Support Transitions for Infants and Toddlers
Read these ideas for supporting the many kinds of transitions children and adults experience in Early Head Start.
Transitions
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.
1302.72 Transitions between programs.
Read the requirements for supporting children's transition out of the Head Start program when the family leaves the service area, moves to another early education program, or is engaged in migrant agricultural work.
1302.71 Transitions from Head Start Preschool to kindergarten.
For children transitioning out of Head Start Preschool, programs are required to collaborate with families and local education agencies and develop strategies to ensure a successful transition to kindergarten.
1302.70 Transitions from Early Head Start.
For children transitioning out of Early Head Start, programs are required to develop timelines and collaborate with families and Head Start Preschool staff to ensure the most appropriate placement and service.
Classroom Transitions
Learn ways to help children use positive behaviors during classroom transitions..
Transitions: From the Children's Perspective
In this video, learn what transition to kindergarten means from a child’s perspective. Find out what activities become important to children as they make this big change.
Transitions: A Community Perspective on Transitioning Into Kindergarten
Collaboration is key to successful transitions. Learn how the community, receiving school districts, and Head Start programs can work together to ensure a smooth transition for children and families.
Transition to Kindergarten: Why It Matters and How to Promote Success
Take a look at this overview of the “what, why, and how” of successful kindergarten transitions.
Supporting Transitions: Resources for Building Collaboration
Supporting transitions can have positive effects on children and families, and collaboration is key to effective transition. Each brief in this series focuses on a different partnership level: the child and family, early educators, early care and education (ECE) programs, and ECE partners.