The Kissing Hand
The first day of kindergarten is a big transition for children. Listen to Dr. B read aloud The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn, and learn how you can support the children in your life as they take this big step.
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.
The first day of kindergarten is a big transition for children. Listen to Dr. B read aloud The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn, and learn how you can support the children in your life as they take this big step.
Children aren’t the only ones nervous on the first day of kindergarten. Listen to Dr. Amanda Bryans read aloud First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg to help ease everyone’s transition to kindergarten.
This video highlights the Head Start-Public Schools Collaboration Demonstration Project. Head Start, school, and family leaders discuss the project and suggestions to improve future transition work.
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.
Explore evidence-based strategies and approaches for creating continuity for families and children as they transition to kindergarten.
Learn about three elements that bridge continuity of care in Early Head Start programs. Review strategies that build on continuity of care and support children and families through early transitions.
Watch this video to learn about Head Start parents' hopes for their children as they prepare for kindergarten. Explore research-based strategies to build stability and consistency for children and families.
Programs can use this planning form that can be edited by leaders as they build a kindergarten transition team and plan.
Smooth transitions to kindergarten depend on strong partnerships. Find ways to use these materials to help organize and carry out a successful local transition summit.