Truancy vs. Chronic Absence; what is the difference?
DID YOU KNOW?
- Starting in kindergarten, too many absences can cause children to fall behind in school.
- Missing 10 percent (or about 18 days) can make it harder to learn to read.
- Students can still fall behind if they miss just a day or two days every few weeks.
- Being late to school may lead to poor attendance.
- Absences 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. Good attendance will help children do well in high school, college, and at work.
What families can do!
- Find out what day school starts and make sure your child has the required shots. Build regular routines for bed time and the morning.
- Talk about the importance of regular attendance and about how your child feels about school. Don’t permit missing school unless your child is truly sick.
- Use a thermometer to check for a fever.
- Remember that stomach aches and headaches may be signs of anxiety.
- Avoid medical appointments and extended trips when school is in session.
- Keep a chart recording your child’s attendance at home.
- At the end of the week, talk with your child about what you see.
- Develop back up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Ask a family member, neighbor or another parent for help.
- Seek support from school staff or community groups to help with transportation, health problems, or no safe path to school.
