School Attendance Late Arrival Attendance and Truancy

Schools expect children to be in school by the

Makes a Difference official start time. They also expect children to Minnesota has laws on school attendance and Habitual Truancy
stay until the day ends. Being tardy means coming truancy. Truancy means being absent from school Habitual truancy is defined differently in
Your high expectations make a positive difference late to school after the school day officially starts. without permission or a valid reason. A child can elementary school than in middle and high school.
in your child’s academic success. Another basic yet Schools have different definitions and policies become truant if he or she has multiple unexcused • Elementary school: absent seven or more days
important way to make a difference in your child’s for tardiness. But, all schools count multiple late absences. without an excused absence
education is to make sure he or she attends school arrivals toward an unexcused absence. Look in your
Children in Minnesota must regularly attend school • Middle school, junior high school, or high school:
regularly and on time. school’s handbook to find its policy on late arrivals.
from age 7 until age 16. A child ages 16 to 17 may absent for one or more class periods on seven or
legally withdraw from or drop out of school. Their more days in the school year without an excused
Excused Absences parents must meet with school personnel. Parents absence
Schools know children have valid reasons to be must then give written permission for the child Minnesota law says that habitual truancy can have
absent. This is called an excused absence. Parents to be legally withdrawn also. A child is considered different consequences.
must tell the school when their child is going to be truant if these rules are not met.
absent. This makes it an excused absence. Some Schools must keep a record of the number of times
reasons for an excused absence are: What are the possible consequences of habitual
a child is truant. The number of times a child is truant truancy?
• Child’s illness or injury has different definitions. Different truancy definitions
• The child and parents may be required to go
• Family emergency result in different consequences for the truancy. to an attendance review board meeting. The
• Death of a family member meeting may be with the school or a community
• Doctor or dental appointments that cannot be mediation program.
scheduled before or after school hours • The child may have to go to juvenile court.
Children don’t do as well in school when they • Religious holidays • The child’s driver’s license may be taken away,
frequently miss part of or an entire school day. delayed, or restricted.
Schools have different definitions for excused
You can help your child succeed in school by absences. Look in your school’s handbook to find • Parents may be found guilty of a misdemeanor.
understanding how schools define absences. You its policy on excused absences. • Parents may be charged with educational
can also help by learning ways to support your neglect or face a Child In Need of Protective
child’s school attendance. Services petition, which says a child is in need of
When your child is absent with a valid reason:
protection or services.
• Contact the school office or the attendance line
Unexcused Absences on the day of the absence. Contact the school
Continuing Truancy
Continuing truancy is defined differently in
An unexcused absence is when children miss as early as possible. Give your child’s name, grade
elementary school than in middle and high school. What happens when the authorities
school for reasons not accepted by the school. level, and reason for the absence. Tell the school
when you think your child will return. • Elementary school: absent three or more days find students who are truant?
Some reasons for an unexcused absence are: without an excused absence
• Contact your child’s classroom teacher for A police or probation officer may take the child to:
• Staying home to take care of or visit with homework assignments. Make arrangements to • Middle school, junior high school, high school:
family members pick up needed books or supplies if possible. You absent for one or more class periods on three or • the child’s home. Parents are responsible for the
• Missing the school bus can also have a sibling or friend bring your child’s more days in the school year without an excused care of their child.
homework home. absence • the child’s school. The school is responsible for
• Working at a job
Schools must notify parents immediately when a the care of the child.
• Sleeping too late When your child returns to school:
child becomes truant multiple times. A school’s • a truancy service center.
Schools have different definitions for unexcused • Write a note that explains your child’s absence.
attendance policy may also apply to summer A student who is habitually truant may need to go
absences. Look in your school’s handbook to find school. Check with your child’s school to learn
its policy on unexcused absences. to juvenile court. Authorities may believe the child
about its summer attendance policy if your child is needs protection and services.
required to attend summer school.
What Can Parents Do Strategies for Parents to About PACER Center
about Truancy?
If you are concerned about your child’s school
attendance, you can do the following:
Encourage School Attendance
1. Let your child know that your family values
education. Tell your child you believe he or she can
PACER Center is a parent center for families
of children and young adults with and without
disabilities. It is based on a parents-helping-parents
Truancy
make academic progress. philosophy.
Talk to the school staff PACER Center provides workshops, publications,
A Family Guide
Teachers, principals, counselors, or social workers 2. Insist your child goes to school on time every day.
may be able to help you understand why your child
and other resources to help families make to Understanding and
decisions about education, employment, health,
is truant. Share concerns about difficulties with 3. Talk with your child about school. Listen to your
child’s concerns. Ask how you can help.
vocational training, and other services for their Seeking Help for Truancy
peer groups or home as well. child or young adult, and can help solve
4. Support your child’s efforts in completing and school-related problems.
Ask what help is available
The school or district may offer extra programs turning in homework, studying, and working on
academic skills and responsibilities. Do you have more questions about truancy?
and services, such as tutoring or alternative
settings. These services may help your child with Call PACER Center at 952-838-9000
5. Help your child discover personal interests and
attendance.
strengths. Connect those interests and strengths to
what your child is doing in school.
Speak with professionals
Community programs, school social workers, family 6. Discuss concerns with your child’s teacher. Work
counselors, and therapists can all offer insight and together on a plan to support your child’s school
support. success.
If your child has an IEP (Individualized Education
Program) for special education, discuss the 7. Ask the school for additional assessments or special
services that may help your child. Request referrals
potential of having an altered school day with your
to community programs, mediation, or counseling 8161 Normandale Blvd. | Minneapolis, MN 55437
child’s IEP team.
services. These services can help your child with 952.838.9000 voice | 952.838.0199 fax
attendance. 800.53.PACER toll free in Greater MN
Connect with family members, friends, and
significant adults [email protected] | PACER.org
8. Get to know your child’s friends and their families.
Talk to other adults you trust. They may have
Paula F. goldberg, pacer executive director
information or ideas that can help. Significant
adults in your child’s life, such as coaches or faith
leaders, may also act as an additional support for
your child.

Watch your child’s attendance

• Request your child’s attendance records from
your child’s school.
• Ask the school to contact you immediately if
your child is absent without a valid excuse.
• Check in with your child’s teachers regularly to
see how your child is doing.
pacer.org