Preparing for Transition
The transition to kindergarten is an important
milestone for young children. Instructors working together
to provide a seamless transition can make this a successful experience
for the children in their program. The transition process
involves the teacher, parent, child, and community. Many
times the VPK teacher can visit the local elementary
school with the class and help ease any apprehension the children may
have about a “new” or
unfamiliar school environment. Transition is a journey
and should be a time to celebrate children’s growth.
VPK directors need to be able to create a transition plan that is versatile and meets the needs of the children, families, and communities they serve. The Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County has created a checklist for programs and families to use to ease the stress of transition. VPK teachers and parents have the opportunity to fill out the form and share the results with the kindergarten teacher. This collaborative effort helps ensure a seamless transition and provides a picture of the child’s temperament, likes/dislikes, and areas to work on in the coming year.
Below is a link to an example of a cover letter and checklist that has been developed in Sarasota County for use in helping children transition from VPK to kindergarten. The checklist is completed by VPK instructors and is given to kindergarten teachers for the children enrolled in their classrooms.
Cover Letter and Checklist from Sarasota County
Many counties have similar materials. Check with your local early learning coalitions to gather additional information on helping children transition from VPK to kindergarten in your community.
