Chronic Absenteeism

Overview

Parents are the most important champion for a child’s success in school and life. Partnerships between families and educators are important for helping children arrive on time, every day. Starting in childcare, preschool, and kindergarten, too many absences can cause children to fall behind in school. Missing 10% of school, or just two days each month over the course of the school year, can make it harder for children to learn to read.

The VDOE has launched the #AttendanceMattersVA campaign, which is focused on engaging families and ensuring they know the importance of attendance. The Top 10 Proven Actions to Ensure Your Student is Ready to Soar This School Year resource document is a data-based list of helpful tips for parents to use throughout the school year to ensure student success.

Key Questions and Resources for Parents

How can I support my child in arriving at school on time every day?

A whole family approach to building positive attendance habits including parents, extended family, and siblings can reinforce and strengthen habits. The importance of showing up to school every day on time should be explained and communicated to children, especially teenagers. Teenagers should maintain daily routines, such as finishing homework and getting a good night’s sleep. Work with them to build the habit of good attendance by setting a regular bedtime and morning routine, including laying out clothes and packing backpacks the night before. The most rapid growth and brain development for kids is from birth to five and then in adolescence. Sleep is especially critical for physical growth, storing new information learned every day, and improves a child’s emotional state, ability to concentrate, learn, and think critically. This is why teenagers need about 8 to 10 hours of sleep. Backup plans for transportation can be developed by calling on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent. Refer to the following flyers for more information on setting up strong routines:

• Elementary School  
• Middle and High School 

When children move from elementary school into middle and high school, it is still important to stay engaged with your child’s academic progress and seek help from teachers or tutors when necessary, even as they mature. If a student is missing class because of challenges with behavioral issues or school discipline policies, the school should be contacted to collaborate on a solution. Additionally, it is important to be aware of social contacts that your child has. Navigating social relationships can be a source of stress and kids can feel peer pressure to fit in or skip school, so parents should be mindful of the types of friendships that their child maintains. Teenagers should be encouraged to join meaningful after-school activities, including sports and clubs as these help them continue to build resilience, grow and develop in a healthy manner. Afterschool programs are available for students of all ages through schools, city, and county programs for low to no cost. For tips on locating afterschool opportunities, see this resource from Afterschool Alliance.

How can I ensure my child feels comfortable with the teacher?

If possible, set up a time to meet with the teacher the week before school begins for introductions. Often, schools will host “meet-the-teacher" events prior to the beginning of the school year. Every child is different in how they learn and what they need to thrive socially and academically. It is also important to communicate how your child learns best and their personality to share what their strengths are and where they might need support.

When should I contact my child’s teacher?

It is best practice to contact your child’s teacher or teachers at Open House before the school year starts. A parent should take time with the teacher to make sure the teacher knows important information about the child. This could be a homeroom teacher or advisory teacher; if unclear, reach out to your child’s school to clarify. When a concern arises, a parent should request time with the teacher. Typically, the classroom teacher can be reached via email or through the school’s front office. Frequent communication between the parent and teacher will help parents gain information that will help children arrive on time at school, every day, ready to learn.

What do I do if my child is not feeling well?

Many school divisions have guidelines to help parents decide if a child should be kept home or not for illness. Parents should ask for a copy of these guidelines at the start of the school year. If a child must stay home due to illness, it is important to know the process for informing the school of the absence. It may be required to call or email the school or bring in a doctor’s note. The child’s teacher will have ideas to continue learning at home as the child feels better.

Frequent stomachaches or headaches that prevent children from attending school consistently are common symptoms of anxiety in kids. Similar to getting butterflies in your stomach when nervous, they are real symptoms that lead to avoidance of a stressor, such as school. Avoiding school reinforces and worsens these types of symptoms of anxiety. A parent should call the teacher, nurse or counselor to help the child work through the situation, identify the appropriate supports in school, rather than keep the child at home.

Many schools also have behavioral health services available to assist families in creating the best learning experience and environment for students who are struggling. School-based mental health professionals can include school counselors, school social workers, and school psychologists. These experts support classroom instruction by helping to students remove barriers to learning. They can also be a connector to services in your community if additional help is needed.

Is my child required to have received vaccinations prior to entering school? 

Yes, enrollment in Virginia public schools requires proof of required vaccinations. You can learn more about school vaccine requirements at the Virginia Department of Health webpage, by contacting your child’s school, or by contacting your local health department. It is best to schedule vaccine appointments when school is not in session to ensure your child can promptly enroll.

What if family or personal challenges are preventing my child from going to school?

All families confront challenges or situations that can create obstacles to a child’s attendance, such as health crises, transportation, financial struggles that impact schedules. Virginia schools and school divisions employ staff who can work with families to troubleshoot these challenges in coordination with both school and community resources, including school counselors, social workers, attendance specialists, and family engagement staff. Please contact your child’s school to discuss your unique situation in order to ensure your child’s attendance is not impacted in the meantime.

What do I do if my child is bored at school?

Schools are responsible for engaging students so that they are ready for life after high school graduation. This includes preparing high school students according to the 3E Readiness Framework for employment, enlistment, and enrollment upon graduation with engaging rigorous experiences both inside the classroom and in collaboration with employers and postsecondary education partners outside of the classroom. In addition, schools will partner with employers and postsecondary education partners outside of the classroom. These partnerships can include hands-on career exploration activities, clinical or apprenticeship experience toward high-wage, high-demand industry credentials, or college-ready dual enrollment courses taken at the high school or at the local community college to earn transferable college credits.  The 3E Readiness webpage can provide parents with resources to discuss your concerns about student engagement with your child’s teacher or principal.

Oftentimes student boredom or disengagement in school can be a result of a student’s need for additional services as a gifted learner. The VDOE provides many resources for families and educators at the Gifted Education website. Parents are encouraged to contact their child’s school to discuss your questions or concerns about additional services for their child.

Additional Attendance Resources for Families