Kindergarten Builds Foundations;
Attendance Matters Early
According to AttendanceWorks.org, attending school regularly helps children feel better about school—and themselves. Start building this habit early so they learn right away that going to school on time, every day is important. Good attendance will help children do well in high school, college, and at work.
What can you do?
  • Set a regular bed time and morning routine.
  • Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
  • Find out what day school starts and make sure your child has the required shots.
  • Introduce your child to her teachers and classmates before school starts to help her transition.
  • Don’t let your child stay home unless she is truly sick. Keep in mind complaints of a stomach ache or headache can be a sign of anxiety and not a reason to stay home.
  • If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make her feel comfortable and excited about learning.
  • Develop back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent.
  • Avoid medical appointments and extended trips when school is in session.

Used with permission of Attendance Works.
In the next edition: Requirements for enrollment