Understand your school's policy on attendance PDF Print E-mail
Don't let the fun of kindergarten fool you --serious learning is taking place! That's just one of the reasons good attendance is critical. Regular attendance also sets the stage for future success in school. There are times, of course, when missing school is necessary.

To better understand how attendance works at your school, ask questions such as:

  • What should I do when my child can't come to school? Schools often ask parents to notify the office--sometimes via a special phone number--when students will be out. The school also needs to know about certain illnesses. Write the teacher a note, too, when an absence is planned.
  • What are "excused" and "unexcused" absences? Certain absences are generally excused (such as being ill), while others may be unexcused (such as family vacations). If you must schedule an absence during school hours, try to choose the least disruptive time. Also ask about limits on unexcused absences and tardies.
  • Should I request makeup work when my kindergartner is absent? Talk with the teacher about her preference. Some teachers like children to complete missed work--even if they've only been out a short time. They may send this home automatically. Other teachers have different policies.

Reprinted with permission from the September 2009 issue of Parents make the difference!® (Early Childhood Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2009 The Parent Institute®, a division of NIS, Inc.