A program’s support during transitions makes a big difference!
Transition could mean when a child moves to a new classroom or to a new educator within a program, to a different early learning program, to a new town or state, or transitions to Kindergarten. These transitions can be stressful, but when adults partner together during these times, the process can become much smoother.
Ideas
- Understand that a parent’s role is essential in supporting the child and their caregivers during the transition.
- Communicate with families in advance—send an email or a letter, have a phone call or an in-person transition meeting—to inform the families about the transition and discuss any support they might need.
- Make a transition plan.
- Examine formal and informal assessments of children to inform the transition.
- Encourage the parent or caregiver to reach out to the ELRC for supportive resources before and during the transition.
- Encourage the parent or caregiver to contact school districts in their area.
- Offer information about Hi5! to the parent or caregiver if the child is transitioning into Kindergarten.
- Access the school district’s readiness packet to share with families of children transitioning to Kindergarten.
- Reach out to the new school and invite teachers or guidance counselors to visit the program.
- Contact the new school to ask about opportunities for children to visit before enrolling.
- Host a transition event.
- Invite former children of the program to talk to children about Kindergarten.
- Host an event for families to connect with families of Kindergarteners about the transition.
- Invite school guidance counselors to speak to the children about their new school.
- Consider that family events like a new baby, a move, homelessness, or custody changes are important transitions.
- Talk with the child about the change to come.
- Support a child’s play scenarios relating to understanding the change.
- Create or read a story with the child about transition to Kindergarten, a move to a new house, a new sibling, etc.
Resources
- ELRC Region 5
- Hi5! Kindergarten Transition
- Head Start Transition Resources
- Increasing Early Care and Education Opportunities in Pittsburgh: A Review of Pre-Kindergarten Expansion in U.S. Cities (PDF)
- Kindergarten Transition White Paper (PDF)
- Personal Stories to Help Children Get Ready for School
- Transitioning to Kindergarten
