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Preschool Attendance

Regular attendance is one of the most important factors in your child's success.Research has found that preschool children who are chronically absent (missing 10 percent or more of the school year) are more likely to enter kindergarten with lower levels of school readiness than children who attend regularly. Daily attendance helps children build routines, develop friendships, strengthen social-emotional skills, and participate in meaningful learning experiences.

  • Although school attendance is not required by New Jersey law for children under the age of six, once a child is enrolled in Cherry Hill Public Schools Preschool Program, families are expected to follow the district's attendance policy. Frequent absences, tardiness, and early dismissals interrupt your child's learning and can impact classroom instruction for all students.
  • Cherry Hill Public Schools is committed to reducing chronic absenteeism. The New Jersey Department of Education defines a student as chronically absent when they miss 10 percent or more of the school year for any reason.
    • If a child accumulates excessive unexcused absences or repeated partial-day absences, the district will work closely with the family to identify barriers and provide support to improve attendance. In some cases, students with ongoing unexcused absences may be withdrawn from the preschool program in accordance with district policy and Preschool Education Aid requirements. Withdrawal from the program is an administrative process and is not considered disciplinary action.
  • Our preschool program is a full-day program, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
    • Students are expected to attend for the entire school day unless illness or another approved circumstance requires otherwise.
    • Consistent, full-day attendance ensures children receive the maximum benefit from the preschool experience.

Cherry Hill Public Schools is committed to partnering with families to support regular attendance and student success. Children receiving special education services through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) will be supported in accordance with state and federal regulations.

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Research Source: Ehrlich, S. B., et al. (2014). Preschool Attendance in Chicago Public Schools: Relationships with Learning Outcomes and Reasons for Absences. University of Chicago Consortium on School Research.