Students miss school for many reasons including illness, lack of transportation, work, homelessness, and family responsibilities. Families understand the importance of education, however, they may not realize how quickly absences from school can add up. Schools, families, and communities can work together to improve attendance and support the needs of families and students.

Attending school every day will help children as they progress through their academic career. Preschool is a great time to begin building a habit of good attendance. Young children with poor attendance also lose out on valuable learning time and if chronic absence continues into kindergarten, it can pull down academic achievement. Studies show many children who miss too many days in kindergarten and first grade can struggle academically in later years. They often have trouble mastering reading by the end of third grade. Helping your child get to school on time every day is an important way you can promote your child’s academic success.