Early Childhood

Understanding the Challenge

Our youngest students begin their school experience at the age of 3 or 4. During this time, they face unique challenges that can lead to chronic absenteeism, such as a parent’s perception that early childhood instruction is not as critical to a student's future success or difficulty accommodating a half-day program. The importance of daily attendance at this age cannot be overstated, as chronic absenteeism in preschool establishes a pattern that often repeats in later grades.

A study by the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research found that students who are chronically absent in preschool are five times more likely to be chronically absent in second grade.

Chronic absenteeism in preschool establishes a pattern of inconsistent attendance that is often repeated in later grades. One-third of chronically absent four-year-olds go on to be chronically absent in kindergarten, compared with just 6 percent of students who were not chronically absent from preschool." 

Read the full study: Preschool Attendance in Chicago Public Schools

Strategies & Supports

Cultivating strong relationships with parents and guardians is a critical strategy to help them understand that Pre-K is not just daycare, but a vital foundation for future academic success, where students begin to develop reading, math, and critical thinking skills. The Office of Early Childhood Education (OECE) helps schools reduce chronic absenteeism by providing resources, including Family Engagement Coordinators.