It’s crazy to think that very soon, my child will be leaving the only school he’s ever known to enter kindergarten- and I know that other families out there have very similar feelings of excitement and nerves when it comes to their child starting a new school, class, or routine. Kindergarten comes with a whole new set of routines, including the importance of attendance. Luckily, there are a few tips for all families to ensure your child has a great start to the new school year, and they have healthy attendance habits not only all year long, but throughout their lifetime. 

Build Good Attendance Habits Early

By building good attendance habits in preschool and kindergarten, kids will learn that going to school on time, every day, is important. Students are more likely to attend school if they feel safe and supported, and parents can help cultivate this feeling by keeping up with predicable routines and speaking to their teachers to ensure they are learning in a positive, supportive environment. So, what else can you do to encourage good attendance?

• Keep up with those regular bedtime and morning routines, and ensure clothes and backpacks are prepared the night before.
• Try not to let your child stay home unless they are truly sick.
• Develop back-up plans if something comes up, such as calling on a family member, neighbor, or friend to take your child to school.
• Try to avoid non-urgent medical appointments and extended trips when school is in session.

Why is Good Attendance Important?

Did you know that starting in kindergarten, too many absences can cause children to fall behind in school? Missing just 10% (or about 18 days) of school during the year can make it harder for children to keep up with basic skills, such as reading and math. Every day that a student attends school, they have the opportunity to learn and build relationships with their peers and teachers. By attending school regularly, children will continue to do well throughout high school, college, and in their adult professions. 

Attending school prepared and regularly will help children feel better about their learning and themselves- and will help YOU feel more confident too! And remember, you are not alone- your child’s teacher is there to work with you to help your child feel comfortable in the classroom and develop strong attendance. For more information on making the big transition to kindergarten, visit our website at https://www.elcpalmbeach.org/transition-to-kindergarten.