The Importance of Attendance in Early Childhood Education
When you have young children, sticking to a schedule can be a challenge. Getting them to preschool or day care can feel like a daily obstacle course. Even a bad case of the terrible twos can make you want to throw up your hands. It’s easy to overlook the importance of attendance in early childhood education.
Some days are hard. However, regular attendance in early childhood education sets the stage for future schooling. It also has benefits for social skills and many other aspects of your child’s life.
Why Consistent Attendance Matters for Your Child’s Development
Early childhood education makes a major difference in a child’s life. Attendance in early childhood education is important for making the most of the experience. Some reasons are obvious, while others might surprise you. So when life gets hectic, keep these in mind.
Cognitive Growth
The preschool years are key to cognitive development. In fact, 90% of brain growth happens before kindergarten. Skills in literacy, math and reasoning start in preschool. With anything new, like learning letters and numbers, consistency is key. When a child is exposed to learning opportunities each day, they can build skills stronger and faster.
Academic Readiness
Building on those foundations, preschool helps a child prepare for the full range of demands in later schooling. They learn to think on their own and with a group, listen and respond, and remember things. Regular attendance promotes long-term academic success.
Social-Emotional Skills
A preschool or child care environment doesn’t just foster academic skills, of course. Interacting with others teaches emotional regulation and social skills. It can instill confidence and a sense of belonging. Again, consistency helps to build and strengthen these feelings and skills.
Language Development
Language spans academic as well as social skills. Speaking, listening and even starting to read are all important parts of early childhood education. Daily practice with a variety of other people lets a child build their vocabulary and comprehension.
Healthy Routines
The routine of waking up each day, going to preschool and doing certain activities is a lesson in itself. As we get older, we learn to structure our lives and follow through on commitments. Regular attendance in early childhood education instills discipline, adaptability and punctuality.
Well-being
The real importance of attendance in early childhood education is its connection to overall well-being. As we’ve discussed, it sets up a child for social, emotional and academic success. It also offers benefits for physical health. They might get nutritious meals in school, discover the fun of physical activity and learn about health habits like brushing their teeth. In addition, well-qualified educators are trained to screen for developmental milestones. They could provide early alerts to any concerns.
It is well established that going to preschool improves chances for high school graduation and college attendance. To reap the full benefits of early childhood education, children should attend regularly.
How to Help Your Child Maintain Consistent Attendance
Establish a routine.
This is easier said than done, especially with multiple children. However, a little practice and adaptability can help. Start with your evening routine. Try to put kids to bed at the same time each night. Choose their clothes for the next day and make sure you have anything they need to take to school with them.
Next, focus on your mornings. Try to get up and get the kids up at the same time each day. Plan for a day of success. You will set a good example for them about how to plan and prepare.
What if they refuse to go?
Anyone with a toddler knows about those days when the child digs in and refuses to do what they must. Sometimes anxiety lies at the root of the refusal to go to school. According to a psychologist, that anxiety may actually get worse if you let them stay home. If they find staying home a comfort and they get special time with parents or siblings, they may decide that home is better than school.
Therapists say you should remain firm. Going to school can help them learn to overcome fears and take responsibility. If they do stay home, Julia Martin Burch, Ph.D, advises that you “make staying home boring.” Limit screen time and avoid anything they view as a reward for skipping school.
Overcome transportation challenges.
A common hurdle to consistent school attendance is how to get there. If you lack a reliable vehicle or work irregular hours, it can be hard to get your child to preschool each day. Create back-up plans. Learn the routes and timing of public transportation, in case you find yourself without a car. Try to connect with other parents who live near you and arrange to carpool. If you can, have a trusted friend or relative on standby to help with transportation when the need arises. If you think through these needs ahead of time, they won’t throw you for a loop.
When is it okay to miss school?
If a child or someone else in the household has a contagious illness, staying home makes sense. Spreading germs to other children and potentially their families just causes more complications for everyone.
In addition, if a child exhibits consistent anxiety about going to school, it may be time for a short break while you get to the bottom of it. Keep in mind, however, the longer they stay home, the harder it may be to return. Talk with your pediatrician or consider seeking a counselor or therapist.
You Have the Power
Having a child start early education is an adjustment not only for them, but for you and anyone else in the household. You will need to learn and practice good habits for yourself, too, in order to stick with regular attendance for them. You have the power to set a good example for establishing routines and sticking with commitments. There will be easier days and rougher days, but you can do it.