Transitions

Transitions

Positive transitions during a child’s life have far-reaching benefits.

Definition

During early childhood, children make a number of transitions. In addition to starting at an early childhood centre and moving from there to school, children also undergo transitions within early childhood settings, such as the transition from one group, room or carer to another. Children may also shift from one early childhood setting to another as the result of moving house or for other reasons.

Relevance

Research indicates that the success of any major transition in the early years of life has a positive correlation with the success of other transitions people experience throughout their lives. Starting school is as significant to children as many other major life events. In terms of meaningful lifetime transitions, starting school is on a par with the likes of the birth of a sibling, moving to a new house, the separation of parents, or even the loss of a loved one.

State of the evidence

A number of studies have established the importance of transitions in young children’s lives as well as the key factors that contribute to positive and successful transitions. It is particularly important to attend to children’s social emotional competence and readiness for transitions, and to build their resilience by retaining an element of challenge and uncertainty in any transition.

In practice

Transitions should be thought of as a process that takes place over several months rather than as a single event. The evidence on positive transitions indicates that they rely on close collaboration and communication between the graduating and the receiving school or centre, and among children, teachers and families. It is important to pay careful attention to the practical steps involved in the transition process as well as the academic and social emotional challenges they create for children.

Guiding questions

How does your centre manage the transition for children who are arriving or leaving?
How can you ensure that you begin preparing for the transition early?
How can you work with parents and whānau to evaluate children’s social and emotional readiness for school?
How can you involve parents and whānau in the process and support them to support their children?