Having a tough time getting your child to school?

Here are some suggestions for parents from Attendance Works.

• Keep an attendance chart at home. At the end of the week, reward your child for attending school every day. Rewards could include a visit to the park, extra video game time or a special treat.
• As your child’s teacher for a stoplight worksheet to record all missed days during the year. Your child can see when he/she is starting to miss too much school.
• Make sure your child is in bed by a certain time each night and the alarm clock is set.
• Don’t let children stay home unless they are truly sick. Keep in mind complaints of a stomachache or headache can be a sign of anxiety and not a reason to stay home.
• If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school social workers, or other parents for advice on how to make him/her feel comfortable and excited about learning.
• If your child has a cold but no fever (less than 100 degrees), send him/ her to school anyway.
• Identify a relative, friend or neighbor who can take your child to school if you can’t.
• Avoid medical appointments and extended trips when school is in session.

Together, we can reduce chronic absenteeism in Cohoes.