In California, once a student attends school, regular attendance is required.   This includes TK and Kindergarten.  

• Missing 10% (or about 18 days) can make it harder to learn to read and be successful in school.
• Students who are chronically absent in kindergarten are less likely to read by 3rd grade. 
• Students can still fall behind if they miss just a day or two days every few weeks.
• Being late to school may lead to poor attendance.
• Absences can affect the whole classroom if the teacher has to slow down learning to help children catch up.

What Parents can do:

• Set a regular bedtime and morning routine.
• Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
• Find out what day school starts and make sure your child has the required shots.
• Introduce your child to teachers and classmates before school starts to help them transition.
• Don’t let your child stay home unless they are truly sick. Keep in mind complaints of a stomach ache or headache can be a sign of anxiety and not a reason to stay home.
• If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make them feel comfortable and excited about learning.
• Develop back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent.
• Avoid medical appointments and extended trips when school is in session.

Sources:

• APS Attendance Supports
• Attendance WorksExternal link 
• Help Your Child Succeed Flyer (PDF) External link
• Attendance in the Early Grades: Why it Matters for Reading (PDF)External link