The transition to kindergarten can be a time of great excitement and joy for everyone involved. For children, it is an opportunity to learn new things, master new skills, and feel proud that they are going to kindergarten. For families, it can bring a sense of delight as their children reach another milestone. For Head Start staff and receiving schools, it is a great time for collaboration, coordination, and joint planning.
When early childhood education (ECE) programs and schools actively engage families in their child's transition to kindergarten, and when they are responsive to families' efforts to participate in these transitions, families show increased involvement during the kindergarten year (Schulting, Malone, and Dodge, 2005).
Explore this collection of resources and videos to find the latest information about the importance of engaging families and partnering with them in the transition to kindergarten.
Enhancing Parent-Child Relationships During Virtual Learning and Transitions
Learn how programs can work with children and families remotely to promote learning and plan for transitions.
Family Engagement in Transitions: Transition to Kindergarten
Learn how the transition to kindergarten impacts children and families. Find examples of how strong Parent, Family, and Community Engagement (PFCE) Framework program foundations and impact areas are linked with successful program practices.
Family Engagement and School Readiness
Explore the link between family engagement and school readiness. Find strategies and additional resources to help staff and programs strengthen their family engagement and school readiness practices.
Early Childhood Transitions: Supporting Children and Families
Strong relationships between staff and families can help make the transition-to-kindergarten experience a good one. Learn how to offer families support and guidance to help them feel ready to make the transition.
Family Engagement and School Readiness: Building on Family Strengths to Promote Success
Early childhood is a time when children can gain the skills and attitudes they need to succeed in school. Explore how to support families in their relationships with their children to help promote learning, healthy development, and success in school and in life.
Skills
Transition to Kindergarten: Engaging Families
Follow a Head Start program as it partners with families preparing for kindergarten. Find ideas, tips, and strategies for partnering with families and schools as children transition to kindergarten.
Building Bridges: Families Engaging in the Transition to Kindergarten
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.
Engaging Families in the Transition to Kindergarten
Learn how a Laguna, NM Head Start program prepares children and families for the transition to kindergarten. Find specific strategies that support children and families during this important transition.
Family and Community Partnerships for School Readiness
Find out about the strategies that Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc. in Dunkirk, NY uses to promote school readiness. The program works with families, schools, and local programs to prepare children for school.
Practice
Making the Move Together: Transitions During Uncertain Times
Share this step-by-step guide with parents to help them prepare their child for the transition from home to a Head Start program after a public health crisis or emergency.
Community Partnerships for Family Engagement in the Transition to Kindergarten
Watch this webinar to learn about strategies to develop and sustain partnerships between Head Start programs and their receiving elementary schools and communities.
Transition to Kindergarten: Partnering with Families and Schools
Explore how to apply strengths-based attitudes and relationship-based practices. Discover how to build a relationship between a Head Start coordinator and a receiving public school special education team leader.
Partnering with Families for Head Start Programs and Schools
Explore evidence-based strategies and approaches for creating continuity for families and children as they transition to kindergarten.
Your Child Is Going to Kindergarten: Making the Move Together
Explore this step-by-step guide with parents to help them support their children and engage in the kindergarten transition process. Find tips organized across a timeline.
Related Resources
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Resource Type: Article
National Centers: Parent, Family and Community Engagement
Audience: Family Service Workers
Last Updated: May 2, 2024