Compulsory School Attendance (BECCA)

Washington State Law requires all parents, guardians and Washington State residents having children between the ages of eight and eighteen to ensure those children are attending a public or private school. In addition, any children ages six and seven who have enrolled in school are required to maintain regular attendance.

Schools will inform a parent or guardian whenever the child is absent one day without excuse and inform the parent of the potential consequences of additional unexcused absences.

After two unexcused absences the school should set up a conference with the parent or guardian to analyze the cause of the students attendance problem and discuss steps to eliminate or reduce the child's absences. These steps shall include, where appropriate:

• Adjusting the child's school program or school or course assignment.
• Providing more individualized or remedial instruction.
• Providing appropriate vocational courses or work experience.
• Requiring the child to attend an alternative school or program.
• Assisting the parent or child to obtain supplementary services that might eliminate or ameliorate the cause or causes for the absence from school.

If the child's parent does not attend the scheduled conference, the conference may be conducted with the student and school official. However, the parent shall be notified of the steps to be taken to eliminate or reduce the child's absence.

If a child transfers from one school district to another during the school year, the receiving school or school district shall include the unexcused absences accumulated at the previous school or from the previous school district for purposes of this section.

If the actions taken by a school district are not successful in substantially reducing an enrolled student's absences from public school, not later than the tenth unexcused absence during the current school year, the school district shall file a petition and supporting affidavit for a civil action with the juvenile court alleging a violation of RCW 281.225.010 by:

• The child
• The parent
• The parent and the child

Upon receipt of the petition, the court shall schedule a hearing for the parent/student in violation.

At this hearing the presiding judge will issue an order requiring the student to attend school.

If after receiving this order the student attends school without further unexcused absences, no additional action will be taken.

Conversely, if the student continues to be absent without excuse, the court will schedule a hearing for the student/parent to show cause why they should not receive consequences for violation of RCW 281.225.010 in accordance with RCW 28A.225.090. Penalties/Court Orders may include:

• Attendance at an alternative education program, skill center or dropout prevention program
• Drug and alcohol testing
• Community service
• Detention or detention alternatives
• Parents violating RCW 281.225.010 may be fined up to $25 for each day of unexcused absence

Failure to appear in court for a show cause hearing will result in a bench warrant being issued.

For more information:
Phone:  425-431-7086
Email:  ellisl@edmonds.wednet.edu