Attendance/Extended Absence Policy for Classroom Children

POLICY:

NOCAC Child Development holds a spot for a participant for up to 2 weeks who is absent due to extenuating circumstances; or longer for medical reasons as documented by a doctor.

PROCEDURES:

1. NOCAC Child Development understands that there are times that a child may be absent for longer periods of time for extenuating circumstances such as:
   1. Visiting an ill family member who lives out of town
   2. Family vacations
   3. Severe illness or injury
   4. Expired or Missing Physical after 30 day deadline
2. Upon receiving information from a parent that a participant will be absent for an extended period of time the following will be completed:
   1. A member of the NOCAC staff contacts the Family Advocate (FA) in writing or through email.
   2. A family member can provide written documentation to the center staff regarding the participant’s absence.
   3. Using My Child’s Attendance Goal form the following information will be documented:
      1. Reason for absence
      2. The first day the participant will be absent
      3. The date the participant is expected to return to class
      4. The parent’s signature and date
3. NOCAC Child Development will hold a participant’s spot for two weeks
   1. unless there is medical documentation stating the participant will be out longer for reasons such as:
      1. A broken bone
      2. Surgery
      3. Prolonged illness
   2. If the participant does not return by the agreed upon date, NOCAC staff will:
      1. Follow the Center Based Attendance Policy & Procedure.
      2. Document all attempts to contact the family and emergency contacts on the Child Attendance Followup form or email the information to the Family Advocate and the Social Service Manager.
      3. All information regarding the participant’s attendance is documented in Child Plus under the Attendance Tab.
4. When a participant is out for more than 2 weeks, due to a medical reason such as a broken arm, surgery or a severe illness, missing physical, etc…a qualified NOCAC staff member will inform the family that an Educational Home Visit (unless the parent has a doctor’s note stating participant should not participate) will need to be conducted each week (starting the 3rd week) the child is absent.  A home visit consists of:
   1. A qualified NOCAC Child Development Educator going to the family’s home for 1.5 hours a week (or reasonable time to complete goals) until the participant returns to class.
   2. Each visit is documented on the HS Home Visit Record form or EHS Home Visit Record form which is then turned into the Education Manager.
   3. If the family cancels an Educational Home Visit, the Home Visitor will have the family:
      1. Sign the Missed Home Visit form documenting the reason for the cancellation.
      2. Will attempt to reschedule the Home Visit.
   4. If the family refuses to complete the home visits the participant will be withdrawn from the home visits, which then could result in being withdrawn from the program.

Forms and Additional Guidance:

• My Child’s Attendance Goal form
• Child Attendance Follow-up form
• HS Home Visit Record form
• EHS Home Visit Record form
• Missed Home Visit form