Is there an attendance policy at your pre-K ?
CHS2005
member
We are in GA and DS1's state funded pre-k requires full time, 5 days a week next year. I am fine with him going 5 days, all day, but in reality, DS1 misses a lot of day care. We have full time because my schedule is unpredictable but its flexible, and I can often get out for a day and keep them out. Also, my mother lives close and they spend a day together probably once a week. He adores her and I know he will not understand that we can't do this next year. A friend of mine ended up paying for day care for her 4 year old just so they could keep him out more - and I am a little jealous 
So, I know that we cannot pass up the chance to save $900 a month on day care for DS1, but I am sad that we will miss this time.
Also- if you do have an attendance policy, how closely do you follow it? They have made it clear he needs to be there, but still, I am going to wait and see how much it is enforced.
Re: Is there an attendance policy at your pre-K ?
There's one for k-8, and a more strict one for high school (9-12)
For k-8 you get 12 excused or unexcused absences. Then you can be recommended to repeat that grade the next year.
For HS- the policy is basically, 3 absences is 'excessive' and parents will be contacted and after certain number of unexcused absences the DA is notify, etc, etc.. gets kinda hardcore; but kids can drop out at 16, so at that point I think they just stop.
But for Pre-k I don't think there is a definitive policy, but since I think pre-k is supposed to get you and the child ready for K, then there would be a push to be there unless the child had to be out.
Ds1 is also in a state funded PreK this year, there is an attendance policy but if they miss more than that it will not hurt them to go into K. Now we are a small town and the school PreK-12th is all in the same building. Ds has missed a bit because we went on vacation and he has been sick plus doctor appointments. Now my H is overseas and everyone here knows everyone and so his was excused.
The prim. reason is just routine, and getting them ready for K because in K they stick to the policy and not pass them to 1st grade. He has also learned so much.
I don't think preK is too early to start teaching kids the value and importance of school. If you take it seriously so will they as they go through their school years. If you blow it off to hang out or whatever so will they.
Just the opinion of a teacher who has dealt with many lackadaisical parents and kids... (I understand 4 is young, but don't think it changes the point)
DS is going to a non-public Pre-K and I'll be taking him out of class every other week for "fun things" and then another occasion for a family vacation.
Once he starts kindergarten, however, I won't do that anymore.
I am pretty sure that most state funded Pre-K programs have attendance policies. First, they usually receive their funding based on the days your child attends, just like elementary school and beyond. So every day you miss they lose money. Secondly, most have waiting lists and would rather give the spot to a child that will attend regularly.
DD is in a private Pre-K and they still have a policy. They have a wait list and prefer to have families that attend regularly.
My daughter is also in a GA PreK program. Not only does she like being a big kid and go to a school like her older cousins. I appreciate her getting in the routine of getting up early and going through the school atmosphere. Next year, she will actually have shorter days (though getting up a half hour earlier) because she get out at 230 instead of when we pick her up at 430-500.She is also excited about K because she gets to bring her own lunch. Big stuff since her preschool doesnt allow outside food.
We still take her out for vacations, when she's sick and other fun stuff, but her school also does fun stuff like when they went Universoul Circus came into town and the drive thru Safari.
I think the attendance policy is great idea and yes, 4 is young, we as parents need to start getting into the routine and realizing our babies are growing.