The transitions from home to early childhood education and onto school are important milestones for both children and families. All transitions bring about changes in the self, in our roles, our relationships, and in our ability to respond to new challenges (Cowan et al., 2005). During the early years, children are likely to undergo a range of transitions including moving between home and an early learning setting, and moving between learning settings to school. Changes continue as children move class from year to year and change teachers.
The Early Years Learning Framework (COAG, 2009), describes the following factors as important to successful transitions:
· Building on children’s prior and current experiences;
· Ensuring children have an active role in preparing for transitions with families;
· Assisting children to understand transitions, routines and practices of the learning settings they are moving to and feel comfortable with this process; and
· Working collaboratively with the teachers in the new learning setting.
At RCC we recognise the important role of families and teachers in helping children navigate successfully through the various life transitions. We offer a transition to school program which focuses on helping children settle into the Pre Kindy and Kindergarten environment before they commence school, so as to become more familiar with the new environment, new teachers, activities and peers. Participation in these types of activities has been shown to be associated with better adjustment to the first year of school (Glallo et al., 2010).
We also offer a Primary Step Up morning in Week 8 of Term 4 which provides students with an opportunity to meet their new teacher and begin to adjust to their new learning environment.
Year 7 Experience Days are held throughout the year providing opportunities for students in Year 6 to be introduced to their homerooms, new secondary teachers, peer support leaders, secondary subjects, and new learning environments.
If you have any questions about any of the transition programs we offer at RCC please speak with Jonno Simmons, Elise Janes (Head of Secondary), or Vanessa Miller (Head of Primary).