Transition Meeting
Making the Transition to FDK Easier
The Purpose of a Transition Meeting
Transition plans are developed for children with special needs to ensure a smoother transition into a new environment such as a kindergarten classroom. A transition plan is a school's written plan to help your child make the transition from home, preschool or daycare to a Full Day Kindergarten (FDK) program easier. During a transition meeting, team members set specific goals for your child and determine the actions that are necessary by each team member to ensure that the transition to FDK is a successful one.
Three Phases of Transition Planning
- Preparation: Gathering pertinent information including observations, medical records and other relevant information regarding mobility, learning and communication.
- Planning: Setting roles, responsibilities and time lines.
- Documentation and implementation of the transition plan.
Individuals Who May Attend a Transition Meeting
- School Principal
- School Vice principal
- Classroom Teacher
- Educational Assistant
- Early Childhood Educator
- Special Education Teacher
- Physiotherapist
- Occupational Therapist
- Speech and Language Pathologist
- Pyschologist
- English Second Language Teacher
- Daycare or Preschool Teacher
- School Nurse
The Transition Meeting
The purpose of a transition meeting is to develop a specific plan to make the transition to kindergarten easier for both parents and the child attending school. During the meeting, parents and the student will have an opportunity to meet school support staff and make contact with important community agencies. The school team will develop annual learning goals, create a detailed plan and set time lines to further discuss progress towards meeting those transition goals.
Tips for Parents to Assist with the Transition to FDK
- Attend parent information sessions
- Attend FDK open houses
- Speak to the school's principal about your child's strengths and needs
- Request a transition to school plan