“Missing just 2 days a month can derail a student’s learning, but emotional intelligence can keep them on track.”
Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of the school year (about 18 days, or 2 days per month) and is a silent barrier to student success. Students who are frequently absent often fall behind academically, struggle to form meaningful connections with peers and teachers, and are at higher risk for long-term disengagement. At Frameworks of Tampa Bay, we know that emotional intelligence (EQ) can play a critical role in helping children stay engaged and thrive.
What Is Emotional Intelligence?
Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and manage your own emotions while also perceiving and responding effectively to the emotions of others. At Frameworks, we focus on five core social and emotional competencies in children:
- Self-awareness – recognizing feelings and understanding their impact.
- Self-management – regulating emotions and adapting to change.
- Empathy – understanding and respecting the feelings of others.
- Relationship skills – forming and maintaining healthy connections.
- Responsible decision-making – making safe, ethical, and constructive choices.
“EQ is the foundation for resilience, empathy, and healthy relationships—skills that Frameworks helps students build every day.”
How EQ Reduces Chronic Absenteeism
Students with strong emotional intelligence are better equipped to manage challenges that often lead to missed school days:
- Managing stress and anxiety: Frameworks equips children with tools to feel confident and capable at school.
- Building supportive relationships: Feeling connected to peers and adults increases motivation to attend school consistently.
- Problem-solving challenges: EQ skills help students overcome obstacles like conflicts or peer issues without skipping class.
Why Attendance Matters
Missing 10% of school may seem minor, but the impact is significant:
- Academic gaps: Missed lessons in reading, math, and other subjects create long-term deficits.
- Loss of continuity: Lessons build on prior knowledge, making it harder to catch up.
- Missed social-emotional learning: Students lose opportunities to practice collaboration, empathy, and conflict resolution.
- Decreased engagement: Frequent absences can make school feel overwhelming, increasing the risk of more absences.
At Frameworks of Tampa Bay, we address absenteeism not just by helping children show up but by equipping them with the skills to want to be in the classroom and fully engaged.
Supporting EQ in Youth
Through our programs, Frameworks helps students strengthen EQ from an early age. By developing self-awareness, empathy, and responsible decision-making, children learn to navigate challenges, manage emotions, and form healthy relationships. These skills encourage consistent school attendance while building confidence, resilience, and leadership potential.
“When children build EQ with Frameworks, they don’t just attend school—they thrive academically and socially.”
Emotional intelligence is more than a “soft skill.” It is essential for helping children show up, stay engaged, and succeed. At Frameworks of Tampa Bay, we empower students to reduce chronic absenteeism, boost learning, and prepare for success in school and beyond.
Best,
Elizabeth A. Reedy
CEO