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.
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.
Kids in foster care may face physical and emotional challenges that can make regular school attendance harder to maintain.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
Here are some additional tips to support success in school for kids in foster care.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.