Despite the recent warm weather, many forecasters are calling for a tough winter, including several weeks of below-normal temperatures and at least one Nor’easter. Prepare for the weather—and inevitable school closures—by making your backup child care plans now.

Penn’s Snow Day Child Care program, offered in partnership with the Penn Children’s Center (PCC), provides backup care for dependents of benefits-eligible faculty and staff when the School District of Philadelphia is closed but Penn is open. Even if your child attends another school district, you can take advantage of the program; however, Snow Day space and pricing are available only when Philadelphia public schools are closed for inclement weather.

Snow Day Child Care is available now through March 31, 2016. Children must be 12 weeks to 12 years old. The University covers most of the cost of care. The reduced rate you pay is based on the child’s age and your salary.

Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Pre-registration is required, so complete the required online forms now and be ready when winter weather finally arrives:

http://cms.business-services.upenn.edu/childcare/temporary-childcare/snow-day-care.html

Visit the Snow Day Child Care webpage for more information:

https://www.hr.upenn.edu/myhr/worklife/family/snowday

For other situations in which you may need backup childcare, Care.com also provides options for benefits-eligible faculty and staff. Learn more on the Backup Care webpage:

https://www.hr.upenn.edu/myhr/worklife/family/backupcare

—Division of Human Resources