Is your child avoiding going to school? Check out these services to better off your students education and growth:
Did You Know?
Starting in kindergarten, too many absences (excused and unexcused) can cause children to fall behind in school.
“Being in school” is a unique experience that cannot be made up. The opportunity for class discussion, the chance for involvement with a variety of instructional media, and the opportunity to have attention from the teacher, etc. for that day is lost to the child.
Missing school increases the chance that your student will not read or master math at the same level as their peers.
Students can still fall behind if they miss just a day or two every few weeks.
Being late to school, or dismissed early, disrupts your child’s school day and may lead to poor attendance.
Programs for Parents/Guardians:
School Avoidance Master Class ($189.00 OR $95 installment Plan)
What we need from YOU!
We miss your student when they are gone and we value their contributions to our school. We would like you to help your child attend regularly and so that they are successful in school. If your child is going to be absent, please contact your child's school. When you call, please leave your child’s name, his/her room number, and the reason for the absence. If your child is out for three consecutive days, a doctor’s note is required. Our goal is to have all students in their classrooms on-time daily. If your child is absent or tardy 5 or more days, you will receive a letter from your child's school regarding their attendance record.
Set attendance goals with your child and track your child's attendance on a calendar. Try offering small rewards for not missing any school, such as a later bedtime on weekends.
Help your child get a good night's sleep. A lack of sleep is associated with lower school achievement starting in middle school, as well as higher numbers of missed school and tardiness. Most younger children need 10-12 hours per night and adolescents (13-18 years of age) need 8-10 hours per night. Check how many hours your child needs here.
Prep the night before to streamline your morning. Lay out your child's clothes. Pack backpacks and lunches. Develop back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up like a missed bus or an early meeting. Have a family member, a neighbor, or another trusted adult on standby to take your child to school should you ever need help.
Try to schedule dental or medical appointments before or after school hours. If children have to miss school for medical appointments, have them return immediately afterward so they do not miss the entire day.
Schedule extended trips during school breaks. This helps your child stay caught up in school learning and sets the expectation for your child to be in school during the school year. Even in elementary school, missing a week of classes can set your child behind on learning.
Don't let your child stay home unless he or she is truly sick. Reasons to keep your child home from school include a temperature greater than 101 degrees, vomiting, diarrhea, a hacking cough, or a toothache. Keep in mind, complaints of frequent stomachaches or headaches can be a sign of anxiety and may not be a reason to stay home. See School Avoidance: Tips for Concerned Parents.
Talk with your child about the reasons why he or she does not want to go to school. School-related anxiety can lead to school avoidance. Talk to your child about their symptoms and try to get them to talk about any emotional struggles they may have with issues like bullying, fear of failure, or actual physical harm. If you are concerned about your child's mental health, talk with your pediatrician, your child's teacher, or school counselor.
If your child has a chronic health issue such as asthma, allergies, or seizures, talk with your pediatrician about developing a school action plan. Meet with and get to know the nurse at your child's school. If you need guidance and documentation for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan, ask for your pediatrician's help accessing services at school.
Follow the rules. Be sure you know what your school's requirements are for when your child will be absent or late. If you are supposed to call, email, or provide a doctor's note after a certain number of days out, then do it. If we want our children to follow rules, we must lead by example. Cross your t's and dot your i's when it comes to these procedures.
Keep track of your child's attendance and investigate reasons when the days missed add up. Look into why your child is absent. Think about your child's mood. Has she been spending time by herself lately? Is his chronic condition starting to be more problematic? Is this school refusal? You know your child best.