Calendar Year 2025-2026
2026
Monday, May 25 – Closed
Monday, September 7 – Closed
Thursday & Friday, November 26 & 27 – Closed
Friday, December 25 – Closed
Friday, January 1, 2027 – Closed
Adverse Weather Guidance Policy
Policy Statement
The Difference 2-17 aims to provide safe & effective levels of care all year round, at all times of day & night and in all types of weather conditions. We are committed to ensuring the health, safety and welfare of all our members, service users and employees. While the Difference 2-17 endeavors to sustain the same level of care throughout the year, we acknowledge that there may be occasions when adverse weather conditions restrict our service provision.
Adverse weather is a term which describes weather events which are particularly severe and challenge models of normal service delivery. Adverse weather can include heavy snowfall, flooding from heavy rain, very high winds, very cold temperatures and exceptionally high temperatures (this list is not exhaustive).
Safety is priority
At the Difference 2-17 we understand that our decision to open, close or delay center opening during inclement weather often disrupts family schedules. But, as always, our top priority is the safety of our members and staff. So, If you do not feel that it is safe for your child to attend, use your best judgment whether he or she should come in.
How do we make our decision?
Please understand that we make the decision to open or close the center during bad weather based on a careful analysis of all relevant factors, including:
Information on road conditions from transportation staff and from local law enforcement and road crews
Amount of snow and/or ice accumulated
Whether precipitation will continue throughout the day
Temperature and wind chill
Weather predictions (including those from a weather alert service)
Storm timing, trajectory and projection
Building conditions (such as whether our building’s electricity and/or heat service is disrupted)
Types of delays, early dismissals, and closings
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The Difference 2-17 will use a two (2) hour delay if inclement weather is likely to be unsafe to ask our drivers and our parents to transport members to centers. If the center in which your child attends is delayed due to inclement weather, the Difference 2-17 will move the starting times for all activities ahead two hours. The official opening time is based on two hours after they are scheduled to open. For example, one center may open at 8:30 am therefore; the official opening time for children will be 10:30 am.
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If a delay is warranted the Difference 2-17 will have the information posted on our website, social media pages, and directly communicated to all parents by email by 6:00 am or before.
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If a session has begun and the weather turns and threatens the safe return of our members to their homes, the Difference 2-17 will issue an Early Dismissal Notice. The center will close at a stated time only after all members have been transported home or picked up by parents from the center.
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The times for early dismissal will vary due to the nature and threat of the weather conditions. Once the center has verifiable information that a severe snowstorm is coming and the roads will become impassable, management will instruct the staff to notify all parents of the pending actions regarding early dismissal. When there is an early dismissal, generally, there will be either a one- hour or a two-hour early dismissal.
The Difference 2-17 will make every effort to remain open during inclement weather. However, in the event the centers close early, we ask that you make arrangements to have your child picked up as soon as possible (within 2 hours).
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In the event that weather conditions require us to close down locations for the day, The Difference 2-17 will post a notice on our website and social media pages informing our parents and staff of the closing, as well as send out an email to everyone. Please note that though we use county closing suggestions to help inform our decisions, we will NOT always follow county snow/inclement weather closings.
