Transition
From Pre to the big K.

Background

No more “pre” school or “pre” kindergarten.  This will be the beginning of your child’s “formal” schooling, Kindergarten!  In school they call this process in a young child’s life transition.  Simply put transition means going from one place to another. 

Unlike years ago when children went from home to Kindergarten, today many children go from pre-school, or a group-based child’s program (like Head Start) to Kindergarten.  Either way, this is a major change in a child’s life.  Sometimes it’s an even bigger change for parents, especially if the child has a disability.  Though the challenge of moving ahead can be scary, transition can be a positive thing.  It’s a time for your child to learn new skills and grow more independent.  It’s time to begin preparing for your child’s future (it’s never too early!).

During transition, it is particularly important for parents of children with disabilities to learn about the different programs, services and placements available under special education.  Remember that children with disabilities are entitled to a Free and Appropriate Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).  Below is an illustration of education settings from less to more restrictive.
 

image with arrows pointing left and right with the words over the arrows from left ; Regular Classes, Special Classes, Special Schools, Child's Home, Hospitals or institutions and underneath the arrows the word pointing left for less restrictive and to the right for more restrictive

An inclusive classroom is a class where typically and non-typically developing children learn together.  Children with disabilities are given access to the same state curriculum as children without disabilities.  The school must make sure children with disabilities also have the help they need to make progress.  This may include additional services and supports, such as assistive technology. 

In the past few years there has been a greater effort to make sure inclusion happens. Still, there are too many children not included; and instead, placed in self-contained classrooms (classrooms that consist of children with disabilities only). Sometimes these self-contained classrooms are called “Life Skills”. Yet, what better place to learn about life and going to school, than in a typical Kindergarten classroom! To learn more about the value of inclusive placements, please see the article “Why Inclusion Begins in Kindergarten”.

To learn more about transition and how you can prepare yourself and your child for it, click on the topic links below of interest to you:

1) Preparing Myself for Transition
2) Preparing my Child for Transition

What parents need to remember

  1. Know your rights.  Each school must consider the least restrictive environment (LRE) first for all children.
  2. Prepare yourself by building awareness, advocating for your child, changing emotional gears, getting and staying involved.
  3. Prepare your child by reading and talking about transition, setting play dates and school visits.
  4. COLLABORATE AND DEVELOP A PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SCHOOL. 

Additional Resources

US Dept of Education – Helping Your Preschool Child , Helping Your Child series, and Learning Checklists. 

Texas Education Agency (TEA)  The Texas curriculum standards (TEKS) and assessment (TAKS) can be viewed and or downloaded here.

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills

TEA Guide to the ARD Process – This is an important document for parents to read and be familiar with as their children are beginning kindergarten. 

2012 IDEA Manual – Parent manual by The Arc of Texas and Advocacy Inc.  This is another “must have” document for parents.  Sample letters, checklists, etc included. 

National Dissemination Center for Children With Disabilities – Building the Legacy Training Curriculum on IDEA 2004

Why Inclusion Begins in Kindergarten (pdf) by Charlene Comstock Galagan, used with permission. 

Individual Education Program – Overview and Placement

PTA tips – Transitioning from Summer to School and Getting Kids Excited About School

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