School refusal
I have a situation with a 4th grade MCKV student with school refusal. She is unable to get past her anxiety to come to school although she states she likes her classmates, teacher etc. This has been going on from the end of last year and now the start of this school year. The parent is working with a therapist but no progress is being made.
I feel stuck between a rock and a hard place…. attendance vs. school avoidance vs. MCKV!!!! Ideas????
Important
Please note that unregistered users can read questions and answers, but can't post or reply!
Hello Christina @cpleitez1975, this would be a district policy decision. Perhaps the district can look at the age of the student to determine if they can excuse themselves. If they are unaccompanied and younger then it may make sense to have an adult they are staying with agree to excuse any absences. As a liaison you will want to monitor their absences whether excused or unexcused to make sure they are not related to their nighttime residence.
Hello @carlsonpa, this is certainly a difficult situation. As far as barriers removed if you have addressed those related to their homeless situation then you are fulfilling the role of the liaison. Some suggestions if you have not already done these is to develop a school comfort plan. Help them come up with ways to alleviate the anxiety such as identifying one adult they can go to, determining a place to take a break if they are overwhelmed, helping them identify what helps them feel comfortable at school.
Perhaps you could also begin with small steps, like coming to school when few people are there to help develop the comfort plan. Having them attend school for a shorter day as the plan is put in place.
