Transition practices refer to the events, activities, and processes associated with key changes between environments during the early childhood years. This may include going from home to an early education program or from preschool to kindergarten. Transition practices also promote the continuity of services and support the adjustment of children, especially those at risk for or diagnosed with disabilities, and their families to the new setting in a timely and appropriate manner.

Learn more about recommended practices related to transition the Division for Early Childhood (DEC).

The resources below are organized based on their level of impact for learning and are only a sampling of the resources available on these practices.

Knowledge Awareness Level

Resources that fall into this category provide basic information and do not include activities that draw participants in to respond or reflect. They may include archived webinars and checklists.

Transition Checklists and Practice Guides for Practitioners and Families
Learn more about recommended practices related to program transitions from the DEC. The Program Transitions checklists and practice guides for practitioners and families include video examples and illustrations. Find additional resources on transitioning from hospital to home, to early intervention (e.g., Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)) programs, to community early childhood programs, and finally to kindergarten or school-aged programs.

Knowledge Acquisition Level

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. They walk through strategies for the different stakeholders in facilitating children's transition processes and provide additional resources.

Mastery Level

CONNECT Module 2: Transition
In this CONNECT module, explore practices to help support children with disabilities and their families during program transitions in the ECE system. CONNECT Modules start with a real-life dilemma and include video demonstrations of the practice, a research brief, activities, and practice checklists. The modules are also available in Spanish.

« Go to Resources Supporting Individualization

Last Updated: May 28, 2024