Children experience many transitions, including from home to an early care and education setting, between age groups or program settings, and from preschool to kindergarten. Supporting these transitions for children, families, and staff is critically important because even positive change can be challenging. How the foundation for positive transitions is laid across all levels of the system to support children, families, and staff through transitions can have far-reaching effects on children’s well-being and academic success. Program staff consider the long-term process of building and maintaining the capacity to support children and families at all levels. They also look at ways to improve how they connect and communicate within systems during transitions.

Supporting Families Through Transitions in Early Head Start

Learn about three elements that bridge continuity of care in Early Head Start programs. Review strategies that build on continuity of care and support children and families through early transitions.

Transition to Kindergarten

Check out a variety of resources and planning guides for leaders, educators, and families looking to support successful transitions to kindergarten.

Supporting Transitions: Using Child Development as a Guide

During the course of a child’s life, change is inevitable. Knowing about children’s development can help us understand how children respond to transition.