Chattanooga area parents scramble for child care when schools close [photos]

While his mom Jessica Ashburn works with a patient, Barrett Ashburn spins around on a swing at Pediatrics Plus on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018 in Chattanooga, Tenn. Ashburn works as an occupational therapist at the office. Barrett spent the day at work with his mom because of the winter weather closing area schools. While his mom Jessica Ashburn works with a patient, Barrett Ashburn spins around on a swing at Pediatrics Plus on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018 in Chattanooga, Tenn. Ashburn works as an occupational therapist at the office. Barrett spent the day at work with his mom because of the winter weather closing area schools.

By Meghan Mangrum January 18, 2018 6 min read

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Parents scramble for childcare when schools are closed

Jessica Ashburn watches as her son Barrett plays on a swing at Pediatrics Plus on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018 in Chattanooga, Tenn. Ashburn works as an occupational therapist at the office. Barrett spent the day at work with his mom because of the winter weather closing area schools.

Jessica Ashburn's son Barrett follows her out of Pediatrics Plus after spending the day at work with her on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018 in Chattanooga, Tenn. Ashburn works as an occupational therapist at the office. Barrett spent the day at work with his mom because of the winter weather closing area schools.

While his mom Jessica Ashburn works with a patient, Barrett plays at Pediatrics Plus on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018 in Chattanooga, Tenn. Ashburn works as an occupational therapist at the office. Barrett spent the day at work with his mom because of the winter weather closing area schools.

After having him spend the day at work with her, Jessica Ashburn helps her son Barrett pull on his coat as they prepare to leave Pediatrics Plus on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018 in Chattanooga, Tenn. Ashburn works as an occupational therapist at the office. Barrett spent the day at work with his mom because of the winter weather closing area schools.

Barrett Ashburn opens the car door after spending the day at work with his mom Jessica at Pediatrics Plus on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018 in Chattanooga, Tenn. Ashburn works as an occupational therapist at the office. Barrett spent the day at work with his mom because of the winter weather closing area schools.

What do parents do when there’s a snow day, but no snow?

When local schools and child care centers close due to inclement weather, it often leaves parents scrambling for a back-up plan, especially when their kids have special needs.

Hamilton County Schools students have been out of class since Friday – that’s five days, most of them pretty cold, for kids to start getting cabin fever.

No school also means no before or aftercare programs at school, and many community organizations close, as well.

When school was out Tuesday, Vivianne DeSmith-Smallpage of Chattanooga dropped her 2-year-old daughter off at Kids Rock but then turned right around when the child care facility closed early due to impending snow. On Wednesday, DeSmith-Smallpage had to stay home from work for another snow day.