Consistent attendance supports your child’s development, builds trust in routines, and helps them fully benefit from our program. This policy outlines how to report absences, expectations around communication, and how absences affect tuition. It also helps us maintain accurate records, plan staffing and meals, and meet DCFS and subsidy program (like CCAP) requirements.

Below, you’ll find our procedures for reporting absences, guidelines around illness and vacations, how absences affect tuition, and how much notice we need if your child will be out of care.

🗓️ Reporting an Absence

• Parents must notify the center by 6:30 A.M. if their child will be absent for any reason.

• Absences should be reported through [preferred method — app, phone call, email].

• Please include your child’s name, the reason for the absence (e.g., illness, vacation, personal), and the expected date of return.

🤒 Absences Due to Illness

• Children who are ill (fever, vomiting, diarrhea, contagious symptoms) must stay home until they are symptom-free for at least 24 hours without medication, unless otherwise instructed by a doctor.

• For certain illnesses (COVID-19, flu, RSV, etc.), a doctor’s note or negative test may be required to return.

• If a child becomes ill while in care, parents will be called for immediate pick-up.

🌴 Absences Due to Vacation or Planned Time Off

• Please provide at least 1 week’s notice if your child will be out for vacation or other scheduled time away.

• This allows us to adjust classroom planning, staff scheduling, and meals.

💵 Tuition During Absences

• Tuition is still due in full during all absences, including illness, vacation, or personal days.

• Our program holds your child’s spot and plans staffing accordingly, even if they are not present.

• There are no make-up days or credits for missed attendance.

📋 Chronic or Extended Absences

• If your child is absent for more than 5 consecutive scheduled days, we may require a doctor’s note or formal re-enrollment to return.

• Chronic absenteeism may impact your child’s spot in the program or eligibility for subsidies such as CCAP, which require regular attendance.

Your communication about absences helps us provide safe, consistent care for all children. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if your family is experiencing illness, travel, or any changes that may affect attendance. We appreciate your efforts to keep us informed and keep our community healthy.