline the space. If the family fails to respond to the center, this will be documented in your record as a decline.
When you are contacted a second time by either the same center or another center and the space is declined, this information will be documented in your record as a second decline. The child's name will be given a new application date - the date of the second decline. This is why the Waiting List Administrator encourages employees to review information and desired date of enrollment on a regular basis.
- What happens if I leave NIH?
If you are no longer a Federal employee, you will be given a two month “grace period” to make other arrangements for care.
- What happens if I accept a Federal position with another Federal agency?
Your child(ren) currently enrolled within a NIH sponsored child care center are permitted to stay until he/she ages out of the program. Any siblings on the NIH wait list will receive a new priority level of "Employees of Other Federal Agencies" and will not be eligible to receive sibling priority.
- Who do I contact to get information about the Enrollment Process?
- Subsidy Program
- What is the Federal Employees Education and Assistance (FEEA) Childcare Services, Inc.?
FEEA Childcare Services, Inc. is the organization which the NIH has contracted with to administer the NIH Child Care Subsidy Program.
- Who is Eligible to use the NIH Child Care Subsidy Program?
You must be:
- Be a permanent eligible employee (Civil Service) with dependent children living in your home from birth through age 13, or children who are disabled and under age 18.
- Have a total adjusted household income of $70,000 per year or less.
- Use care that is licensed and or regulated by state and or local authorities.
- Work full time.
In two parent families:
- The NIH employee must be working full time and the spouse of the NIH employee is working at least 30 hours per week; or
- The NIH employee must be working full time and the spouse of the NIH employee is a documented full time student.
NIH Contractors, Fellows and Title 42 Visiting Scientists are not eligible to qualify according to the Federal law. (Public Law 106-554, § 63. September 29, 2000).
- Am I still eligible if I contribute to a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA)?
If you are contributing to a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA), in accordance with Section 129 of the Internal Revenue Code, an employee can generally exclude from gross income up to $5,000.00 of benefits received under a Dependent Care Assistance Program each year. This would include the DCFSA and the NIH Child Care Subsidy Program. Employees who are receiving benefits from both programs may not exceed the $5,000.00 limit.
For further guidance please refer to the Office of Personnel Management - Benefits Administration Letter .
- Am I eligible to receive subsidy for my step child?
Yes. Any child who lives in your home who is either:
- A biological child;
- An adopted child;
- A stepchild;
- A foster child; or
- A child for whom you are the legal guardian
- How do I apply for the NIH Child Care Subsidy Program?
NIH Federal employees interested in participating in the NIH Child Care Subsidy Program should carefully review all of the information and requirements on the NIH Child Care Subsidy Program webpage.
- When will I know if I qualify once I have submitted my application?
FEEA Childcare Services, Inc. will review applications, make subsidy decisions, and notify the applicant and child care provider of approval or disapproval within 10 business days upon receipt of a complete application and supporting documents.
- Who will receive the subsidy payments?
The subsidy payments are paid directly to your child care provider from FEEA Childcare Services, Inc. The payments are distributed on a monthly basis.
The child care provider, whether center-based or family child care, must be licensed and/or regulated by the State and, where applicable, by local authorities where the child care service is delivered.
- How will my child care provider be reimbursed?
Once your child care provider registers with FEEA Childcare Services, Inc. and is accepted, FEEA Childcare Services, Inc, will inform your child care provider about the procedures they will need to follow in order to be reimbursed.
- How long will it take for my child care provider to get reimbursed?
Anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks depending on when FEEA Childcare Services, Inc. receives your child care provider's completed application. The payments are paid on a monthly basis.
- Do I pay my child care provider the full amount of tuition or the percentage determined by FEEA Childcare Services, Inc.?
You pay the full pay amount of tuition until your child care provider receives their first reimbursement check from FEEA Childcare Services, Inc.
- I just found out about the NIH Child Care Subsidy Program and my child is already enrolled in a center. Can I apply for subsidy?
Yes. As long as you are using a licensed provider.
- Who do I notify if I leave my Federal job with NIH?
Subsidy participants, who leave the employment of NIH, are required to notify FEEA Childcare Services, Inc. and their child care provider immediately.
- What happens if I forget to notify the Subsidy Administrator that I left my Federal job at NIH and continue to receive child care subsidy?
You will be responsible for paying the subsidy money back to the Subsidy Program
- Who do I call if I have questions about my status?
Questions about your status or application process should be addressed to FEEA Childcare Services, Inc. at the following telephone numbers: 1-800-323-4140, 1-800-338-0755, or (303) 933-7580.
- NIH Back-up Care Program
- What is the NIH Back-up Care Program?
The NIH Back-up Care Program offers a comprehensive array of emergency and/or short term care for children, adult/elder dependents and self-care across the United States. The NIH Community can use this program when they need to be at work and their regular child or adult / elder care is unavailable.
NIH has contracted with Bright Horizons to provide access to the Back-up Care Advantage Program. This service will assist the NIH Community in balancing the competing demands of work and life.
The NIH Back-up Care Program is a three (3) year pilot program and will be evaluated by the Office of Research Services and the NIH Child Care Board.
- What is the Bright Horizons Back-Up Care Advantage Program?
The Bright Horizon Back-Up Care Advantage Program® is designed to provide you with back-up care whenever your normal dependent care arrangements are unavailable. Bright Horizons’ extensive network encompasses thousands of care centers and in-home care agencies that have been identified and invited to join their network to support the needs of NIH workforce within the United States. Each provider is monitored for performance through a comprehensive quality assurance program administered by Bright Horizons.
- Who is eligible to use the NIH Back-up Care Program?
