Connect-Text: Text-message communication to improve kindergarten attendance Lindsay C. Page, University of Pittsburgh Ken smythe-Leistico, seton hill university

Connect-Text goal To improve kindergarten attendance by using two-way text message communication to increase parent understanding of attendance patterns and to identify and address family barriers to daily school attendance.

Why kindergarten? To address high rates of kindergarten chronic absenteeism To foster strong habits of attendance early on To influence parent and household behaviors during a key period of transition when they may be particularly receptive to input

Why text messaging? Today, nearly all US adults (95%) own a cell phone & the majority of cell phone owners have plans with unlimited text service (Pew Research Center) Texting effective and efficient strategy to engage parents

How did it work? Kindergarten parents Personalized weekly text outreach Utility messages: to provide information about school & related family/child opportunities in the community Support messages: to provide positive messages about the importance of attending school and developmentally appropriate learning tips / topics Individualized messages: to provide feedback on child’s attendance Time cost: ~ 30 minutes / week to support 2 classrooms Respond to engage and seek help

Example messages Utility message: Reminder Parent-Teacher Conference Week: No Classes Thursday (10/15-10/16). Message me to reserve a slot with your teacher. -- Jessie Individualized message: Hi [PARENT NAME], we really missed [CHILD NAME] today. Hope [he/she] feels better tomorrow. The field trip to the zoo will be great. Support message: Reading Rocks! Does [CHILD NAME] have a favorite book? Text back and we’ll share your fav with your teacher.

Parents engagement with texts Gratitude for outreach Questions about school Seeking help with basic / urgent needs: Before- and after-school care / enrichment Transportation / shelter / housing Basic resources (clothing) Household items (washing machine) Parents had option to engage in either English or Spanish

Chronic absenteeism was substantially lower in year of implementation

Thank you. lpage@pitt.edu @linzcpage