Getting your young child to school — every day

In this article, you’ll find answers to questions like:

1. What's the impact of absences?
2. How to be a role model?

1. WHAT'S THE IMPACT OF ABSENCES?

Attendance matters because missing school, even preschool, can leave children behind their classmates. Consistently missing school or being late can mean children struggle in class not just this week or this month, but throughout their school years. Poor attendance can increase the child’s chance of not graduating and can make it harder to succeed in college or a career.

Missing school as few as two days a month adds up quickly to nearly 10 percent of the academic year. Missing that much time makes it harder for children to learn to read by third grade (a key indicator of school success) and maintain their learning.

2. HOW TO BE A ROLE MODEL?

It starts at home in the earliest years because young children rely on their families to get to school. Parents can help build good habits and children’s determination to get to school on time, every day.

As parents, we can set an example for our children by making sure they arrive at school on time and are absent from school only when it’s necessary.

For a video on the importance of school attendance by Hedy Chang, founder and director of Attendance Works, click here. Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County sponsored a visit by Ms. Chang to discuss attendance with School District administrators and mayors of local cities.

And two final reminders for parents: First, good attendance is not just about complying with the rules. It’s about providing children with more and better opportunities to learn. Second, an “excused” absence is still an absence. If your child isn’t in their seat, your child is not learning.

SOURCES:

• Attendance Works