The Early Childhood Advisory Committee (ECAC) meeting held on November 21, 2024, focused on key issues affecting early childhood education in Virginia, particularly concerning attendance and chronic absenteeism in childcare settings. The meeting began with a presentation comparing current attendance rates to pre-pandemic norms, highlighting a significant shift in trends since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Committee members discussed the various reasons children may be absent from childcare, emphasizing the importance of keeping sick children at home. However, they noted that attendance rates have not returned to pre-pandemic levels, with chronic absenteeism rising to concerning figures. The data presented indicated that kindergarteners are particularly affected, showing higher absentee rates compared to older grades.

The discussion underscored the need to understand the barriers families face that contribute to absenteeism. Committee members expressed a commitment to supporting families in overcoming these challenges, rather than penalizing them for absences. The focus was on ensuring that children benefit from early childhood programs, with a call for a more supportive approach to attendance issues.

In conclusion, the committee reached a consensus on prioritizing the reduction of waitlists for working families with children under five. This initiative aims to enhance access to early childhood education and support for families in Virginia. The meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts to address these critical issues as the committee prepares to engage with the legislature on these matters. All relevant data and resources discussed during the meeting are available on the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation website.