Strategies for Community Leaders
Chronic absenteeism contributes to gaps inÌýthe development ofÌýacademic andÌýsoftÌýskills in studentsÌýwho will become the future workforce. This can eventuallyÌýaffectÌýemployers since students are not consistentlyÌýcultivatingÌýresponsibility andÌýreliability, which areÌýnecessary qualitiesÌýin the workforce.
Business,Ìýcommunity, and faithÌýleadersÌýshare a common goal: to prepare children for a productive, safe, andÌýhealthy future.ÌýMost leaders alsoÌývalue productivity, which drops when parents are out of work to care for theirÌýchildren,ÌýandÌýfuture employees are routinely missing schoolÌýor community events.
- Educate employees about the importance of consistent school attendance: provide materials to employees; display signage and posters that promote consistent attendance.ÌýThe offers guidance on school attendance requirements for minors who work.
- Address attendance barriers:ÌýSupportÌýwellnessÌýprograms; encourage employees to access health services; volunteerÌýat the local school districtÌýor with a community-based organization supporting children;Ìýserve as mentors for chronically absent students.Ìý
- Cultivate relationships with local schools to promote incentives for students showing improved attendance.ÌýStudents who feel safe in their communities and at school will be more engaged and willing to give back to their local environment and economy.Ìý