Attendance
The first years of schooling are important in establishing a respect for the time of others. The formation of punctual attendance habits will continue throughout a child’s educational experience and lifetime.
University Child Care believes it is very important that your child have a consistent environment in which to grow and develop trusting relationships with teachers, because they provide care and nurturing during your absence. We ask that you establish a reliable schedule by dropping your child off and picking them up at approximately the same time each day. This enables the child to develop a sense of routine and feel more secure with those you entrust them to.
Parents are required to sign their children into and out of the center each morning and afternoon. Teachers will take daily attendance and conduct daily health checks also.
If your child is going to miss a day or half-day, please contact us as soon as possible. Children should only be absent due to illness, family emergency, scheduled vacation or other unavoidable circumstances. If your child’s attendance is inconsistent, your family may be placed on the inactive list. This could result in your enrollment slot being given to another family who is waiting for a spot for their child to become available.
If your child is absent for more than three consecutive days due to illness, a signed doctor’s statement is needed upon the child’s return to school. The statement must detail the reason for their absence. If your child is absent from the program for five consecutive unexcused days within a calendar month, they will be dropped from the program.
Requests for extended absence must include a written, detailed reason for the absence that is approved by the Director of UCC. In addition, the Director must approve dates of leave and return.
Parents are asked to give a two week notice before withdrawing from the program. This allows the teachers to help the child with the transition out of the program and provides time for the other children in the classroom to gain a sense of understanding regarding saying goodbye.
UCC firmly believes in a daily attendance of school. If your child’s attendance becomes a concern, you may receive a home visit from one of our Assistant Directors to determine why absences are taking place, and how we might offer assistance that promote reliable attendance. Families and children benefit from this consistency.