Educators

Report an Absent Child

Children’s attendance matters. It supports both their safety and the integrity of early education services.

If a child enrolled in School Readiness services has unreported or prolonged absences, providers are required to notify the Early Learning Coalition. Timely reporting ensures providers stay in compliance with state requirements and helps the Coalition follow up appropriately to support families and protect children’s well-being.

This page is for child care providers to submit absence reports directly to the Coalition.

When to Submit a Report

You should use this form to report a child’s absence when:

A School Readiness child has been absent for five (5) consecutive days with no communication from the parent or guardian.
A School Readiness child has ten (10) unexplained absences during a calendar month.
A child considered “at-risk” or under protective supervision (BG1/Rilya Wilson) has an unexcused absence or seven (7) consecutive excused absences.

In these cases, the law and state policy require providers to report the absence so that the child’s enrollment status can be reviewed and appropriate follow-up steps taken.

How to Submit an Absence Report

Please complete the form below to report an absent child directly to the Coalition.

"*" indicates required fields

URL

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Absence Type*

At-Risk BG-1 Absences

5 Consecutive Absences During a Total Calendar Month

10 Unexplained Absences During a Total Calendar Month

Name of Child Care Program*

Name of Person Reporting*

First Last

Child’s Name*

First Last

Child’s Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)*

Dates of Child's Absence(s)*

Comments

Report absences of “At Risk” children by contacting us at (941) 954-4830

Why Timely Reporting Matters

Reporting absences promptly:

Helps ensure the safety and well-being of children
Keeps your program in compliance with state and contract requirements
Supports accurate attendance and funding practices
Allows the Coalition to follow up with families when needed

At-Risk BG-1 Children Absences: 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)

If you have questions about absence reporting or the Rilya Wilson Act, contact the Coalition’s Provider Support Team.