We know how much you want your child to continue learning and to feel connected to school. Yet every winter—snow, freezing temperatures, or even heavy rains—can make it harder to get children to school. Illnesses such as colds, flu, and fevers can also be a challenge. Below are tips to help you during the winter months.
What can parents and caregivers do?
Develop back-up plans for getting your children to school in bad weather
Check to see who can give your children a ride to school if you aren’t able to take them or the bus doesn’t arrive.
Talk with your school about forming a “walking school bus” with other families to get students to school safely.
Contact your local government if roads to school are not regularly plowed.
Join other families to clear snow from the sidewalks closest to the school.
Visit Attendance Works at www.attendanceworks.org for free downloadable resources and tools!
Tell school administrators about transportation challenges, including safety, and ask how they can support transporting students.
Keep your children healthy
Maintain a regular bedtime and morning routine.
Make sure students eat a good breakfast every morning or check to see if your school serves breakfast.
Ensure your children visit their medical provider and receive needed immunizations, including the flu shot.
Stress hand washing, especially before and after eating and after using the restroom.
Remind children to avoid close contact with people who are sick and not to share cups or utensils.
If your children feel anxious about going to school, ask teachers, school counselors, medical providers, or other families for advice.
Keep your children engaged in learning if they cannot attend school in person
Ask teachers or the school for learning resources you can use at home.
Identify who can help support your children’s learning if you must go to work.
Encourage children to contact classmates and stay connected with the teacher to learn what they missed.
December 2025
Visit Attendance Works for free downloadable resources and tools.