ERIC Number: ED660253
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 189
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-3836-1121-0
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Investigating Chronic Absenteeism in New York Metropolitan Area Head Start Programs
Elsie Agustina Rosa
ProQuest LLC, Ph.D. Dissertation, Fordham University
This dissertation aims to elucidate the complexities of chronic absenteeism in Head Start Programs post-COVID-19 to enhance early childhood education practices and policies. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the study investigates the causes of absenteeism by surveying and interviewing 50 participants from a Head Start Program in the New York metropolitan area. The research explores parental experiences and perspectives on absenteeism and the potential support systems to enhance children's attendance. The study addresses a gap in the literature, which has primarily focused on the K-12 educational system, by highlighting the prevalence and implications of preschool absenteeism. Chronic absenteeism in preschool can lead to reduced academic and behavioral readiness, necessitating significant intervention in later grades. This research examines why chronic absenteeism occurs, the experiences of families, and potential support systems to improve attendance. The study employs Brundage et al.'s (2018) Reasons for Chronic Absenteeism - PreK/Head Start Parent Survey for quantitative and qualitative analysis and Braun and Clarke's (2006) six-phase guide to thematic analysis for qualitative analysis. Data analysis identified five key themes: Parental Involvement and Engagement, Community and Family Support, Attendance Challenges, Curriculum and Program Quality, and Teacher-Student Relationship. These themes underscore the multifaceted nature of absenteeism, emphasizing the importance of parental involvement, community support, and program quality. Recommendations include creating a positive school environment, enhancing parental engagement, and implementing flexible attendance policies. This study provides valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and researchers, offering evidence-based strategies to improve attendance and educational outcomes in Head Start Programs. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Attendance Patterns, Truancy, Federal Programs, Low Income Students, Social Services, Early Childhood Education, Preschool Children, Parent Participation, Educational Quality
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Early Childhood Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: New York (New York)
Identifiers - Laws, Policies, & Programs: Head Start
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A