Policy 4110 requires every county to have an attendance policy, because students who attend school regularly do better and are more likely to graduate. It spells out which absences are excused, such as illness, medical appointments, or a death in the family. Families must turn in documentation within three school days after the student returns, or the absence counts as unexcused. A student who misses 10 percent or more of instructional days is considered chronically absent. Excused and unexcused absences both count, but days missed because the bus didn't run or because of discipline do not.
Schools must have a plan to encourage attendance and step in early when students start missing school. That means contacting families after three and five unexcused absences, and working with outside agencies when problems are serious. Each county has an attendance director who oversees this work and supports students experiencing homelessness. The policy also protects pregnant and parenting students through Jaycie's Law, which excuses absences related to pregnancy, birth, and caring for a sick child.
This summary highlights the main points of Policy 4110. For complete definitions, the full list of excused absences, and the specific responsibilities of schools, counties, and attendance directors, see the full policy.