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Daily Attendance SOP

Purpose

To ensure accurate documentation of each childā€™s presence in care for supervision, safety, accountability, and regulatory compliance.

Scope

This SOP applies to all child care personnel responsible for supervising children at any time during the program day.

Policy

Daily attendance must be taken and recorded accurately, documenting the time each child enters and departs the child care program. Attendance records serve as a critical safety and compliance tool and must be maintained in accordance with licensing requirements.

Procedure

Step 1: Record Arrival and Departure

  • Child care personnel must ensure thatĀ each childā€™s arrival and departure timeĀ is documented daily.

  • Attendance must reflect theĀ actual timeĀ the child enters and leaves the program.

Step 2: Use of Attendance Devices

  • Electronic or manual attendance devices may be used.

  • Regardless of the method,Ā child care personnel are responsible for verifying accuracy.

  • Each classroom must maintain anĀ attendance sheet or class rosterĀ specific to the group of children assigned to that space.

Step 3: Classroom Accountability

  • The attendance sheet or class roster must:

    • Remain with the assigned group of children at all times

    • Accompany the class during transitions, outdoor play, field trips, or any time the group leaves the classroom

Step 4: Parent/Guardian Documentation

  • Custodial parents or legal guardians may document their childā€™s arrival and departure times.

  • Final responsibility for completeness and accuracy remains with child care personnel, regardless of who enters the information.

Step 5: Record Retention

  • Attendance records must be maintained on file for aĀ minimum of twelve (12) months.

  • Records must be available for review by licensing authorities upon request.

Step 6: Program-Specific Attendance

  • Attendance records used forĀ Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK)Ā orĀ School ReadinessĀ programs may be utilized when applicable, provided they meet all documentation requirements.

Compliance

Failure to maintain accurate attendance records may result in licensing violations and compromises child safety. All personnel are required to follow this SOP without exception.