Winter Playground Policy - We include Free and Structured outdoor play every day and see this as a vital part of your child's schedule. If your child is not able to participate in outdoor play for whatever reason, we ask that you keep them at home. During periods of extreme cold, playground times may be shortened. Young Toddlers go out once every morning. Children ages 2 and older go out twice a day, once in the morning and once in the late afternoon. Children will remain inside for any active snow showers.
In order for your child to comfortably play outside, they will need the proper attire, to include:
- Sturdy shoes/boots and socks
- Hats
- Gloves/Mittens
- No Scarves
- IF there is snow on the ground, you may bring a snowsuit - We are only able to play in the snow if at least 5-8 children (depending on the classroom ) have proper cold-weather attire.
All playground visits are at the discretion of the Director and may be modified during extreme temperatures/weather.
YCP Closings & Delays - On the days when YCP has a delayed opening, Morning Snack will not be served. Please make sure your child has been fed before bringing them. During severe weather, we always appreciate early pick-ups, so that staff and families may travel safely home.
To check YCP’s status during an emergency, please go to:
· YCP Twitter Account (@yourchildsplace)
· YCP Home Page, the live feed at the bottom of the page.
Weather-Related Closings/Delays:
YCP follows the Federal Government (OPM) for closing and late procedures based on weather. The Center will remain open during liberal leave policies. If you are uncertain about a potential delay during school hours, you may call us on the day in question for verification.
After hours, you can also go to OPM Current Status for up to the minute alerts on the Federal Government's operating procedures.
Emails will NOT be sent for standard OPM weather closings and late procedures.
Emergency Closings during a Federal Holiday:
If there is an emergency closing on a Federal Holiday where YCP is open, all Closings/Late Procedures will be at the discretion of the Director. Decisions will always err on the side of safety for our staff and families traveling to and from school. A decision will be made by 5:30am on the day of.
Parents WILL receive an email stating any closing/delays for these types of unexpected emergencies only.
Do not check the OPM site during Federal Holidays as the status will reflect Normal Operating Procedures and not display Emergency Closures on Holidays.
All Other Emergency Closings:
During all other emergency closings, including but not limited to Terrorist Alerts, the Center will observe Fairfax County Public School Procedures. Please ask to see a copy of our Emergency Preparedness Policies and Procedures at the front desk for further information.
An email WILL be sent if YCP closes for localized emergencies.