By Attendance Works
Did you know?
Too many absences in preschool and elementary school can cause children to struggle socially and academically.
Being late to school may lead to poor attendance.
Missing 10% of school (2 days each month) can make it harder to learn to read and do basic math.
Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school — and themselves.
Start building this habit in preschool and through elementary school so they learn right away that going to school on time, every day, is important.
What you can do
Set a regular bedtime and morning routine.
Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
Keep your child healthy and make sure your child has the required shots.
Develop backup plans for getting to school if something comes up.
Monitor your child’s absences.
Try to schedule nonurgent medical appointments and extended trips when school isn’t in session.
If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors, and other parents for advice on how to make your child feel comfortable and excited about learning.
If you are concerned that your child may have a contagious illness, call your school nurse or health-care provider for advice. Ask the teacher for ideas to support missed learning time.
Chronic absence
Chronic absence is missing 2+ days every month over the course of a school year.
This handout includes a sample calendar showing school months from September through June. Families can use a calendar to keep track of days in school and days missed.