The NIH Back-up Care Program is available to the entire NIH community. All NIH Federal Employees, Fellows, Contractors and Tenants are eligible to use the program within the United States. A vaild NIH email address is required.
- Are Contractors eligible?
Yes, Back-up Care is available to the entire NIH community including contractors.
- When might I use back-up care?
The NIH Community can use the service for planned needs and last minute emergencies, such as:
- School vacations
- When the regular caregiver is ill or on vacation
- During maternity transition
- To accommodate flexible work schedules
- When the regular caregiver has a doctor or other appointment
- When a full-time center is closed
- To give the regular caregiver or stay-at-home spouse a day off
- To assist with employee relocation.
- When children are mildly ill
- Can I use the NIH Back-up Care Program while on travel?
Yes, if you are on official NIH travel orders, either at home to fill child care gaps or at the destination.
- What types of Back-up Care are available?
Back-up care can take several forms, depending on your needs. Some common examples of the back-up care available include:
- Caring for a well child in a child care center or in your home because his or her regular child care is not available (Accommodates children ages 6 weeks - 12 years)
- Caring for a child who is mildly ill in your home (Accommodates children ages 6 weeks – 12 years)
- Caring for an older adult / elder relative who requires companion services (Accommodates dependents ages 13 years and beyond)
- Caring for an older adult / elder relative who requires personal care, such as help with dressing, bathing, toileting etc.(Accommodates dependents ages 13 years and beyond)
- Care for yourself when you are recurring from a treatment or illness
- Who can receive care?
You and any child or adult relying on you as a primary caregiver qualify to receive care.
- How do I register?
- Is there a fee for care?
Yes, the fee will differ depending on the type of care requested.
- In-Home Care: $16.00 per hour/ up to three (3) children or adults
- Center-Based Care: $6.00/per hour/ per child
NOTE: There is a 4 hour minimum for all care.
- How is the fee collected?
Payments for all programs are collected at the time a reservation is confirmed by the Back-Up Care Advantage Program consultant. Fees are payable by credit card or electronic fund transfer (EFT).
- When should I make a reservation?
You can request care up to 30 days in advance or on the same day care is needed. Every effort will be made to accommodate your request. Care availability is not guaranteed and will depend on the availability of providers on any given day.
A trained consultant can assist you with your care needs, identify options available, and make arrangements on your behalf.
NOTE: Before you use a child care center in the network, you will be asked to complete enrollment forms that are required to meet state licensing and provider requirements. Consultants will be able to provide you with those materials. Before you use a home health care provider, you may be asked to complete forms required by agencies that require more information about your care needs. Consultants will be able to provide you with the appropriate materials.
- What if I need to cancel my reservation?
If you need to cancel your reservation, you must contact Bright Horizon before 5:00 pm (local time) on the business day prior to the day of care is scheduled. Any cancellations received after this time will be considered late, will be counted as a day of care, and will result in you being charged.
- When and how often can I use the NIH Back-up Care Program?
Back-up care can be used when you need to be at work and your regular child or adult/elder care in unavailable.
You may use up to 10 days of care/per employee/per calendar year.
- Who is providing the care?
The NIH Community have access to the Back-Up Care Advantage Program nationwide network of quality child care centers and trained, credentialed home health care professionals including hundreds of licensed Bright Horizons child care centers.
- How does Bright Horizons select the child care center providers in the network?
Bright Horizons selects centers whose teacher-to-child ratios are consistent with NAEYC guidelines where possible, or meet or exceed state licensing requirements. When centers join the network, they are asked to verify that their employment screening process is consistent with state licensing requirements, including criminal background, education/credential, and reference checks; health exams; and CPR/first aid training. The Back-Up Care Advantage Program is the only provider network that includes Bright Horizons’ own network of high-quality child care and early education programs.
- What is “mildly ill child care”?
Mildly ill back-up child care is for children with a common, short-term illness or symptoms of an illness that have caused them to be excluded from their regular child care setting. Some examples of the types of illnesses or symptoms experienced by children receiving mildly-ill back-up child care include a fever, diarrhea, or a rash with a fever. To know if your child qualifies for mildly-ill child care, call Bright Horizons at (877) 242-2737 and describe his/her symptoms or illness when making your reservation.
- How are home health care agencies selected by Bright Horizons? How do you ensure quality care?
Bright Horizons works with credentialed in-home care agencies that comply with the regulatory requirements of their state. Specifically, they ensure that the agencies have an extensive screening process, perform background checks and health exams, provide proof of credentials, and thoroughly verify employment references.
Bright Horizons looks at how caregivers are managed, trained, and supervised. Specifically, they seek competencies in the areas of stress management, elder care, and positive behavioral management of children. Bright Horizons also ensures that the caregivers receive ongoing training in stress management and safe care
A multi-tier approach to monitor the quality of care is used, working closely with the families to educate them about the optimal care environment and working with the home health agency to provide quarterly communications about current trends, areas for caregiver training, and updating competency areas. Finally, continually asking for feedback from families about their care experience supports ongoing improvement of the service.
- Who will be providing adult / elder care? What types of care can they provide?
Non-medical care activities are typically provided by sitter companions, while medical care is provided by certified nurse assistants, credentialed practical nurses, or registered nurses, depending on the medical skill level required. Personal care assistants and home health aides may also provide care.
Non-medical care of older adults can include meal preparation, bathing and grooming, and companion services. Medical care for older adults can include administration of medication, and blood pressure or diabetes monitoring.
Additional fees apply for the provision of medical care.
- What other resources are available to NIH Community?
The NIH Community can use the following services to assist them with a variety of work/life integration:
- Who do I contact if I have additional questions?
Please contact the NIH Child Care Team at (301) 402-8180.
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