Finding reliable child care isn’t just important to working parents, it’s essential. That is why USC is committed to providing employees with access to high-quality child care options. Whether you are a new parent or new to USC, we encourage you to use the information here to explore your options and review our resources. For more information, contact USC’s child care administrator, Olivia Ortega-Sanchez, at ortegasa@usc.edu.
USC onsite child care centers
Finding reliable child care isn’t just important to working parents, it’s essential. That is why USC is committed to providing employees with access to high-quality child care options, including dedicated centers at both UPC and HSC, operated by Bright Horizons:
Back-up dependent care
Back-up care for dependents ages one month to 18 years – and elder care
Bright Horizons’ back-up care is an option when your normal child care or senior care options are not available. Note that back-up care is not limited to families enrolled in USC child care centers. Benefits-eligible employees qualify for 10 days per calendar year and can create an account on the Bright Horizons site to access these options. Visit Bright Horizons (first time users, click on “First time user” at the bottom, then on the sign up page use username: USoCal, password: Benefits4You). Bright Horizons can also be reached at 877-BHCares (877-242-2737). NOTE: Benefits may vary by location, and some employees are governed by contracts that do not include these benefits; check directly with Bright Horizons. Once you have an account, you may access in-home care:
In-home care provided by a Bright Horizons’ employee – A vetted caregiver cares for your dependents in your home, with health screenings conducted daily for both the caregiver and family. Bright Horizons will use best efforts to assign the same caregiver for all families who choose a continuous care giving option. When non-continuous or occasional care works best for a family, it is not always possible to provide the same caregiver each time. In-home care:
- Has a co-pay of $6/hour per child/senior, for up to 3 individuals needing care
- Requires a minimum of 4 hours/day
- Can be booked up to one week in advance
Please watch this video on Bright Horizons’ in-home back-up care, including new safety protocols required of all in-home providers.
Other options and resources (including dependent care flexible spending accounts)
- The USC School for Early Childhood Education (SECE)
- Child care subsidy grants for graduate students
- Dependent care flexible spending accounts / Verdugo Hills flexible spending accounts