This information was taken from Attendance Works.
DID YOU KNOW?
Starting in preschool and kindergarten, too many absences can cause children to fall behind in school.
Missing 10%, or about 2 days each month over the course of a school year, can make it harder to learn to read.
Students can still fall behind if they miss just one or two days every few weeks.
Being late to school may lead to poor attendance.
Absences and tardiness can affect the whole classroom if the teacher has to slow down learning to help children catch up.
Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school—and themselves. Start building this habit in preschool so they learn right away that going to school on time, every day is important. Eventually good attendance will be a skill that will help them succeed in high school and college.
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.
Introduce your children to their teachers and classmates before school starts.
Develop backup plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent.
Try to schedule non-urgent related 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 or health care provider for advice.
If your child must stay home due to illness, ask the teacher for resources and ideas to continue learning at home.
When Do Absences Become a Problem?
CHRONIC ABSENCE
18 or more days
(Red apple image)WARNING SIGNS
10 to 17 days
(Yellow apple image)SATISFACTORY
9 or fewer absences
(Green apple image)
Note: These numbers assume a 180-day school year.