With widespread support for the expansion of early education programs, there is an increased need for collaboration across systems to support the critical transition from pre-K to elementary school in order to ensure positive educational outcomes for all.
Promoting Seamless Transitions from Preschool to Kindergarten and Beyond
2016, NO.43
This issue of VUE explores the transition from pre-K to kindergarten and beyond, highlighting the importance of systems alignment, collaboration, and community engagement.
Over the past decade, there has been increased recognition of the short- and long-term benefits of high-quality early childhood education programs, but the systems needed to sustain these benefits throughout early learning transitions (and beyond) have not yet been fully implemented.
Within the context of Oklahoma’s universal pre-K system, Community Action Project of Tulsa County (CAP Tulsa) collaborates with schools to facilitate pre-K students’ successful transitions to the early elementary grades.
The Turning 5 work group – a collaboration between Advocates for Children of New York, the New York City Department of Education, and other partner organizations – provides support to families of students with disabilities facing the challenges of transitioning to kindergarten.
Early childhood interventions such as home-visiting and kindergarten preparation programs can mitigate the effects of toxic stress and equip children with the skills and support they need for a successful transition into school.
We Are A Village, a program funded by a federal Investing in Innovation grant focused on family engagement in early childhood, fosters parent collaboration during early learning transitions to help families feel welcome, valued, and respected.