“I Don’t Want to Go!” School Attendance Problems Child and Youth Mental Health Insert School Name AVRSB Becky Churchill Keating (2015)

School Attendance Problems (late or absent) Children miss school for a number of reasons Ongoing attendance problems often leads to problems. Becky Churchill Keating (2015)

How Big is the Problem? Most children at some point express an interest in avoiding school but…they still get to school Unexcused patterns of school absence Becky Churchill Keating (2015)

Why do Children Say “No” to School? Avoid distress/discomfort at school Escape Social/Evaluative Situations Attention from Significant Others More fun when not at school Becky Churchill Keating (2015)

It can start small but… Snowball into something bigger because the more a child stays away the more he feels he needs to/should/can. Becky Churchill Keating (2015)

What does it Look Like? Physical complaints in 26-79%: ▫Headaches ▫Stomachaches ▫Nausea and vomiting ▫Diarrhea ▫Light headedness ▫Heart palpitations ▫Short breathing ▫Body pain ▫Sweating ▫Shakes Becky Churchill Keating (2015)

Behaviours: ▫Verbal protests in the morning or night before ▫Trouble sleeping ▫Tantrums ▫Refusing to move ▫Hiding and/or running away ▫Fears/Worries ▫Intense Dread…even if they do manage to go ▫Noncompliance ▫Aggression ▫Clinging Becky Churchill Keating (2015)

Where Does That Leave Parents? Very stressed! Becky Churchill Keating (2015)

Great News! You can actively prevent the problem by sending child to school unless physically ill. Establish a good night time and morning routine ▫Get enough sleep ▫Have enough time to get ready Becky Churchill Keating (2015)

Be involved! See your Handout for some suggested tips! Becky Churchill Keating (2015)

More Great News! If despite your efforts your child is still struggling there is HELP! ▫School Staff and Mental Health Staff work together with you to form a team to help getting to school and staying at school easier for your child and…YOU! Becky Churchill Keating (2015)

What do we do? School Staff monitors attendance and “flags” any patterns of absences that may lead to bigger problems You should let staff know if you are struggling with resistance in the mornings. A decision is made with you to intervene to avoid a bigger problem A medical exam may be recommended. Mental Health may be consulted to help devel0p a support plan for your child. Provide support for you at home, teach you and child skills, and develop a plan for staff at school. Intervene in other areas as needed (e.g., outside barriers to getting child to school). Becky Churchill Keating (2015)

We also aim to… Create a positive school climate that helps students ▫Feel connected ▫Get academic and social support ▫Feel:  Safe  Accepted  Valued  Respected Becky Churchill Keating (2015)

Staying away leads to more staying away… Becky Churchill Keating (2015)

Treatment for School Refusal Child learns ▫About anxiety and why facing fear is important ▫Coping skills for anxiety, problem solving, social skills ▫To grow more comfortable going to school by taking steps towards the goal of full attendance Parent learns how to ▫Coach kids in facing their fears ▫Reward efforts to return to school ▫Make school more attractive than home ▫Manage difficult behaviours in the mornings ▫Manage any anxiety they may have about child going to school ▫Develop and carry out effective morning, day, and night time routines Becky Churchill Keating (2015)

School staff learns how to ▫Best support your child so their school experience is positive! Becky Churchill Keating (2015)

Why do we do this? Children who miss school often are at a higher risk for a number of other problems Easier to treat if we catch it early! We care about the mental health and education of all children and want children to get on the right path from the start! Becky Churchill Keating (2015)

Questions & Comments Becky Churchill Keating (2015)