Department of Early Learning

Why Attendance Matters in Early Learning 

Consistent attendance in Pre-K helps children build strong routines, confidence, and school readiness. According to Attendance Works, children who attend school regularly in the early years: 

 

• Build stronger language, early literacy, and math skills 

• Develop important social–emotional habits (following routines, making friends, cooperating) 

• Are more likely to be ready for kindergarten 

• Form positive habits that influence attendance and achievement for years to come 

 

Even absences in Pre-K—including those that seem small—can add up quickly. Missing just 2 days a month can cause children to fall behind in foundational learning that is essential for later success. 

 

LCS VPK Attendance Requirements 

Leon County Schools follows state guidelines for all Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) programs. To remain enrolled: 

Daily attendance is required. 

The VPK instructional day is 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Monday through Friday. 

When a child is absent, they miss valuable instruction during a narrow instructional window. 

Missing more than one hour counts as an absence.  

 

Absence Limits 

Students may not exceed: 

10 absences per semester 
(approximately 11% of total instructional time) 

Exceeding this amount may result in dismissal from the VPK program.  

Tardies & Early Dismissals 

 

Late arrivals and early pick-ups: 

 

• Interrupt classroom routines 

• Make it harder for children to settle into learning 

• Count toward the 11% maximum allowable absences  

 

Late arrivals or early departures that exceed this threshold may result in dismissal from the program. 

 

Departure & Pick-Up Procedures 

All VPK students must be picked up by 11:30 a.m., unless enrolled in: 

 

• School Readiness care 

• Private-pay Wrap Services (to 2:50 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. through EDEP) 

• VPK All Day (at Title I schools) 

 

Children will only be released to: 

 

• The custodial parent or legal guardian, or 

• Individuals listed in FOCUS Emergency Contacts, with photo ID 

 

Monthly Attendance Verification 

 

Parents must complete and sign the state-required VPK Attendance Verification Form (DEL Long Form) each month. 

Your child’s VPK teacher will provide this form and share instructions for signing. 
All families must complete this form to remain enrolled.  

How Families Can Help Ensure Good Attendance 

 

• Establish a consistent morning routine 

• Set early bedtimes to support morning readiness 

• Schedule appointments outside school hours whenever possible 

• Keep children home only for illness or emergencies 

• Stay in communication with your child’s school if challenges arise 

 

Why Attendance in Pre-K Is So Important 

According to Attendance Works, children who develop strong attendance habits in Pre-K are: 

 

• More successful in kindergarten 

• Less likely to fall behind in early reading 

• More confident and socially connected 

• More likely to attend regularly throughout elementary school 

 

Early attendance = lifelong learning success.