"Called to be a Family of Families"
Does good attendance really matter in the early grades? The answer to this question is YES! And here’s why.
National Center for Education Statistics states “Students who attend school regularly have been shown to achieve at higher levels than students who do not have regular attendance.” Children need to be in school to learn and reach their full potential.
Poor attendance in early grades affects higher grade performance. Children who have excess absences in kindergarten and first grade miss out on learning the basic building blocks, the foundation, which later effects the rest. It’s hard playing catch-up and this effects children’s emotional and social growth as well as academic growth.
Chronic absenteeism is defined as 18 or more days absent (excused/unexcused) based on a 180-day school year (10% or more). Just 2 absences a month adds up.
Research has shown that students who are chronically absent in kindergarten and first grade are only 17% likely to be reading on grade level after 3rd grade. The odds are not in your child’s favor if absences are not curtailed and good school habits are not addressed.
Being late to school also effects learning and may cause children anxiety as they may be playing catch with organization and setting the tone for the day.
We want your child to succeed and understand that children get sick; school is a great place to spread germs. We are not encouraging you to send your child to school sick and on medication to mask symptoms as this will only cause others to get sick. So when should you keep your child home? Check out the article under Tips from the School Nurse: When should I keep my child home from school?
To learn more about School Attendance and how to build healthy habits, click on the links below:
Build the Habit of Good Attendance Early – Elementary
Build the Habit of Good Attendance Early – Preschool and Kindergarten
Preschool/Kindergarten Get Ready for School
Is Your Child Missing School due to Anxiety?
Attendance in the Early Grades Infographic
Pay Attention to Attendance: Middle School and High School
Healthy Children: School Attendance, Truancy & Chronic Absenteeism: What Parents Need to Know
Healthy Children: School Avoidance: Tips for Concerned Parents