Registration opens Aug. 3 for Childcare Choice and more
Childcare Choice- Employee and Backup Care are moving to a new schedule, and this fall marks the transition. Starting Aug. 3, you can register for a shortened fall benefit period, the last one before both programs shift to a full calendar year.
Beginning Jan. 4, 2027, Childcare Choice and Backup Care move from a fiscal-year calendar (July–June) to a calendar year (January–December). To bridge the gap, both programs are running a one-time, half-length benefit period from July through December 2026.
What's available starting Aug. 3 (through December 2026)
- Childcare Choice: up to $1,000 in reimbursements for qualifying childcare expenses. Review the guidelines and apply through the Childcare Choice tile in UAccess Employee.
- Backup Care: up to 40 hours of subsidized care for children, adults or older adults, through Bright Horizons. If you're already enrolled, you don't need to re-enroll. If you're not, enroll with U of A, register with Bright Horizons and create a profile now, before you need care, that way it's ready to go when a gap in your regular care comes up.
What changes in January
When the calendar-year program opens Jan. 4, 2027, the annual benefit doubles back to a full year's worth: $2,000 in Childcare Choice reimbursements and 80 hours of Backup Care. Childcare Choice applications will also move to an annual cycle; you'll reapply each January instead of each August, with applications prioritized by submission date.
If you're enrolled in a Dependent Care FSA
The IRS caps combined dependent care benefits — your FSA contributions, Childcare Choice reimbursements, and Backup Care usage together — at $7,500 per year ($3,750 if married filing separately). Track where you stand for 2026 before submitting a reimbursement request. Details and FAQs are on the transition page.
You may also need
- Parenting and Childcare Consultations — one-on-one help finding the right care fit
- Adult and Older Adult Care Consultations – one-on-one help to navigate valuable services, information, and resources.
Questions about either program? Life & Work Connections is at lifework@arizona.edu or 520-621-2493.