Children experience many transitions, including from home to an early care and education setting, between age groups or program settings, and from preschool to kindergarten. Supporting these transitions for children, families, and staff is critically important because even positive change can be challenging. How the foundation for positive transitions is laid across all levels of the system to support children, families, and staff through transitions can have far-reaching effects on children’s well-being and academic success. Program staff consider the long-term process of building and maintaining the capacity to support children and families at all levels. They also look at ways to improve how they connect and communicate within systems during transitions.
This report summarizes the work of the OHS & Public Schools Collaboration Demonstration Project to improve the transition of children and families into the public schools.
Check out this summary of successful transitions to kindergarten activities that were planned and implemented by the teams in the Head Start-Public Schools Collaboration Demonstration Project (CDP).
Learn about the unique needs of children of migrant and seasonal farmworkers and their families during the transition to kindergarten. Discover what practices and strategies are key to ensure successful transitions.
Take a look at this complete catalogue of transition-to-kindergarten resources. Use them to find ways to support the children and families you serve.
Programs can use this planning form that can be edited by leaders as they build a kindergarten transition team and plan.
Find common terms and staff roles within Head Start programs and elementary schools, with a crosswalk comparison of terms and roles. Share the guide with all those involved in the transition-to-kindergarten process.
In this guide, learn how to support children with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and their families through a successful transition to kindergarten.
Review a list of practical guides, special topics, and research in support of kindergarten transition efforts by leaders and educators.
Discover a list of specific, research-based activities that educators can implement during the transition to Kindergarten process. They focus on ways to foster the four key points of connection with the child's receiving school.
Review a list of resources—including practical guides, special topics, and research— that offer support to families during the kindergarten transition process