2009-2011 - Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District

Children may not be absent from Childcare more than five days for exclusions under Section 3381 of
the Health & Safety Code to obtain required immunization (SMMUSD-Board Approved Attendance
Policy).
Children in Childcare absent for more than 12 consecutive days will be withdrawn. The following
reasons are exceptions:
a. documented illness;
b. quarantine under the direction of a County or City health officer;
c. for purposes of having medical, dental, optometry or chiropractic services;
d. for the purpose of attending the funeral services of a member of the immediate family
(immediate family members include mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, or any relative
living in the immediate household of the pupil);
e. court-ordered visits to non-custodial parent.
SUBSIDY ATTENDANCE POLICY
Regular attendance is required.
Excessive absences, whether excused or unexcused, may result in termination from the program.
Parents must notify the teacher when their child is absent for any reason.
Excused absences include:
a. Illness or quarantine of the child, parent or sibling
b. Doctor, dentist or medical therapy appointment
c. Act of nature (earthquake, flood or fire) with damage to home
d. Civil unrest/police action in neighborhood
e. Court appearance of child
f. Court-ordered time spent with a parent/guardian or other relative
Best Interest Days: CREST/Teen Center students are allowed ten (10) “best interest” days per
program year for vacation, etc. These may include:
a. Vacation
b. Bereavement/funeral (day of service only)
c. Cultural/religious celebration
d. Other family occasion (for example, parent graduation)
e. School suspension
Unexcused absences are absences not listed above and may include:
a. Personal family business
b. Court appearance not requiring child
c. Too tired or didn’t sleep
d. No transportation
e. School activities (non-mandatory)
NOTE: Absences in excess of five (5) days and not included under “excused absences” or “best interest
days” are considered “unexcused” and may be cause for termination of services. If terminated, families will
not be eligible for childcare for one (1) year.
For communicable diseases and children who are absent for five (5) consecutive days due to illness, a
doctor’s note must be submitted prior to re-admittance.
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