Info for Practitioners
Research suggests that the most effective transition to school programs
recognise the importance of the broader community in the process and proactively
involve schools, prior-to-school services, families and school starters.
The aim is to optimally cater for the child starting school rather than
expecting the child to conform to existing practices. By providing an
open, welcoming environment, nurturing collaborative relationships and
communication networks across services, families and children, and celebrating
and incorporating previous learning experiences, anxiety for all concerned
is minimized which has lasting educational benefits.
In addition to the examples included in the Transition
Programs section, a selection of research articles on the topic are
contained herein as well as suggested guidelines for effective programs
to assist those initiating new programs or to improve current programs.
Research Articles
Rethinking
school readiness - Centre for Community Child Health 
This policy brief focuses on what the research tells us about the
nature of and pathways to school readiness, and emphasises the importance
of schools, services and communities in supporting children and families.
Building
integrated early childhood and family support services - Tim Moore
This presenation examines ways to integrate early childhood and family
support services so as to achieve better outcomes for children, families
and society.
Linking
families and schools - Marcia Kraft-Sayre and Robert Pianta
This article has some useful information on how schools link with parents
and children to form a working relationship for the healthy development
for the child.
Transition
to school - NSW Centre for Parenting & Research
This documentation explains the factors that one must consider when
contemplating whether their child is ready to take the step up into
school or not.
School
Readiness - Centre for Community Child Health
This paper explores the meaning of school readiness, along with
the factors associated with children's readiness for success in school.
It looks at what can be done by parents, early childhood services, schools
and the community in order to support a successful transition for children.
Supported
transition for children with special needs - Evelyn Howell
This document explains the different approach particular parties must
take for children with special needs for the successful transition from
pre school to primary school.
Starting
school: Effective Transitions - Sue Dockett and Bob Perry
This document explains the guidelines that must be in place before effective
transition can occur. It explains some key indicators which are needed
for effective transition.
Learning story
This document is a suggested way in which to encourage dialogue between
educators, children and their parents on the topic of starting school
by storytelling
Assessing
School Readiness
This paper contains information for parents to help them assess the
development and skills fo there child and see if they are ready to start
school
Presentations
Andrew
Munro - CEO, Caresouth
This presentation explores brain development in children who have been
subject to abuse or trauma, and how this can impact on their experience
of starting school.
Harold
Cosier - Principal, Wollongong Public School
This presentation is designed for prospective
parents and inlcudes information about the some of the challenges parents
face when their child starts school.
Early Childhood Perspectives
Port
Kembla Preschool - Our trip to the Warrawong Big School Expo
This brief reflection summarises children's experiences during their
excursion to attend the 2008 Warrawong Big School Expo
The Transition to School e-groups are designed to allow schools, early
childhood centres and support services to share information, key dates
and discussion about transition issues.
They also provide an opportunity to find out about events and professional
development opportunities from the Illawarra Transition to School Project
team.
To sign up, please click on the link below and 'Apply for group membership'.
You will need a Google Account to sign up for the Transition to School
e-groups. If you do not have one, you can create
a free Google Account here.
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If you require additional information about healthy child development
through school or other areas please visit our useful
links page.
To view this file you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader, click the link below to download a free copy of the Adobe Acrobat Rader.
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