Changing My Snow Day Policy

[aDCProvider]

After the storm we had in MA yesterday I feel like I need to change my snow policy. Right now, I only close during a state of emergency and those days are paid. After thinking about it, we had a foot of snow come down yesterday while the kids were here so there was no way I could get outside to clear the exits or driveway. If there had been an emergency, EMTs with a stretcher could not have gotten to my door. Neither could any of the kids parents had there been an illness.

I want to change the policy to say that I will always be closed during a state of emergency and when the state govenment declares that non emergency personal should not report to work, but that it may also be up to my discretion, that I will make the call whether to open or close based on the weather reports and the safety factor.

Can anyone help with the wording of this updated policy?

[SilverSabre25]

In order to ensure the safety and well being of all children in my care, daycare will be closed in the event that a state of emergency is declared. In addition, I reserve the right to close during or ahead of a weather event if I feel the conditions are or will become hazardous enough to prevent parents or emergency services from reaching my home in a timely manner.

[aDCProvider]

In order to ensure the safety and well being of all children in my care, daycare will be closed in the event that a state of emergency is declared. In addition, I reserve the right to close during or ahead of a weather event if I feel the conditions are or will become hazardous enough to prevent parents or emergency services from reaching my home in a timely manner.

How do I add that it will be paid?

[CraftyMom]

I am also in MA and closed yesterday for the first time for a snow storm. I made that decision after the last storm when pretty much everything was shut down and parents weren't working and a child came anyway, I think we've all been there! I decided that if I close on a snow day it will be unpaid. This is the only exception I made, all other days off are paid, bc if I'm open you can guarantee at least one child is here regardless of snow! It is a huge liability to keep exits clear all day, wake up early to shovel for one child, etc. So if schools are closed I will likely be closed. But it depends, since we don't always get what they say we will as far as snow. The night before I texted everyone and suggested that they get their backups in place since I may close the next day and will make the judgment by 6am.

[CraftyMom]

How do I add that it will be paid?

Does your contract say that all days off are paid? That should cover it. If not then maybe "I will be closed today due to the impending snowstorm, regular payments are expected" or something similar

[Unregistered]

I hope you dont take this the wrong way but that would really make me mad and I would definately be looking for another daycare. But were I am from snow is commonplace. In an emergency, it should be understood that you cannot clear your walkways because of children. Maybe instead of making this a policy contact your local emergency ambulance service and explain the situation and go from there and see what you need to change..... I would be irate paying for a day my kids were not there do to snow.

Your business not mine, but just from an outsider looking in.

[Lawson2]

My son attended a daycare in Ma for 3 years.
If the schools were closed due to snow, so was she. It was paid.

[Play Care]

In order to ensure the safety and well being of all children in my care, daycare will be closed in the event that a state of emergency is declared. In addition, I reserve the right to close during or ahead of a weather event if I feel the conditions are or will become hazardous enough to prevent parents or emergency services from reaching my home in a timely manner.

[Dsquared]

I do not think it is unreasonable to charge parents if it snows and you are closed. I do it and so do the other providers in my area. It's your business. As providers we do not get as many days off. It's not your fault if it snows.

[rosieteddy]

I live in Ma. For 10 years I did not close unless state of emergency.Then I found parents were staying home driving to my house in unsafe conditions to have their own snow day.I changed my contract to read that I follow the town school policy.I follow it for the first day of closure any extra days closed I use my own descretion.These days are paid and I go over the contract with all new clients. I explain that just like school tuition ,you don't get reimbursed for days off I am paid. I do have to have both exits cleared and be able to safely care for children.

[CraftyMom]

I hope you dont take this the wrong way but that would really make me mad and I would definately be looking for another daycare. But were I am from snow is commonplace. In an emergency, it should be understood that you cannot clear your walkways because of children. Maybe instead of making this a policy contact your local emergency ambulance service and explain the situation and go from there and see what you need to change..... I would be irate paying for a day my kids were not there do to snow.

Your business not mine, but just from an outsider looking in.

It doesn't matter what the parents understand or not. It's mandated by the state that All exits must remain clear AT ALL TIMES, now during a snow storm, how will we get out there to shovel with children here?? Also the same parents that "understand" would be the first to sue if they or their child slipped and fell on our property. Some charge for snow days, some don't. But as you said it is their business and their decision and parents know in advance and sign a contract and agree to it

[SilverSabre25]

How do I add that it will be paid?

Payments are still due as usual, in accordance with my payment policies. No credit or refund will be given for closures due to weather.

[SilverSabre25]

I hope you dont take this the wrong way but that would really make me mad and I would definately be looking for another daycare. But were I am from snow is commonplace. In an emergency, it should be understood that you cannot clear your walkways because of children. Maybe instead of making this a policy contact your local emergency ambulance service and explain the situation and go from there and see what you need to change..... I would be irate paying for a day my kids were not there do to snow.

Your business not mine, but just from an outsider looking in.

An excellent reason to always read your provider's policies closely and not to sign anything you don't agree with!

That's the beauty of home daycare; we all do what works for us and parents are free to find providers that meet their needs.

One really important thing to understand about this forum is that people here are from all over and "norms" are very regional. Policies, licensing rules, vacations, payments, fees, etc are all VERY different from area to area.