Research Brief: Parent and Family Partnerships to Support Regular Attendance

Regular attendance in preschool and the early grades supports children’s learning and development, yet attendance is shaped by more than policies and practices. Strong, trusting partnerships between families and schools can help create the conditions that make regular attendance possible.

This State of the Field Research Brief synthesizes current research on how positive, authentic, and caring parent and family partnerships support regular attendance across the preschool through Grade 3 (PK–3) continuum. It highlights the role of trust, shared power, belonging, positive relationships, and shared understanding in strengthening partnerships and creating the conditions that support regular attendance.

Designed for state and local education leaders, educators, and parents and families, the brief offers research-informed recommendations for building relationships early, strengthening two-way communication, and working in partnership with families to support regular attendance across PK–3.