Supporting Success in School for Kids in Foster Care: School Attendance Awareness Month

Every September, schools and communities in the U.S. recognize School Attendance Awareness Month. This national initiative, launched in 2013 by Attendance Works, highlights the importance of students attending school every day and raises awareness about the impact of chronic absenteeism.

For children in foster care, consistent attendance is especially important for education and overall well-being. School can be a place of stability and encouragement when other parts of life feel uncertain. 

For foster parents, this month is a reminder that regular school attendance can set up the children in their care for both short and long-term success.

The Importance of School Attendance

Regular attendance in school builds strong academic skills, healthy peer relationships, and lifelong habits of responsibility. Unfortunately, chronic absenteeism among students is a problem that can prevent these paths to success.

The U.S. Department of Education, as of January 2025, defines chronic absenteeism as “missing at least 10 percent of school days, or roughly 18 days per year, whether excused or unexcused.” Missing more than two weeks’ worth of days in a school year can make it harder for children to learn and even affect graduation from high school. 

Unfortunately, absentee numbers are greater for children in foster care, making the stakes even higher for this already vulnerable group. In California, 42.1% of children in foster care were chronically absent in 2021–22 compared to 36% of students not in foster care.

Overcoming School Attendance Barriers Unique to Kids in Foster Care

Kids in foster care may face physical and emotional challenges that can make regular school attendance harder to maintain.

• Placement changes: Children in foster care move locations an average of 2 to 3 times, and one-third of older kids in foster care experience 5 or more school or district changes. These placement changes disrupt routines, classes, friendships, and can set learning back for months.
• Transportation difficulties: Even when a student in foster care attends the same school, getting there may involve long or complex commutes. This is one reason foster care parents are required to have reliable transportation.
• Anxiety or trauma: Focusing on school attendance and academics can feel overwhelming, especially for children who have experienced trauma or multiple transitions. Fear of standing out, academic gaps, or uncertainty about fitting in may contribute to absences among kids in foster care.
• Health needs: Children in foster care are more likely to have special health care needs that require appointments, therapies, or medication management. This may result in necessary absences that can add up and, if not coordinated carefully, may impact consistent school attendance.

Foster parents can work with caseworkers and school officials to request transportation support, counseling services, or tutoring to close attendance gaps and lessen their effects. 

Tips for Foster Parents to Support School Attendance

1. Create a Daily Routine to Support Attendance

Predictable routines help children feel calm and ready to go to school and learn. For foster parents, this means building structure into mornings and evenings for kids in foster care.

Some suggestions include:

• Laying out clothes and school materials the night before
• Packing lunches and backpacks ahead of time
• Allowing quiet time and space for studying and homework
• Setting a consistent bedtime to ensure rest
• Setting alarms for the morning, if needed
• Ensuring breakfast is ready on time

Why it matters: Many children in foster care have experienced instability and inconsistency. Routines can reduce stress and set a positive tone for going to school.

Practical step: For younger children, posting a simple visual schedule can make mornings smoother. For older kids, calendars or planners can help build independence. 

2. Team Up with the School

Foster parents are not alone in supporting attendance for kids in foster care. School officials are willing partners in the goal of student success. Knowing who to connect with can make the process easier.

Key contacts include:

• Teachers, who can provide classroom updates and support
• Guidance counselors and social workers, who can help with transitions or trauma-informed care
• Attendance officers, who monitor and address patterns of absenteeism

Why it matters: Research shows schools that promote stronger family engagement help reduce chronic absenteeism. Partnerships between caregivers and educators can directly reduce the number of missed days.

Practical tip: Schedule a quick check-in with your child’s teacher or counselor early in the semester. Even a short meeting with school staff members can build trust and ensure you know who to contact if attendance issues arise later.

3. Use Available Supports

Foster parents can access resources designed to promote consistent school attendance for the kids in their care. Tutoring and mentoring programs, transportation initiatives, and back-to-school preparedness all make a difference. 

Why it matters: These supports help foster parents avoid absenteeism while keeping children in their care connected to learning and peer relationships. It’s estimated that between 30 and 50% of youth in foster care receive special education services. In these cases, additional support at school can make a significant difference helping a child thrive.

Practical step: Ask your caseworker or school liaison about local programs, and don’t hesitate to access community and educational support networks.

Tips for Foster Families During School Attendance Awareness Month

Here are some additional tips to support success in school for kids in foster care.

1. Celebrate Small Wins

Every on-time arrival and completed school day is an accomplishment. Recognize and celebrate consistency to encourage motivation for your child in foster care and reinforce their progress.

2. Build Conversations into Daily Life

Talk about school with the child in your care during meals or car rides, and even consider sharing your school experiences and memories. When education is a natural part of daily conversations, this shows you value learning and presence in the classroom.

3. Connect Early with the School

Introduce yourself to teachers and counselors early in the year. Building relationships before attendance becomes an issue can make it easier to work together later.

4. Use Encouragement Tools

Visual trackers, stickers, or positive notes can help younger kids see their attendance progress. Older kids may benefit from goal-setting and small incentives for regularly attending school.

5. Ask for Help When Needed

If attendance barriers feel overwhelming, lean on school staff, caseworkers, or community programs. Many foster families have experience with overcoming absenteeism. 

Reaching out to professionals or support systems can provide helpful guidance and encourage academic success for kids in foster care.

FAQs about School Attendance Awareness Month

Helping Children in Foster Care Succeed in School

Consistent school attendance is one of the strongest predictors of academic success. For children in foster care, it also provides stability and a sense of belonging during potentially troubled times. 

With the right routines, encouragement, and community support, foster parents can make a powerful difference in keeping kids engaged and thriving in the classroom.

Want to learn more about supporting children in foster care on their educational journey?

Connect with a foster care specialist today to ask questions, explore resources, and discover how you can help a child in foster care succeed in school and beyond.