OCALA, FL (352today.com) – If you’re a mom in Marion County, you know how hard it can be to get everyone out the door and to school on time. But what might seem like just “a couple of missed days” can quietly turn into bigger problems for your child – missed learning, falling behind classmates, and developing habits that could hurt them in the long run.

Truancy is a nationwide problem. Students who fail to arrive on time for school, or who are chronically absent, risk developing poor habits that may have lasting consequences.

But students aren’t the only ones affected. Parents may also face consequences for their child’s behavior, especially if absences limit academic progress and lead to involvement with the juvenile justice system. Marion County currently has 89 active truancy cases, with 12 new petitions scheduled for April 25.

Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing two days a month, whether excused or unexcused. These absences can be for any number of reasons, from needing a “mental health day” to minor illness or weather concerns.

“Just missing two days a month, 18 to 20 days a year, is equaling to about a month of school,” said Sherry Loria, Marion County Public Schools (MCPS) attendance advocate and court liaison for mental health and wellness. “They’re behind their peers and they’re missing social skills. We offer services, mental health services and other services… They’re falling behind in their foundational skills, which is causing educational delays.”

One grade in particular has raised concern: kindergarten. Once the highest grade for truancy in Marion County, it remains a pivotal year, Loria said.

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“They’re learning those foundational letters, the sounds of letters,” said Loria. “If they’re not in school, they’re not getting it… By the time they get to third grade, they’re completely lost. They’ve already developed this bad habit.”

The consistency associated with having a routine becomes an invaluable resource. When a student arrives late, it not only disrupts their class but can impact the school day for others. Lateness affects teachers, staff, and especially students who are present and ready to learn. Establishing these habits early helps prepare students for the expectations of adulthood.

Timely attendance also supports mental and physical well-being, said Yvette del Nodal, Psy.S. Ed.S., director of mental health and wellness for Marion County Public Schools.

“We focus more on wellness,” said del Nodal. “Our job is to make sure that the parents understand that we’re here to support the children. We want to make sure everyone has a sense of mental health and wellness, and they’re prepared for the learning journey that they’re on in education.”

Marion County Public Schools isn’t just focused on truancy—it’s also working to combat chronic absenteeism by involving the broader community. The district has formed partnerships with various local agencies to address barriers families may face.

“It’s not an education problem. We’re not going to be able to fix this on our own,” said del Nodal. “It’s a societal problem and a community problem… If it’s something that’s larger like transportation and housing, that’s when partnerships with various agencies come into play.”

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