Have you ever wondered how missing a few school days could dramatically alter a child's future?

In this eye-opening episode of Pediatric Meltdown, host Dr. Lia Gaggino and guest Dr. Heidi Schumacher unravel the staggering disparities in school quality and attendance amplified by the pandemic. As a general pediatrician and health policy advocate, Heidi discusses the urgent need for systemic support, the hidden toll of chronic absenteeism, and the crucial interventions needed to ensure educational equity.

While truancy often leads to punitive measures, chronic absenteeism requires a supportive and compassionate approach to unveil the deeper health and social issues behind missed school days. Pediatricians can play a transformative role by addressing these needs early, fostering environments where every child thrives. Are you curious about the actionable steps you can take to combat chronic absenteeism in your community? Listen to this episode now and empower yourself to make a difference!

[04:39 -15:21] Understanding Chronic Absenteeism in Schools

• Chronic absenteeism differs from truancy and includes both excused and unexcused absences.
• Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing about 18 school days a year, or approximately 10% of the school year.
• The response to chronic absenteeism is more supportive rather than punitive, focusing on understanding and addressing family challenges.
• Economic impacts of absenteeism include affecting educational opportunities and potential long-term financial stability.

[15:22 - 26:48]  The Critical Role of Health Professionals in Boosting School Attendance  

• Clinical visits offer an opportunity to discuss the importance of regular school attendance with families.
• Some clinics are piloting the addition of questions about missed school to pre-visit questionnaires or child check-ups.
• By understanding the reasons behind missed school days, health practices can address specific needs that may hinder attendance.
• Collaborating with school nurses and advocating for more healthcare resources in schools can improve attendance and engagement.

[26:49 -35:25]  Addressing Barriers to School Attendance through Health and Community Support

• Factors such as toxic exposures, food insecurity, and lack of reliable transportation are identified as key barriers that affect school attendance.
• The lack of reliable electricity, food, and secure housing strongly correlates with issues in school attendance.
• Pediatricians are encouraged to inquire about school attendance when they encounter social drivers or chronic conditions in children.
• Understanding attendance patterns helps identify disparities in educational access related to health and social determinants.

[35:26 - 45:46] The Importance of School Attendance and Engagement Strategies

• The Everyday Counts Summit emphasized the need for federal investments to support school reengagement and consistent attendance.
• Leveraging pandemic recovery funds for enhancing school attendance and engagement has been a focus for many states.
• Collaborative partnerships between government entities and organizations, like the American Academy of Pediatrics, are crucial.
• Evidence-based interventions and localized data analysis are essential for closing equity and opportunity gaps.

[45:47 - 54:28]  Closing segment Takeaway

You can reachDr. Heidi Schumacher

linkedin.com/in/heidi-schumacher-md-3504433

Links to resources mentioned on the show

AAP Policy Statement – The Link Between School Attendance and Good Health AAP PS on School Attendance

Every Day Counts Fact Sheet:  https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/05/15/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-announces-new-actions-and-resources-for-increasing-student-attendance-and-engagement-as-part-of-the-white-house-every-day-counts-summit/

School Attendance – What Every Parent Needs to Know Healthy Children.org School Absenteeism and What Parents Need to Know

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Key quotes for Twitter:

"So now nationwide, about a quarter of students are chronically absent, meaning missing about a month or more of school."... Dr. Heidi Schumacher on the Chronic Absence in Schools

"If you focus on regularly getting to school as a marker of need, that can help you say, well, what role do we as the health care sector play, but what role can the school play?"....Dr. Heidi Schumacher on identifying unmet needs for the child who is chronically absent

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