Welcome to Kindergarten
Creating a smooth transition for you and your child.
Kindergarten is a big step.
We would like to help your child make a smooth transition to kindergarten. Working with you and your community agencies, your school will create a transition plan to make the move to kindergarten a positive experience. Familiarity with school expectations can positively influence students' attitude toward school and reduce anxiety about school.
Meet your team.
The classroom teacher, principal or Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT) may initiate a meeting for you, all staff and community agencies working with your child to collaborate their efforts and delineate roles and time frames for the entry of your child to kindergarten. Together you will create a written plan for smooth transition to kindergarten for your child.
Your input is valued and needed.
You may be asked to complete a screening booklet or questionnaire to help staff to develop a better understanding of your child. Knowledge of your culture and beliefs, your child's interests, abilities and goals will help the transition team create a plan specific to your child's needs. You may also be asked to participate in a case conference for your child. At this meeting you will probably meet the classroom teacher, the SERT and/or the principal, as well as any other staff that may be working with your child (such as the Early Childhood Educator).
Come and See!
Plan a visit to your child's school in the spring and again in late August or early September to observe the routines and activities of the classroom. If possible attend some of the community events hosted by your school, such as bingo night or BBQ, to provide your child with additional opportunities to interact with the students and staff.
School staff will likely visit your child in their preschool environment to observe and meet with his or her teachers there. These observation and meetings will assist staff in developing your child's unique transition plan.
Guiding Principles of the Transition Process
- Focus on the whole child and family. Children bring to school with them their culture, their family and their family values.
- A successful entry plan involves collaboration and sharing of resources and information among all concerned parties; family, school staff, pre-school program providers and community agencies.
- Transition planning must respect the student's cultural heritage, Aboriginal members or new Canadians alike, ensuring equal opportunities for all children.
- The entry plan sets out clearly defined procedures, responsibilities and timelines in language and terms that all parties are familiar with.
- The Entry-to-School plan is responsive to the specific needs of a student. They are as unique and varied as the children in the classroom.