School Closing Policy

Elder’s Childcare Center understands that our decision to open or close schools in bad weather has a big effect on families. We also understand that our students are better served – both academically and socially – by being in school. But as always, our top priority is the safety of our students, staff, and parents.

HOW DO WE MAKE OUR DECISION?

Please understand that we make the decision to open or close the daycare in bad weather based on a careful analysis of all relevant factors, such as:

• Information on road conditions from Maryland 511 travel information. We must give careful consideration to the most dangerous roads in the district. Even if your street looks clear, travel elsewhere in the district may be dangerous.
• The amount of snow and ice accumulated.
• Whether precipitation is continuing.
• Building conditions (such as whether we have electricity and heat).
• Parking lot conditions. The Administrator talk to maintenance and custodial staff members who are responsible for clearing and treating the daycare parking lots and sidewalks.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

WHO MAKES THE DECISION?

As one of the administrators, Annie Thomas is responsible for the final decision, based on the above factors.

HOW ARE THE PARENTS NOTIFIED?

• Tune to local TV station (abc7) or www.wjla.com/weather/closings for up-to-date information on School closings and delays.
• SMS text message will be sent by one of the administrators.
• Our Centers Facebook page (Elder’s Childcare Center) for closing and delay information.

WHEN IS THE DECISION MADE?

We must make the decision by 5:30 am or earlier so we can notify the TV station and post the decision on their website.

WILL WE CLOSE DAYCARE IF CONDITIONS GET WORSE?

Keep in mind that, even if weather conditions get worse, we cannot reverse our decision in the morning. Once we make the decision to open the daycare, many parents rely on it and leave for work. If conditions get worse during the day, we may need to have any early dismissal, but we will give adequate notice to all parents first.

Although my staff and I do our absolute best in this process, we know that often no perfect decision exists. If, based on current weather conditions, you do not feel as though it is safe for your child to attend daycare, use your best judgement on whether he or she should attend.

We hope that this explanation helps everyone understand the process that Elder’s Childcare Center administrators uses to make the best possible decision for all in our district.