Managing Childcare Closures and Holidays 2026

Childcare closures throughout the year require advance planning. Understanding typical closure patterns helps you prepare backup care and avoid last-minute scrambling.

Common Closure Patterns

Federal Holidays

Most programs close for:

• New Year's Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving
• Christmas

Additional Closures

Many also close for:

• Day after Thanksgiving
• Christmas Eve
• New Year's Eve
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Presidents' Day

Summer Closures

Some programs:

• Close for vacation weeks
• Have reduced hours
• Staff vacations
• Deep cleaning periods
• Limited summer enrollment

Professional Development

Programs may close for:

• Teacher training days
• Staff development
• Annual meetings
• Preparation time
• Quality improvement

Knowing Your Schedule

Before Enrollment

Ask about:

• All closure dates
• Holiday policy
• Summer schedule
• Training day closures
• Payment during closures

Annual Calendar

Get:

• Year's closure schedule
• As early as possible
• In writing
• Updated version
• Email reminders

Tracking Closures

Keep organized:

• Mark your calendar
• Plan ahead
• Set reminders
• Coordinate with work
• Arrange backup care

Financial Considerations

Payment During Closures

Understand:

• Do you pay during holidays?
• Discounts for closures?
• Summer rate changes?
• Extended closure policies?
• What's in contract?

Common Policies

Programs typically:

• Charge full rate during holidays
• No credit for closures
• May offer closure discounts
• Summer rates may vary
• Contract specifies

Budgeting

Plan for:

• Full payment during closures
• Backup care costs
• Summer changes
• Unexpected closures
• Additional childcare needs

Backup Care for Closures

Planning Ahead

Well in advance:

• Identify backup options
• Book if needed
• Confirm availability
• Have multiple plans
• Communicate early

Options to Consider

Backup care sources:

• Family members
• Friends
• Backup care programs
• Nanny services
• Drop-in care

For Extended Closures

Longer periods need:

• More robust plans
• Multiple caregivers
• Work schedule coordination
• Potentially expensive options
• Creative solutions

Holiday Closures

Major Holidays

Plan for:

• Thanksgiving week
• Winter holiday break
• Spring break
• Memorial Day
• Labor Day

Communication

Programs should:

• Provide advance notice
• Remind families
• Posted schedules
• Email confirmations
• Updated calendars

Coordinating with Work

Strategies:

• Use vacation time
• Stagger with partner
• Remote work if possible
• Employer backup care
• Flexible arrangements

Summer Considerations

Summer Programs

May differ from school year:

• Different schedule
• Different activities
• Different staffing
• Different costs
• Field trips

Vacation Weeks

Programs may:

• Close for staff vacation
• Have reduced enrollment
• Offer limited care
• Require advance planning
• Have different policies

Transition Planning

For summer:

• Understand changes
• Plan for closures
• Budget for differences
• Communicate with program
• Prepare your child

Unexpected Closures

Weather-Related

Snow days, storms:

• Short notice
• Backup care needed
• Work impacts
• Communication channels
• Policies vary

Emergency Closures

Unexpected events:

• Building issues
• Health emergencies
• Staff shortages
• Utility problems
• Crisis situations

Being Prepared

Have ready:

• Emergency contacts
• Backup care list
• Work flexibility plan
• Communication plan
• Multiple options

Communication with Employers

Discussing Needs

Let work know:

• Childcare closure dates
• When you'll need flexibility
• How you'll manage
• Remote work needs
• Coverage plans

Using Benefits

Leverage:

• Vacation time
• Flexible schedules
• Remote work options
• Backup care benefits
• Sick leave if applicable

Planning Ahead

Coordinate:

• Share calendar with employer
• Request time early
• Communicate plans
• Be proactive
• Show professionalism

Working with Your Program

Getting Information

Request:

• Annual closure calendar
• Advance notice
• Policy explanations
• Changes as they occur
• Clear communication

Providing Feedback

If closures are problematic:

• Share concerns
• Be constructive
• Suggest solutions
• Understand limitations
• Advocate for families

Key Takeaways

Know the schedule:

• Get calendar early
• Mark all closures
• Plan ahead
• Set reminders
• Stay organized

Prepare backup care:

• Multiple options
• Book in advance
• Emergency plans
• Flexibility needed
• Budget for costs

Understand policies:

• Payment during closures
• Contract terms
• Summer changes
• Unexpected closures
• Your obligations

Coordinate with work:

• Share calendar
• Plan time off
• Use benefits
• Communicate needs
• Be professional

Remember:

• Closures are normal
• Planning reduces stress
• Backup care is essential
• Flexibility helps
• Communication matters

Childcare closures are predictable inconveniences that become manageable with good planning and backup care strategies.

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