Absenteeism in the Early Years

"While many think of chronic absenteeism as a secondary school problem, research is beginning to suggest that the start of elementary school is the critical time to prevent truancy," writes Sarah Sparks in Education Week (October 20, 2010). 

"...Rates of absenteeism in kindergarten and 1st grade can rival those in high school.  An average of 1 in 10 pupils in grades K-12 nationwide is considered chronically absent, defined as missing 10 percent or more of school....  According to the Casey Foundation... the problem is especially acute among students from low-income families.  The foundation reports that, in 2009, more than 1 in 5 poor kindergartners was chronically absent, compared with 8 percent of youngsters living around the poverty level....

"...Missing school early, when pupils are learning the most basic skills, can hamstring them later in grades and contribute to poor attendance throughout their academic career.  The National Center for Children in Poverty found in 2008 that on average, pupils who missed 10 percent or more of school in kindergarten scored significantly lower in reading, math, and general knowledge tests at the end of 1st grade than those who missed 3 percent or fewer days.  Moreover, researchers found chronic absenteeism in kindergarten predicted continuing absences in later grades."

For more information about Exchange's magazine, books, and other products pertaining to ECE, go to www.ccie.com.

© 2005 Child Care Information Exchange - All Rights Reserved | Contact Us | Return to Site