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Strategies for Supporting Transitions for Young Children with Special Needs
 

As children with disabilities move from Head Start programs to Kindergarten, they will experience changes in their classrooms and curriculum. Children will also experience changes in the way that services are provided in their new school. Disabilities specialists and other staff may explore strategies that some preschools use to make this transition easier.

The following article is provided courtesy of The National Early Childhood Transition Center (NECTC).

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Strategies for Supporting Transitions for Young Children with Special Needs

The transition across multiple environments for young children with special needs has been identified as stressful for many children and families (Hanson, Beckman, Horn, Marquart, Sandall, Geig, & Brennan, 2000; Jewett, Tertell, King-Taylor, Parker, Tertell, & Orr, 1998; Ramey & Ramey, 1999; Rosenkoetter, Hains, & Fowler, 1994). A series of focus group sessions of administrators, practitioners, and family members were held around the U.S. to identify transition practices that have been implemented effectively for children, families, staff, administrators, and communities. Outcomes from these focus groups included identification of transition strategies for young children with special needs that are considered valuable by parents, providers, and administrators. Strategies for Supporting Transitions for Young Children with Special Needs» [PDF, 185KB]

Strategies for Supporting Transitions for Young Children with Special Needs. National Early Childhood Transition Center. ED/OSERS/OSEP. 2006. English. [PDF, 185KB].

Last Reviewed: December 2010

Last Updated: December 7, 2010