Student attendance affected by COVID-19 and quarantine

1/24/2022

As COVID-19 cases rise across the state, it is important for schools and districts to remember the following about attendance policies.

Attendance policies and procedures should not penalize students who should remain home while in quarantine or in recovery from COVID-19. Educators should excuse absences due to a COVID-19 quarantine or a pending or positive COVID-19 test as outlined in Ohio Administrative Code. Schools should not refer absences related to COVID-19 to juvenile court for truancy consideration.

Schools and districts can learn more about supporting student attendance during the global pandemic in the Student Attendance and Engagement Back-to-School document. The Ohio Attendance Laws FAQ provides more details about habitual truancy and excessive absences.

Please direct any questions to the Office of Whole Child Supports at wholechild@education.ohio.gov or (614) 466-2945.