As part of a commitment to reduce chronic absenteeism throughout the county, the Merced County Board of Education recognizes September as National Attendance Awareness Month, with the goal to educate families through programs like the Supporting Attendance and Families through Education (S.A.F.E.) parenting class.
The S.A.F.E. parenting class – a collaboration between multiple Merced County agencies and families in the School Attendance Review Board (SARB) process – is designed to help educate families and increase understanding on the significant role attendance plays in student success.
MCOE Caring Kids Project Manager and Behavior Support Specialist Monica Adrian teaches a S.A.F.E. parenting class.
The S.A.F.E. parenting class – a collaboration between multiple Merced County agencies and families in the School Attendance Review Board (SARB) process – is designed to help educate families and increase understanding on the significant role attendance plays in student success.
“The S.A.F.E. program has been a great tool in reaching families and their educational needs.” said Supervising Deputy District Attorney Nicole Silvera. ”Ensuring our kids receive quality education is the one of the greatest ways to keep our county safe and community productive.”
The goal of S.A.F.E. is to reduce youth and family involvement in the criminal justice system, develop healthier families and provide resources to improve academic success.
“Sixty-one families have attended the S.A.F.E. parenting class since its inception, and we hope that families will take advantage of the resources offered to them throughout the county,” said Merced County District Attorney Investigator Andrea Valtierra Gongora, who works with school districts across the county on student attendance. “We look forward to seeing improvements in their child’s attendance and academics.”
S.A.F.E. began as a two year commitment, with the upcoming classes offered on Nov. 3, Feb. 2, 2023 and May 4, 2023.
S.A.F.E. is a collaboration between multiple Merced County agencies including Merced County Behavioral Health, Merced County Human Services Agency, Merced County Probation Prevention and Intervention Program, Merced Police Department School Resource Officers and Merced County District Attorney’s Office Attendance Engagement Program.
“We are grateful to all of the participating agencies for their involvement and proud of parents for taking an active role in bettering attendance for their children,” added Silvera.
For more information on S.A.F.E. and Attendance Awareness Month contact the Merced County District Attorney’s Office Here to Learn Attendance Engagement Program at (209) 385-7383.