Promoting Attendance and School Success (PASS) Program

All students thrive when they spend their days with peers, learning the skills that will serve them for life! We’re here to help families and students, so that no one is left behind.

We know that making sure students attend school is one of parents’ and families’ responsibilities under Minnesota State law. But helping students attend school each day is something we all work on together—parents, students, schools, and the entire community. We’re here to support that process.

In October 2022, Scott County partnered with St. David’s Center for Child and Family Development to launch Promoting Attendance and School Success, or the PASS program. The PASS program helps children under 12, and supports their families, when school attendance becomes a concern, encouraging their opportunity to learn.

We take a holistic approach to helping kids get to school. We work with parents, children, and teachers to understand what’s causing children to miss school. Together, we create solutions and strategies to overcome obstacles children and families might face.

How We Work with Schools and Families:

• We highlight how important the caregiver or parent’s relationship is with every child and the key role they play in their life.
• We work with families to align their parenting approach with their child’s needs and development.
• We collaborate on a plan to reduce barriers to consistent school attendance.
• We advocate for the family to ensure all voices are heard and goals are met.
• We communicate with schools to track improved attendance.

What to expect from a visit:

• We build relationships to understand what is going well and what has become a challenge for consistent school attendance.
• We assist parents and families to identify supports the family might need to ensure their child has a successful school experience.
• We will help parents and children find extra resources that support your family’s wellbeing.
• We join with caregivers to help with any parenting challenges.
• We may offer parents and families practical tips to strengthen caregiving skills and demonstrate new, positive ways to interact with their child.

Eligibility: Scott County residents with a child ages 6-11 who is experiencing, or at risk of, school attendance concerns.

Participation: Frequency of visits is determined by attendance concerns and family needs. Visits typically happen 2 times per month.

Funding: This program is funded by Scott County. Services are provided to families free of charge.

Referrals:

The PASS-Prevention program receives referrals from local school districts when schools are concerned about a student’s school attendance. The program aims to support and address attendance issues prior to the family being referred for educational neglect. When a student has seven or more unexcused absences in a school year, schools may make an educational neglect report to the local child protection agency.

Download Referral Form

If you have further questions about the program, please contact St. David’s Center at (952) 548-8700.