Transitions Resources for Families
Review a list of resources—including practical guides, special topics, and research— that offer support to families during the kindergarten transition process
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.
Family Engagement and Transition to Kindergarten
Discover resources and videos on the importance of engaging families and partnering with them in the transition to kindergarten.
Educators Supporting Successful Transitions to Kindergarten
Find out what key components can help ensure children’s successful transitions to kindergarten. Learn about practical ways staff can support families during the transition process.
Transition to Kindergarten: Engaging Families
Learn how a Head Start program partners with families as they prepare for kindergarten. Explore ways to partner with families and receiving elementary schools during children's transition to kindergarten.
Launching the Transition Process
Learn how Head Start staff can partner with families and introduce the importance of the transition to kindergarten from the start.
Your Child Is Going to Kindergarten: Making the Move Together
This guide offers tips, organized across a timeline, for families to engage in the kindergarten transition and support their children throughout the process.
Leadership Practices for Successful Transitions to Kindergarten
Find research-based practices and activities to help leaders create successful transitions to kindergarten. Use this information to support the four points of connection that are key to transitions.
Transition to Kindergarten: Policy Connections at a Glance
Explore national kindergarten transition policies. Learn how these policies inform the decision-making and practices of Head Start and elementary school leaders as they support the transition process.
Transition to Kindergarten: Supporting Children Who Are Dual Language Learners (DLLs)
Discover information and strategies to help Head Start program staff support children who are dual language learners (DLLs) and their families as they make the transition to kindergarten.
Leaders Supporting the Transition to Kindergarten
Explore the key parts of successful kindergarten transitions. Learn how staff and elementary school leaders can use information, relationships, and alignment to support smooth transitions for Head Start children.