Dear School Readiness Providers,

We have an important update regarding
the Extended Absence Form (EAF).

Effective January 1, 2026, all School Readiness (SR) providers
must use the updated Extended Absence Form (EAF) when submitting January 2026 electronic attendance.

This form is required for children funded through SR, LOCAL JWB SR PLUS, and DEL SR PLUS programs. It does not apply to children funded through the DOE/Teen Parent Program.

What’s Changing?

Providers requesting reimbursement for more than 3 absences in a service period month must use and submit the updated EAF with required supporting documentation.
Absences beyond 3 days will only be reimbursed if documentation supports extraordinary circumstances.
If documentation is missing, the provider will not be reimbursed, and the client will be responsible for the full childcare fee for those days.

Action Required:

Share the updated EAF with your clients and
explain the new documentation requirements.
Discard all previous versions of the EAF after
December 2025 attendance is finalized.
Attach the updated EAF (effective 01/01/2026) to the child’s 4th absence in the electronic attendance system,
along with all required documentation.

Important Reminders:

The SR Reimbursement Team will not notify
providers if the wrong form is submitted.
Review your Monthly Reimbursement Detail Report
to confirm extended absences were reimbursed.
If the wrong form was used, follow the Late Extended Absence Form submission process, including a Monthly Adjustment Request Form (MARF) and required documentation.

For questions or assistance, visit ELCPinellas.org.

Thank you for your attention to this important update and
for your continued partnership.