Effective transition plans are school and community initiated to address the needs of the school, family, child, and community. There is ongoing communication and collaboration among elementary schools, early care and education (ECE), and families to ensure smooth transitions from the Infant-Toddler Program (Part C) to preschool, from preschool and home to school, and across grade levels within and between schools. The school participates in a variety of transition experiences for children entering PreK or kindergarten and across grade levels (PreK-3).
Download Pathway Three: Transitions of the Ready Schools Toolkit, Part 1.
Download a list of Resources for Transitions.
Selected Transitions Resources:
WEBSITES
National Center for Early Development and Learning (NCEDL): http://www.fpg.unc.edu/~ncedl/
Research at the NCEDL focuses on enhancing the cognitive, social, and emotional development of children from birth through age eight. The Center has conducted extensive research on the transition from early education to Kindergarten and has resources available on this topic.
National Early Childhood Transition Center (NECTC): http://www.hdi.uky.edu/SF/NECTC/Home.aspx
The primary objective of NECTC is to investigate and validate practices and strategies that enhance the early childhood transition process and support positive school outcomes for young children with disabilities. This website features numerous publications and research reports as well as a web-based toolkit to assist in identification of specific practices and strategies.
Promoting Smooth Transitions to Kindergarten: http://www.recognitionandresponse.org/content/view/22/108/
This section includes a transition toolkit for early childhood educators as well as research and resources. It is part of the Recognition and Response website developed by the National Center for Learning Disabilities.
Terrific Transitions: Supporting Children’s Transition to Kindergarten: http://www.terrifictransitions.org/TT
A collaboration between SERVE Regional Educational Laboratory and the National Head Start Association. This website includes an annotated bibiliography with resources for transitions across five specific topics: Transition Overview, Program Design, Cross Program/Agency Activities, Families, Policies and Supports, and Evaluating the Process.
ARTICLES & REPORTS
Kindergarten Transition Resources: For Families, Community Members, Teachers, Caregivers, and Policymakers. 2006. Minnesota Department of Education. http://education.state.mn.us/mdeprod/groups/EarlyLearning/documents/Instruction/008965.pdf
This document from the Minnesota Department of Education outlines strategies and resources for all stakeholder groups.
Making the Move to Kindergarten: A Guide for Pre-K and Kindergarten Teachers in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. A publication of Building Bridges to Kindergarten, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools/Child Care Resources, Inc. Partnership for Kindergarten Transition. http://www.childcareresourcesinc.org/about/documents/MakingMove_Teacher.pdf
A 10-page booklet providing tips and information about preparing children and families for Kindergarten, designed for both Pre-K and K teachers.