As teachers, you play a key role in addressing chronic absence. The good news is that you don’t have to solve this alone. You can:
Take roll regularly showing students that you care when they miss school
Reach out to frequently absent students to find out in a supportive manner why they are missing school and what would help them attend more regularly.
Work with parents to stress the importance of early education and to learn about any barriers to good attendance.
Create a nurturing, engaging classroom that will encourage children to come to school. Work with colleagues to develop and implement a school-wide system of incentives and reward for good attendance.
Encourage families to partner with other school staff, such as social workers or nurses, as well as community agencies to get needed supports to help children and families solve a significant barrier to getting to school.
Clear, concise and consistent communication about schedules and expectations
Routines, rituals and celebrations related to attendance and engagement
Personalized positive communication to families when students are absent
Recognition of good and improved attendance
Impact of attendance on whole child widely understood
Connection to a caring adult in the school
Every child and their family encouraged to develop a success plan that includes attention to attendance