Supporting children’s smooth transition

2: Supporting children’s smooth transition

The EC and EI educators’ role are crucial in transition as they can facilitate continuity of learning, allowing children to build upon the skills, knowledge, and experiences gained. This seamless progression helps children maintain the momentum in their learning and supports their overall development.

One of the key transitions that can happen in a preschool is a child transiting to a new class in the new year. As an ICO, do work with your centre leader to establish good practices to support this transition:

1. WHO: EC educators of the current and new class, EI educators, Parents, Centre Leader where needed.

2. WHAT:

• Set goals for the transition. These are different from the child’s IEP goals, as these are specific to aiding the child’s adjustment to a new environment.
• Outline strategies and discuss any
• Share info such as: child’s strengths, areas of improvement, learning style, interests, and individual needs
• Share important documentation such as assessment reports progress reports, IEP, strategies, specific support or accommodations that may be necessary to support the child’s needs.
• Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate the child's achievements and milestones together as a team. Recognize the collective effort and the positive impact of effective teaming on the child's development

3. WHEN: Discuss transition 1-2 months before the end of the school year. Ensure regular meetings before and after transition.

• ICO can suggest tapping on existing forums for EC, EI, and parents to discuss the child’s progress in transitioning:
• i. EI professionals can sit-in Parents-Teaching Meeting
• ii. EC can sit in for case conference meeting with EI team
• iii. For DS-LS: EC can sit in during SWP meeting/ IEP meeting/ EOI meeting

4. HOW: Organise a classroom visit for the child to let the child familiarise with the new environment. This can include the child spending a spends a few hours in the next class level while still attending the current class (e.g., One to two months before the transition, the children can participate in activities in the next grade level classroom). This provides them with an opportunity to experience the activities in the next class level.

Check out these additional resources to support children’s transition back to school! Back to School Guide for Parents Strategies for Returning to School After a Break

Additional tips for parent engagement, especially if the child is newly enrolled in the centre: Share with parents/caregivers that the child may need time to adjust to the preschool environment. It is natural for child to take time to adapt. Changes in behaviour is expected. This may include crying, shouting, rolling on the floor and some regressive behaviour. Seek parents/caregivers’ understanding that educators and peers may need time to learn how best to engage and interact with child. There could be instances where children ask “why is ___ like that” and EC educators are encouraged to speak to children with inclusive mindset. This includes saying, we are all different and we all need time, etc.

ICOs can encourage EC and EI educators to positively engage and involve parents in their child’s learning and development. Parents can provide additional views and can help to continue to reinforce the child’s learning at home.

Here are some resources the ICO can share with EC and EI educators: How to Talk with Parents about their Child’s DevelopmentTips for Effective Communication with Parents