Snow Policy
Snow / Ice Policy – Q & A
Q: What Snow/Ice policy does TVP follow?
A: TVP follows the Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Snow/Ice policy on the FIRST DAY of each new weather occurrence for closures and delayed openings.
Beginning on the second day and each day thereafter, TVP makes an independent operational decision based on current conditions.
Q: Why does TVP make an independent decision after the first day?
A: Weather conditions can change significantly after the first day of a storm. Roads may be cleared in some areas while remaining hazardous in others. After Day One, TVP evaluates real-time conditions to determine whether it is safe and feasible to operate while maintaining required staffing and supervision standards.
Q: How does staff commuting distance factor into these decisions?
A: TVP employs staff who commute from a wide geographic area, including as far south as Stafford, Virginia, as far east as La Plata, Maryland, and throughout Fairfax County, Northern Virginia, and the Washington, DC metropolitan area.
Because road and weather conditions can vary greatly by region, staff commuting distance is considered to ensure safe travel expectations and adequate staffing.
Q: What agencies or jurisdictions are considered when making weather-related decisions?
A: In addition to Fairfax County Public Schools, TVP may review information from:
Fairfax County Government
District of Columbia (DC Government)
OPM (Office of Personnel Management)
Regional weather and transportation advisories
These sources help us assess broader regional conditions that may impact both staff travel and program operations.
Q: What happens during a two-hour delay?
A: If FCPS announces a two-hour delay:
TVP will open at 9:00 a.m.
Children must arrive by 10:00 a.m.
Children will not be accepted after 10:00 a.m.
This allows staff additional time to travel safely while maintaining proper classroom supervision.
Q: How does TVP handle early closures?
A: For early closures, TVP strictly follows FCPS guidelines. Families will be notified as promptly as possible so that arrangements can be made for early pick-up.
Q: Why might TVP’s decision differ from another program or workplace?
A: Each organization must consider its own staffing requirements, licensing regulations, and safety responsibilities. Because TVP serves children and must maintain required supervision ratios at all times, decisions are made with careful consideration of safety and operational readiness.
Q: How will families be notified of delays or closures?
A: Families will be notified through our established communication channels such as Hi Mama SMS methods as well as email and information as a rolling border on the website at the very top of the page, as early as possible. If we can notify you the night before with absolute accuracy, then we will. Otherwise, it will be decided by 5:30am on the day of. We understand the importance of timely communication and strive to provide clear updates.
Q: What is the goal of this policy?
A: The goal of TVP’s Snow/Ice Policy is to balance:
Child safety
Staff safety
Licensing compliance
Program consistency
By considering both local school system guidance and regional travel conditions, TVP aims to make decisions that are thoughtful, fair, and safety-focused for our entire community.
You can also check Fairfax County Public Schools’ website at www.fcps.edu for hazardous weather closures.
We do NOT follow their policy for cold temperatures. When Fairfax County Public Schools has a delayed opening for cold weather conditions, it is usually for students who stand and wait for the school bus. Because this does not pertain to us, we do not follow their policy when it pertains to cold temperatures.