It’s 6 a.m., snow is falling, and your phone lights up. The local schools are closed. Your next thought is simple: is daycare open?
It’s not always the same answer. Child care centers set their own daycare snow day policy, and it doesn’t have to match the school district. Knowing the rules ahead of time saves a lot of stress on storm mornings.
This guide covers how centers decide, what to ask about delays and tuition, and how to build a backup plan before the first big storm. It also shares a few local details that make snowy drop-offs easier. Most families only need to do this planning once a year.
Does daycare close when Paramus schools close?
This is the first question most parents ask. The short answer is: not always.
Daycares set their own policy
Schools and child care centers make separate decisions. Many centers serve working parents who still have to get to work. On New Jersey closing lists, you may see a center with its own schedule, such as opening only for daycare when the district is closed.
Ask before the first storm
Ask your center whether it follows the school district, and how it shares closings. Ask what time it makes the call, so you’re not left guessing at 6 a.m.
Daycare snow day policy: delays and early closings
Full closures aren’t the only storm-day change. Delays and early pickups matter just as much.
Delayed openings
Some centers open late after an overnight storm so roads can be cleared. Ask your center if it ever delays, and how late it might open. A good snow day policy covers delays, not just full closures.
Early closings when a storm moves in
If snow starts midday, a center may ask families to pick up early. Check that your pickup list is current before winter starts. Our regular hours are 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Snow days and your daycare bill
Paying for a day your center was closed is a frustration many parents share online. It helps to know the rules before the first storm.
Questions to ask any center
Ask whether closed days are charged at the full rate. Ask whether there are make-up days or credits. Ask whether the answer changes for a long closure. Our guide to what daycare costs in Bergen County lists more questions to ask about tuition.
Read your enrollment agreement
Your enrollment agreement is the best place to look for closed-day billing. Read that section before winter so there are no surprises. If anything is unclear, ask the front desk to explain it in writing.
Planning for snow days in Paramus
A few local details make storm mornings easier. They’re worth knowing before the first storm.
Roads and parking
The Paramus Department of Public Works clears about 120 miles of borough roads, according to the Borough of Paramus. Crews salt first and start plowing once about an inch has fallen.
The borough also has snow-emergency no-parking rules. Leave extra time for drop-off, and expect side streets to take longer. Sidewalks must be cleared within 24 hours after snow stops, so walking routes may stay slushy the first morning.
Work leave and backup care
New Jersey’s Earned Sick Leave law lets most workers earn up to 40 hours a year. You can use it to care for a sick child. It also covers closures ordered for a public health emergency.
Snow closures aren’t on that list, so ask HR how your job handles snow days. Our daycare sick policy guide has tips for building a backup care plan.
School-age siblings
When schools close, older siblings need care too. Plan for them at the same time. Our winter and school break care page covers planned school closures.
Frequently asked questions
Is daycare open when Paramus schools close for snow?
Not always. Child care centers set their own snow day policy, so ask your center directly.
Do I have to pay daycare for snow days?
It depends on your center’s contract. Ask whether closed days are charged and whether there are credits or make-up days.
How will I know if daycare is closed for snow?
Ask your center how it shares closings, such as by text, email, or app. Save the center’s number in your phone so you can call if you’re not sure.
Can I use NJ sick leave when daycare closes for snow?
New Jersey’s Earned Sick Leave covers caring for a sick child and closures for a public health emergency. Snow closures aren’t on that list. Ask your employer how it handles snow days.
What time should I leave for drop-off on a snowy day?
Leave extra time. Paramus crews salt first and plow once about an inch has fallen, so side streets may take longer to clear.
Make your storm-day plan before the first snow
Daycare doesn’t always follow school closings, so ask your center how it decides and how you’ll hear. Ask about delays and how closed days are billed. Then set up your backup plan and keep your pickup list current. A few minutes of planning now can save a stressful morning later.
Questions about our hours or closings? Call JJ Paramus Day Care at (201) 500-2951. You can also read our parent FAQ or schedule a tour.
