How to Report a Child's Absence
Report a child's absence by filling out the absence reporting form.
Rilya Wilson Act Absences (Child under court-ordered protective services):
A child from birth to the age of school entry, who is under court-ordered protective supervision or in out-of home care and is enrolled in an early education or child care program must attend the program 5 days a week unless the court grants an exception. (Pursuant to s. 39.604, Florida Statutes)
Rilya Wilson Act Requirements for Child Care Providers:
- The child must be enrolled in the program 5 days a week.
- The child may not be withdrawn without prior written approval from the Department of Children and Families or Childnet.
- The caregiver for the child is required to report any absences to their provider by the end of the day. Failure to report the absence to the provider is considered an unexcused absence.
- The child care program shall report any unexcused absence or seven consecutive excused absences of a child who is enrolled in the program and covered by this act to ChildNet by the end of the business day following the unexcused absence or seventh consecutive excused absence.
- If it is not in the best interest of the child to remain at the child care/early education program, the caregiver must work with the Case Manager, Guardian Ad Litem, child care and education staff, and education surrogate (if one has been appointed), to determine the best setting for the child.
Non-Rilya Wilson Cases
If a School Readiness child is absent for 5 consecutive days:
If a child is absent for five (5) consecutive days of the child’s regularly scheduled attendance, during a calendar month, with no contact from the parent, the provider shall submit written notification to the ELC of Broward who in turn shall determine the need for continued care. (Per Rule 6M-4.500(4)(c) Child Attendance and Provider Reimbursements)
If a School Readiness child has 10 unexplained absences:
If a child has ten (10) unexplained absences during a total calendar month of attendance, with no contact from the parent, the provider shall submit written notification to the ELC of Broward who in turn shall determine the need for continued care. (Per Rule 6M-4.500(4)(d) Child Attendance and Provider Reimbursements)
IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS REGARDING ANY CHILD YOU CARE FOR, CONTACT THE FLORIDA ABUSE HOTLINE AT 1-800-96-ABUSE.