Connecting Communities: A Beyond the Blog Podcast - Episode 8: Attendance Awareness: Why Every Day Counts

In this episode of Connecting Communities: A Beyond the Blog Podcast, host Leah Verier-Dunn has an in-depth conversation with Hedy Chang, Executive Director of Attendance Works. Together, they unpack the growing challenge of chronic absenteeism. How it has become such a widespread issue across the country and why it matters for children, families, and schools alike. Hedy also shares practical strategies, proven approaches, and valuable resources that parents, caregivers, and educational professionals can use to help students stay on track and thrive.Timestamps 00:32 - Introduction01:32 - Hedy explains what Attendance Works does 06:09 - Hedy talks about the free family-facing resources Attendance Works offers06:46 - Hedy shares how COVID shifted parents' perspectives on sending their kids to schoolO8:17 - Hedy discusses how to determine when to stay home from school12:19 - Hedy shares the causes of chronic absence17:37 - Hedy talks about the misconceptions of chronic absence 25:56 - Hedy discusses people's fears around school safety contributing to chronic absence29:31 - Hedy shares the importance of "Help Banks" to get kids to school on time33:37 - Hedy provides insights on how to communicate with families about attendance35:59 - Big Picture Small Steps36:13 - Hedy shares her long-term goals on attendance38:15 - Hedy explains what it means to show up for R.E.A.L.39:03 - Hedy provides more tips to help families reduce chronic absence43:54 - Connecting with KidsLinks to Learn More Attendance Works websiteFamily Guidelines for when is too sick for school My Family Help Bank Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or visit us Beyond The Blog!Join The Journey