Education Transitions
It is widely recognised that connection, collaboration and continuity between home, early childhood services and primary schools set children up for success in both the wellbeing and academic spheres as they transition between each space. Importantly, we need to ensure that children feel safe, secure and experience a sense of belonging both during and after their transition. Parents and educators all want children to experience a positive start to kindergarten and primary school.
Your Child’s Transition to Primary School
Transitions to Primary School can vary widely.
Some primary schools have a number of orientation sessions throughout the year where they showcase various areas of their school; others may only have 3 or 4 orientation sessions towards the end of the year; others will offer opportunities for incoming Prep students to attend particular events at school such as Art Shows or regular story time, or a mix of official orientation sessions and other offerings.
Most Kindergarten Teachers will write Transition Learning and Development (TLDS) Statements (with the voice of the teacher, child and parent/guardian) for the school.
Most primary schools will send a Prep Teacher or other members of their team to each Kindergarten/ELC to visit the child or children, which also provides them with the opportunity to speak with the teacher.
What happens if my child has a diagnosis?
If your child has a diagnosis, you would be encouraged to provide all the information you have (eg, Occupational Therapist, Speech reports, Paediatrician letter or a Psychological report) to your child’s school prior to your child starting. This will help with planning around potential assistance in the classroom, and any supports that need to be put in place.
Meetings with key school staff, parents and any Allied Health professionals working with your child will also be critical to share information outside of these reports.
The more information the school has, and as early as possible, the smoother the transition will be for your child.
The Sunflower Village Experience
Stacey’s experience in education highlights the importance of positive, effective and informed transitions for children and families – both from home to kinder and kinder to primary school, and primary to secondary school. Preparation is key and a feeling of safety and security for children and families in these spaces is critical.
With the understanding of how important building relationships and a sense of belonging is, Stacey developed and facilitated Pre-Prep sessions for children transitioning to Prep at St Joseph’s (5 years ago), and a weekly playgroup for children aged birth to 3 years (4 years ago), as well as facilitating the Stonnington Network Group for early childhood and primary teachers to connect.
Stacey understands the importance of “bridging the gap” between the two educational spaces, with the opportunity of learning from each other while supporting transitions.
Stacey complements her ability to connect readily with children and families with excellent organisational skills, ability to gather relevant information and see beyond a diagnosis. She understands the need to work with families and teachers across educational settings, and external Allied Health professionals. Bridging the gap so that continuity of care, learning and wellbeing continues across each space.
