RISK FACTORS

• health problems ranging from head lice to asthma;

• learning disabilities or other academic struggles;

• social isolation including language or cultural barriers;

• low self-esteem, separation anxiety, fear of school;

• or mental health or behavioral problems.
  
  Family factors include:
  
  

• problematic home environments;

• little family structure;

• inconsistent or poor parenting and communication;

• family violence;

• health, mental health or substance abuse problems.



Parents who have language or transportation barriers, or have economic or housing problems including homelessness are also less likely to focus on daily school attendance.

School and community risk factors include


• schools with a highly mobile student population;

• poor attendance tracking;

• an unsafe school environment including tolerance of bullying.

Protective Factors
 

• support for education, parent involvement in the classroom,
• the ability to help with homework,
• strong school/family partnerships.

• a positive and engaging classroom environment,
• stable teaching staff,
• access to health services in the schools,
• and the ability to identify risk.

• creating consistent community expectations supporting the importance of school attendance,
• maintaining cohesive neighborhoods,
• providing services and resources for families (including assistance in meeting basic needs such as food, housing, health care and transportation.)