5.3 - Absence Policy

Absence Policy 

We encourage families to bring their child to school every day, as consistent attendance is key to their learning and development. When children are present, they can fully participate in activities that build their academic skills and social growth. For instance, if a child misses a cooking activity, they miss out on learning important math, reading, and science concepts, as well as a chance to engage with their peers. Regular attendance also helps our OST program provide the support your child needs to succeed in elementary school.

We understand that sometimes children may need to miss school due to illness, medical appointments, or family emergencies. While state law allows for excused absences in these cases, we ask families to keep absences to a minimum.

All requests for excused absences will be reviewed by a school representative. Repeated absences without valid reasons may lead to disenrollment. Absences are categorized as:

• Excused
• Best Interest of the Child
• No Contact 

Excused Absences

The following are permitted, excused absences: 

• The illness or quarantine of a child
• The illness or quarantine of the parent or care provider.  
• Family emergencies may include, but are not limited to, car accident, death of a family member, catastrophe such as severe weather conditions that prevent travel to and from the school, severe home fire requiring the primary care provider's attendance, earthquake preventing access to and from the school, severe police activity involving the primary care provider, etc. 
• Court-ordered visitation (a copy of the order must be on file at the school). 

 Best Interest of the Child (BIC) [Maximum 10 days per year]

While state law permits 10 days of absence for the reasons listed below, all educational research indicates the importance of early education. Daily attendance in your child's early education class is in your child's best interest. It is essential to providing him/her with the best opportunity for future school success. Daily attendance builds a strong foundation of behavioral, social and academic skills that will be needed in kindergarten and beyond. Establishing the important habit of daily school attendance promotes ongoing life success. 

 Parents or guardians can identify any day, up to the maximum of 10 days per year, as a "Best Interest of the Child" or BIC day. BIC days are the family’s choice and  might include:

• non-court ordered visitation with a non-custodial parent. 
• special day with parent or family
• family vacation
• a work holiday that the family observes but the school does not
• religious/cultural celebrations
• parent's or guardian's personal business during school hours
• visiting family members
• cancellation or completion of school or work

 Requests for BIC days must be submitted in writing to the school principal for approval. 

Abandonment of Care

EED does not allow families to be enrolled in a program if they are not using services. Your child(ren) will be disenrolled when there has been no communication whether by phone, in writing or in person, with the school for 30 consecutive calendar days.

 Absence Notification

All families are expected to notify the school office when their child is going to be absent. To report absences, please call the school office as soon as you are aware your child will be absent. Voicemail is available during the hours the school is closed. You may also email the school.