Hello everyone,
I am fairly new at being a director, and a first-time director at that. It has been a steep learning curve!
I only worked in corporate America for about 5 years; other than that, in mostly private preschools and daycares, so I need some schooling on setting policies for staff attendance/unexcused absences. Since there is no policy - yet- on attendance, some of my staff have become lackadaisical about their attendance (example: "I have a cold, so I'd like to stay home"), or not making arrangements for others to watch their sick child, so they can stay at work. Since I never knew differently, I always would say, ok, and work the shift for them. Thankfully it is only a few of my staff, (I have staff who will work their shift regardless of headaches, backaches, pulled muscles, and bad colds!) but still, I am near to tearing my hair out, having a nervous breakdown, or running screaming into the night! I lose office time on a weekly basis. We are planning on hiring more staff, such as a person who can be a permanent full-time on-site substitute, too, but still I need to set guidelines!
My question is: How many days do other centers allow for unexcused absences? What repercussions are there if a staff member goes over their "quota"? If they are truly sick for more than one day, should they bring a doctor's note? Also, how much time, if any, would a part-time or temporary (summer help) staff member be allowed to have? I mean unpaid, non-vacation days.
I would appreciate any and all advice! Thank you so much.
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Beth Flohr
Director
Dei Spring Academy & Child Care Center
Cold Spring MN
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