Parent(s)/guardian(s) are responsible for notifying the Child Development Center, by phone, if the child is to be absent. The specific illness or reason for the absence is required for our records. Children having an absence of five (5) consecutive days without notification risk being dismissed. If the child has extended absence for any reason, it is important that you “keep in touch” by telephoning the Center every 2 or 3 days.

Excused absences are illness or quarantine of child, or parent, or siblings, medical and dental appointments, family emergency*, court ordered visitations (copy of order required on file at the CDC), or a reason which is clearly in the “best interest” of the child (CBD/Child Benefit Day). **

* Absences for “family emergency” includes death in family, serious illness or hospitalization in extended family, personal environmental disaster (e.g., fire, earthquake, etc.), personal problematic event (e.g., burglary, auto accident, etc.), and car/transportation problems.

** Absences for reasons “Clearly in the best interest of the child” (CBD/Child Benefit Day) include travel, visiting relatives, spending the day with parent, child guidance for behavioral concerns, and other activities determined by the staff and parent/guardian to benefit the child physically, emotionally or cognitively, as well as economic benefit of either the child or parent/guardian. Child Benefit Days are limited to ten (10) per fiscal year.

Parents are required to call school at 722-6500 and inform the staff member or leave a voice message informing the school of the child’s absence and the specific reason for absence. If a child is ill for more than five (5) consecutive days, a note from the doctor is required to excuse child’s absence.

Any absences other than the ones mentioned above are “Unexcused.” If unexcused absences become habitual the child risks being dismissed. Five (5) unexcused absences per semester constitute grounds for termination of services. Termination may be appealed to the Dean of the Child Development Center and will follow procedures on the Notice of Action.