Absenteeism in Head Start and Children's Academic Learning. Issue 4 (15th May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ansari, Arya; Purtell, Kelly M.
• Is Part Of: Child development. Volume 89:Issue 4(2018)
• Page Start: 1088
• Page End: 1098
• Publication Date: 2017-05-15
• Subjects: Child development -- Periodicals; Child psychology -- Periodicals; Child Development -- Periodicals; Child Development; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Pedicatrics; 305.231
• DOI: 10.1111/cdev.12800
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0009-3920

Abstract

Abstract : Using nationally representative data from the Family and Child Experiences Survey 2009 cohort ( n = 2, 842), this study examined the implications of 3‐ and 4‐year‐old's absences from Head Start for their early academic learning. The findings from this study revealed that children who missed more days of school, and especially those who were chronically absent, demonstrated fewer gains in areas of math and literacy during the preschool year. Moreover, excessive absenteeism was found to detract from the potential benefits of quality preschool education and was especially problematic for the early learning of children who entered the Head Start program with a less developed skill set. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.