Mother Nature likes to keep us on our toes with frigid temperatures and mounds of snow in the winter, and severe storms in the spring. Our Severe Weather Policy helps us prepare for just about anything she can throw at us.

Wisconsin is no stranger to severe winter weather such as heavy snowfall, ice, freezing rain, sleet, mixed precipitation, etc. Because many parents must report to work no matter what the weather is, Amy & Kids Co. will remain open during severe weather whenever possible.

However, with your family's safety foremost in mind, the following situations may result in the program opening late, closing early, or being closed all day.

• If Appleton Area School District schools are delayed or closed due to severe weather the program may also delay opening or close for the day.
• If Valley Transit bus services are closed due to severe weather, it is an indication that roads are not safe for travel and the program will be closed.
• If your place of employment is closed or you are unable to report to work due to hazardous travel conditions, it is assumed that you will not need child care services and your child will be absent.
• If severe weather begins, worsens, or is expected to worsen during the day, the center may dismiss early, and parents will be contacted to pick up their children.
• Parents are welcome to pick their children up early at any time if they feel the roads are, or will become, too dangerous to navigate safely.

I trust you to consider driving conditions and support you in making the best decision for your family. If you decide to keep your child home due to severe weather (or any other reason), please let me know as soon as possible so I know that you and your child are safe.

Notification of a delayed opening, early dismissal, or closure of the program will be made via Daily Connect and/or text. If the weather is questionable be sure to check your phone before leaving the house in the morning and frequently during the day in case of early dismissal. Feel free to text me to make sure the program is open before braving the elements.

Throughout the winter please use extra caution when on the premises. My first priority is the children so I cannot continuously monitor the walkway to remove snow and ice. Feel free to use the ice melt on the porch if the area seems slippery.

Spring means the end of snow and ice, but it also brings the threat of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms.

If the tornado siren sounds the children and I will go to the basement family room until we hear the “all clear” signal. Attendance will be taken using Daily Connect on my cell phone. The basement has everything we need to be comfortable during our stay. There is a working bathroom and a pantry containing food for snacks, or even a whole meal. Blankets, first aid supplies, candles, flashlight, and other emergency supplies are also on hand. A pack & play is available to keep infants safe, and there are plenty of toys, books, and other materials to occupy the children while we wait.

If the center loses heat, water, electricity, or telephone service at any time during the day I will evaluate the situation to see whether the program can remain open safely. If safe, quality care cannot be provided under the circumstances, I will notify each family to pick up their child/ren, and the center will remain closed until the lost service is resumed.

Please be aware that full tuition is due for days the center is closed due to loss of services or severe weather.