Head Start policy requires programs to achieve 85%
average monthly attendance (U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services, 1992, Head Start Performance Standards).
This method of calculation masks individual absences as
previously discussed. It allows the child up to 9 absences per
month, or 90 of the 180 school days without being dropped
from the program. Local Head Start procedure requires the
teacher to contact the family after two consecutive days of
absence and outlines the roles of the Family Service Workers
and director; however, this procedure does not have
universal adherence.