Verification of Excused Absence Policies

18066

(a) If the absence is claimed by the contractor as an excused absence as defined within the definition of “Attendance” in Education Code section 8208, the attendance accounting records shall contain verification that includes:

(1) The name of the child;

(2) The date(s) of absence;

(3) the specific reason for the absence; and

(4) The signature of the parent or the contractor's authorized representative if verification is made by telephone.

(b) If an excused absence is based on the time spent with a parent or other relative as required by a court of law, the basic data file shall contain a copy of the Court Order.

(c) Contractors shall adopt reasonable policies delineating circumstances that would constitute an excused absence for “family emergency” and “in the best interest of the child.”

(d) Contractors shall not disenroll any family due to excessive absences, except in circumstances described in section 18066.5.

(e) Contractors shall inform parent of these policies.

(f) Except for children who are recipients of protective services or at risk of abuse or neglect, excused absences “in the best interest of the child” shall be limited to 10 days during the contract period.

NOTE: Authority cited: Sections 8261 and 8263, Education Code. Reference: Sections 8208, 8261 and 8263, Education Code.