Fall is a Time of Transition: Help Make Your Child’s Transition a Positive Experience

 When the end of the summer approaches, parents begin to think about the variety of transitions that accompany this time of year.  These transitions may include switching from a family child care setting to a child care center, moving from one group to another within a particular location, or “graduating” from kindergarten to the first grade.  These types of transitions are not easy, but if both providers and parents help children to understand the changes, the moves tend to go more smoothly. 

It is most important to be open, direct and honest with children about an upcoming transition.  Specifically, children need to be told about the kinds of activities, experiences and new friends that await them at their next school or classroom.  Parents can go with their children to visit the new center and meet the new teacher in advance of the first day. 

Parents may also want to find out from both their current and future provider what kinds of things are done to support children during a transition. It is important that parents and providers complement one another, connecting home and school in an effort to reassure children that a new school, teacher or classmate is a fun, safe, and exciting change. One Cambridge provider emphasized the importance of a “good closure” when leaving a classroom or site. This may be achieved by throwing a party or celebration with families to let children know how much they were enjoyed.

The transition period continues as children begin their new setting. Entry into a new environment should be staggered, i.e. introduced in small amounts of time, gradually working up to a regular schedule. It is important that parents accompany their children and stay for part of the day during the first week. Other suggestions for easing a child’s entry to a new setting include:

--Bringing a security object from home, such as a family photograph, homemade book, or stuffed animal

--Waving at a window after saying good-bye

--Reading special books about starting a new school

--Encouraging children to talk about nostalgic feelings of their previous teacher, group, or classmates

Children do understand transition. Depending on a child’s age, however, parents should expect different reactions. Parents can tailor their support depending on a child’s development. Talk with your previous or new provider about what is done in your particular care arrangement to prepare children for change.

The period of adjustment involved in a transition takes time, often many months. As a parent, remember that there is no uniform adjustment period, and that each child needs individualized quality of support. By working together with your provider, you can give this support to your child to make the transition as smooth as possible.
 

Child Care Chatter

A newsletter for in-home/relative caregivers available in  English and Spanish.  The newsletters require Acrobat Reader to view. Download Acrobat for free by clicking the button.
English version

Spanish version

Back to top of newsletter