School Attendance Concerns
As a parent of a five-year-old in kindergarten, I’m navigating the school system for the first time, and I’m feeling frustrated with the attendance policies. My son has missed a few days or left early due to illness or necessary doctor and dentist appointments. He has tubes in his ears and regularly sees a dermatologist for his eczema, which means he has frequent appointments.
Recently, he woke up with his eyes swollen shut, so I kept him home for two days and took him to the doctor, for which we had a note. However, on other occasions, his issues weren’t severe enough for a doctor’s visit but still kept him home. Unfortunately, the school requires a doctor’s note for any absence, and if I just call to inform them he’s sick or going to be late due to an appointment, it counts as an unexcused absence.
Today, I received a letter informing me that my child has missed three days of school and emphasizing the importance of attendance, which I completely agree with. However, they also mentioned a potential fine of $100 per day if I don’t ensure he is in school. I’m hesitant to rush to the doctor for every minor illness, but I won’t send him to school when he isn’t feeling well. I find their stance unreasonable, especially considering they are aware of my son’s ongoing health issues and the fact that there are only 1.5 months left in the school year and he’s only missed three days. What should I do?
It sounds like you’re in a tough spot and it’s completely understandable to feel frustrated about the school’s policy on absences. Here are a few steps you might consider taking:
Communicate with the School: Reach out to your child’s teacher or the school’s administration. Explain your son’s medical situation in detail and how it impacts his attendance. It might help to provide any relevant documentation about his health needs, such as a note from his pediatrician.
Request a Meeting: If communication doesn’t yield a satisfactory response, consider setting up a meeting with school officials. Bring your concerns and any documentation regarding your son’s medical conditions to advocate for a more flexible understanding of his absences.
Educate Yourself on Policy: Review the school’s absentee policy in detail. Often, schools have provisions for chronic medical issues, and understanding these can help you argue your case effectively.
Keep Records: Make sure to document any calls, emails, or meetings you have with the school. This will ensure you have a clear history of your communications in case you need to escalate the issue.
Look into Your Rights: Research if there are any laws or regulations regarding school attendance and medical issues in your area. Some areas have laws that protect children with chronic medical conditions from being penalized for absences.
Consider a Written Appeal: If you’re still facing difficulties, consider writing a formal appeal to the school district explaining your situation and requesting that they reconsider their stance based on your child’s medical needs.
Remember, you’re advocating for your child’s health and well-being, and it’s important that the school understands your perspective. Good luck!