Child Care Is Hardest During Inclement Weather

Establish Backup Plan Ahead of Winter Season

When schools close due to inclement weather, the most common response is that area daycare centers and family-run child care do the same. But what happens when you are still expected to work?

Most child care organizations have bad weather policies saying that they will be open when schools are open, but may close when schools are shut down due to inclement weather. The reasoning is that if school officials determine that it is unsafe for children to travel to and from school due to icy roads or other weather-related conditions, then the safest place for them to be is at home. Child care operators utilize that same advice and urge parents to remain at home with their youngsters and for employees to stay safe as well. That's all good except for when an employer declares that business will be open as usual and all workers are expected on the job.

Since a family care provider is already at home, and doesn't require other employers, often utilizing child care there is your best bet. It does require you to put your child in a car and drive in inclement weather conditions, but usually a home provider will still be willing to watch your child. Always call first to be sure, however.

In certain cases, employers who remain open during inclement weather offer child care for their employees, knowing that they would otherwise have people who could not work. Large companies sometimes hire a child care consultant, usually a mobile caregiver who possesses early education training and is set up with toys, games and books, is able to keep children of varying ages in a conference room or other makeshift daycare, on a very short-term basis.

Parents should always put their child's safety first and evaluate whether they feel it is safe to drive with their child before risk them getting into an accident or becoming stranded. If you decide roads are safe enough for travel, make sure you stock up with blankets, food and water--just in case.