No charge? Wow. Every daycare I’ve ever used is more than happy to charge you a dollar for every minute you’re late.
I used a daycare that closed at 6 pm. Kids not picked up by six meant you paid extra, and it was charged by the minute. But it was an excellent daycare. I just made sure I was there on time.
Try finding a daycare near your work. That may help a bit with the timing of the drop-off and pick-up.
My experience is that they charge exorbitant rates for poor planning on the parents’ part, but will be quite reasonable for emergencies, especially if you phone and let them know what’s going on. Blizzards qualify as emergencies. 
The only daycare I knew that charged told me that the policy really wasn’t for well-meaning parents occasionally stuck in traffic. It was for the low-lifes who went out partying after work and left their children at the daycare until they got good and ready to come get them.
In other words, the time I showed up breathless and scared shitless at 6:05 I didn’t have to pay anything extra.
She might have a Blackberry/iPhone/other smart phone so that she can stay in contact with parents who have questions/will be late, etc.
Or she could sit on the computer all day smoking and eating Cheetos, while the kids are locked in a closet.
Meh, not really a problem as long as the closet is childproofed.
Yep. The charge was there for the “poor planning” and those that will take advantage (I just need to run to the grocery store as well as the “well, it was only one drink at happy hour” set). They had discretion to not charge when it was stuck in traffic.
She might use a Blackberry or similar. I respond to emails immediately all the time, and I’m never on my computer at home.
ETA: As previously said!
Well, I think she should share the Cheetos.