Does Daycare Close for Snow? Weather Closures Explained

Updated November 2026.

Most daycare centers in the Chicago area stay open on snowy days, because many parents still have to work. Private centers make their own decisions and do not automatically close when the local school district does. They may close, open late or close early in severe weather, such as a major blizzard or dangerous wind chills.

Here is how weather closures usually work and how to plan for them.

How daycares decide to close

Each center sets its own weather policy. Things that can lead to a closure, late opening or early dismissal include:

• Roads that are unsafe for staff and families to travel
• A power outage, heating failure or frozen pipes at the building
• Not enough staff able to get in safely to meet required teacher-to-child ratios
• Official warnings, such as a blizzard warning or extreme cold advisories

Illinois licensing rules set staffing ratios for every age group, so a center cannot simply combine more children with fewer teachers on a snow day. See our guide to Illinois daycare ratios by age.

Why daycares and schools differ

Public schools often close for snow because of bus routes and large numbers of students traveling at once. Daycares serve working families, and children are dropped off by parents, so centers are more likely to stay open. Some centers that run before- and after-school care may change those programs when schools close, so ask.

How you will hear about a closure

• A text, email or app message from the center
• A post on the center's website or social media
• A phone call or voicemail

Make sure your phone number and email are up to date, and ask the director how and when they announce weather decisions, especially for early-morning calls.

Outdoor play on cold days

On snowy but safe days, many children still go outside for short periods. Illinois licensing rules call for outdoor time each day, weather permitting, and many programs use wind chill charts to decide how long children can stay out. Send snow pants, boots, a hat and mittens every day in winter, and label everything. See our guide on how to dress a toddler for daycare in a Chicago winter.

Plan ahead for weather days

• Line up a backup. A relative, neighbor or sitter who can help if the center closes.
• Talk with your employer about remote work or flexible hours on severe-weather days.
• Read your contract. Many centers do not reduce tuition for weather closures. Check what yours says. See our guide to daycare contracts.
• Keep the car ready. A winter kit with a blanket, snacks, water and an ice scraper is a good idea when traveling with young children.
• Plan for late pickup. If roads get bad during the day, leave work early if you can, or call the center if you will be late.

Driving to daycare in snow

Give yourself extra time, clear all snow from the car, and buckle children in without a puffy coat, since bulky coats can make car seat straps too loose. Put the coat or a blanket on over the straps instead. See our guide to Illinois car seat laws.

Frequently asked questions

Does daycare close when schools close for snow?

Not always. Private daycares make their own decisions and often stay open when schools close.

Do I still pay tuition if daycare closes for weather?

Usually yes, but it depends on your contract. Ask the center.

How will I know if my daycare is closed?

Most centers send a text, email or app message. Ask how your center announces closures.

Will my child go outside on a snowy day?

Often, for short periods, if it is safe. Send warm, waterproof gear every day.

Children's Land in winter

Children's Land locations are open Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Children go outdoors daily when the weather permits. Ask your location how it shares weather updates. Learn about our toddler program, find a location, or contact us.

Related reading: How to Dress a Toddler for Daycare in a Chicago Winter.