Use large gatherings to introduce the importance of preschool attendance and the need to monitor absences

Preschool orientations, back-to-school nights, parent workshops and other family events provide important opportunities for directors and teachers to raise awareness and engage families in dialogue about why attendance is important. Since parents may be reluctant to show up for an event specifically on attendance, it often is more effective to to use attendance as a preamble to other activities or build the topic into broader family occasions. The discussion might include:

Why attendance is so important for young children

How families can help monitor and promote good attendance all year long

What rules and expectations govern attendance for your program. Consider creating a handout that explains:

  • Procedures families should use for reporting absences
  • Steps the preschool will take when a child is absent
  • Policy on tardiness
Explore the Early Education Toolkit