Center Closings & Delays

Playing in the snow

PIC works hard to stay open in inclement weather, but we must balance the needs of both families and staff.

The greatest consideration is around the ability to safely staff all of our classrooms. We work hard to cover teachers who, due to commuting or child care difficulties, are not able to make it in, or who need to leave early.  

  • We will rely (and always have) on SEPTA’s operation because many PIC staff rely on public transportation.
  • We look at the snow closing decisions of the School District of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania as additional reference points for making a decision for PIC.
  • When significant snowfall or ice is predicted, we will watch the weather and look at our staffing plan carefully.
  • We will notify families via text and email, as soon as a decision is made. We try our best to make closure decisions by 6:30 am. A message will also be on our voice mail, website, and Facebook page.  
  • If we need to close PIC during the day, we will contact you via text and email. Please be sure that we have updated contact information in our system. 
  • When the School District closes for a full day and PIC does not, our After School Center will open for a full day, as long as we have appropriate staffing.
  • If the School District closes early, our ASC will open early IF the district gives us ample notice to bring in staff. We then pick up the children at early dismissal. If enough notice is NOT given, we communicate with families that we cannot open before our regular afternoon start time.
  • If we call for an early closing, we will send a text and email through our automated system.
  • If we call for a 2-hour delayed opening, we will open at 10:00 am.
  • If snow is expected, it is imperative that we have updated contact information in our system.

Letting you know

PIC uses an automated communication system (Tadpoles) for snow closings and delays. This system will send a text and e-mail messages to all PIC families for whom we have updated contact information.

  • In addition, we post information about closings or delays on the homepage of our website, PIC's Facebook page, and leave a message on the Center's voicemail.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please email Communications Manager Rachel Isaacson at risaacson@parentinfantcenter.org.

PIC Families