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Connect-Text: Text-message communication to improve kindergarten attendance

Connect-Text: Text-message communication to improve kindergarten attendance. Lindsay C. Page, University of Pittsburgh Ken smythe-Leistico , seton hill university. Connect-Text goal.

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Connect-Text: Text-message communication to improve kindergarten attendance

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  1. Connect-Text: Text-message communication to improve kindergarten attendance Lindsay C. Page, University of Pittsburgh Ken smythe-Leistico, seton hill university

  2. Connect-Text goal • To improve kindergarten attendance by using two-way text message communication to increase parent understanding of attendance patterns and to identify and address family barriers to daily school attendance.

  3. Why kindergarten? • To address high rates of kindergarten chronic absenteeism • To foster strong habits of attendance early on • To influence parent and household behaviors during a key period of transition when they may be particularly receptive to input

  4. Why text messaging? • Today, nearly all US adults (95%) own a cell phone & the majority of cell phone owners have plans with unlimited text service (Pew Research Center) • Texting effective and efficient strategy to engage parents

  5. How did it work? Personalized weekly text outreach • Utility messages: to provide information about school & related family/child opportunities in the community • Support messages: to provide positive messages about the importance of attending school and developmentally appropriate learning tips / topics • Individualized messages: to provide feedback on child’s attendance Kindergarten parents Time cost: ~ 30 minutes / week to support 2 classrooms Respond to engage and seek help

  6. Example messages • Utility message: Reminder Parent-Teacher Conference Week: No Classes Thursday (10/15-10/16). Message me to reserve a slot with your teacher. -- Jessie • Individualized message: Hi [PARENT NAME], we really missed [CHILD NAME] today. Hope [he/she] feels better tomorrow. The field trip to the zoo will be great. • Support message: Reading Rocks! Does [CHILD NAME] have a favorite book? Text back and we’ll share your fav with your teacher.

  7. Parents engagement with texts • Gratitude for outreach • Questions about school • Seeking help with basic / urgent needs: • Before- and after-school care / enrichment • Transportation / shelter / housing • Basic resources (clothing) • Household items (washing machine) • Parents had option to engage in either English or Spanish

  8. Chronic absenteeism was substantially lower in year of implementation

  9. Thank you. lpage@pitt.edu @linzcpage

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