What should a school psychologist explore first when addressing a child's refusal to attend school?

Contacting the child's parents to discuss the problem is a crucial first step when addressing a child's refusal to attend school. Parents are often the most informed about their child's behaviors, emotions, and contextual factors that may contribute to school refusal. They can provide insights into any recent changes in the child's life, such as family issues, health problems, or social dynamics that may be affecting the child's willingness to attend school.

Engaging directly with parents can also help build rapport and encourage their involvement in developing solutions to support their child. A collaborative approach is essential, as parents can be instrumental in reinforcing positive behaviors and ensuring that any interventions implemented at school are supported at home.

In contrast, while gathering insights from teachers is helpful, it is not as immediate as directly involving parents, who may have a broader perspective on the issue. Scheduling a psychiatric evaluation may be necessary later on if the problem seems to be more significant and persistent, but it is typically not the first step. Implementing a school-wide attendance initiative might address systemic issues, but addressing the individual child's situation should take precedence.