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

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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

8. Chronic absenteeism was substantially lower in year of implementation

9. Thank you.
@linzcpage