KEEP YOUR STUDENT HEALTHY & IN SCHOOL

Attendance Matters

A regular attendance routine is important for your child’s well-being, learning, and long-term success. Below are tips to keep your child healthy and avoid unnecessary absences from school. 

SAFETY

• Make sure your child wears a seatbelt and/or uses appropriate car seats, and a helmet when using a bike, skateboard or scooter. 
• If your child walks to school, help them find a safe route to school and at least one friend with whom they can walk. 
• Have a backup plan in case of bad weather. 

HYGIENE

• Stress hand washing, particularly before eating, and after using the restroom.
• Remind your child to brush their teeth twice a day. 
• Guide them to avoid contact with individuals who are sick. 
• Teach them not to share cups, utensils, hairbrushes or combs. 

WELLNESS

Ensure your child visits their health care provider for the following: 

• A physical once a year. 
• All recommended immunizations. 
• Chronic health issues such as asthma or diabetes. 
• Make sure your child visits the dentist twice a year. 
• Schedule non-urgent medical appointments outside of school hours. 
• If your child doesn’t have health or dental insurance, reach out to your school’s nurse, your school’s social worker or another staff member to help connect you with resources. 
• Complete your school’s annual health form. 
• Agree to allow your child to participate in health and vision screenings offered at school.
• If your child has a chronic health issue such as asthma, make sure that your child’s health care provider completes appropriate school forms that allow your child to keep/carry any necessary medications at school.
• If your child has a disability, work closely with the school and your child’s healthcare provider to ensure appropriate support and services. 
• If your child has a compromised immune system or is at high risk for complications from common illnesses, please talk to your school nurse about developing a plan with you and your child’s healthcare provider to keep your child healthy and safe while attending school. 
• If you are concerned that your child may have a contagious illness (including COVID-19), call your child’s healthcare provider or school nurse for advice. 
• If your child needs to stay home for a prolonged period due to illness, talk to your child’s teacher to find out about resources they can use at home to keep learning once they feel well enough. 

ENGAGEMENT 

• Make sure your child feels safe and connected at school. 
• Involve them in after-school activities. 
• If you are worried that your child may be suffering from anxiety, talk with your teacher, the school nurse, social worker or other school staff to discuss the challenge and identify what can help your child.
• If your child is missing class because of challenges with behavioral issues, contact the school and/or your child’s healthcare provider for support and resources. 
• Monitor your child’s attendance and academic progress and seek support when needed. 

* Information provided by Attendance Works, Kaiser Permanente, and the National Association of School Nurses