What families can do
Find out what day school starts and make sure your child has the required shots.
Build regular routines for bed time and the morning.
Talk about the importance of regular attendance and about how your child feels about school.
Don’t permit missing school unless your child is truly sick. Use a thermometer to check for a fever. Remember that stomach aches and headaches may be signs of anxiety.
Avoid medical appointments and extended trips when school is in session.
Keep a chart recording your child’s attendance at home. At the end of the week, talk with your child about what you see.
Develop back up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Ask a family member, neighbor or another parent for help
Seek support from school staff or community groups to help with transportation, health problems, or no safe path to school.