Getting your child to school on time, every day can ensure your child has a chance to succeed in school. As a parent or guardian, there are steps you can take to make certain your child is in school every day.

• Establish and stick with routines such as bedtime, wake-up time, and homework schedule.

• Prepare for the next day by laying out clothes the night before and packing the backpack and lunch.

• Talk to your child about school.  Show your interest in what they are learning.

• If your child is reluctant to go to school, reach out to the teacher or school counselor for help.

If your child starts to demonstrate school avoidance behavior, i.e., refuses to get up, complains of vague illnesses, or skips school, get help right away!

Call your school counselor and ask for resources. The school will refer you to your school’s Pupil Personnel Worker. 

Remember, Maryland has a Compulsory Attendance Law.  It states that children between the ages of 5 and 18 shall attend public school regularly during the entire school year unless otherwise enrolled in a private school, approved home instruction, or home teaching through the school. Parents may be charged in District Court for failure to see that their children attend school. Parents can be found guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine not to exceed $50 per day of unlawful absence, or imprisonment not to exceed five(5) days or both.

Resources for Families