​School Readiness

Student Transition from Preschool to Kindergarten

Transition is a process, not a one-time event. Head Start supports parents in preparing children for public school kindergarten by providing information, making connections, and bringing kindergarten teachers to speak with parents. Part of the second parent conference involves you in writing a transition plan for your child. There will be meetings for parents to share concerns, ask questions, and support each other during the months before your child enters public school.

Throughout the school year, your child will be learning school readiness skills including social skills, which prepare him/her for kindergarten. Teachers will be discussing your child's growth during home visits and parent conferences, so that you can follow your child's progress in skills such as getting along with others, listening, hand-eye coordination, learning the alphabet, counting, and using words to express feelings or ideas.  

Classroom transition activities will be provided so that children can visit a kindergarten classroom, learn about kindergarten behaviors, expectations, and express feelings about going to kindergarten. ​

Students with Individualized Education Program (IEP)

If your child has an IEP, it is important that you discuss his/her transition to kindergarten with the speech therapist, special education teacher, and other specialists working with your child.  Check in with them as soon as services have begun in the program year (preferably before the winter break) as well as close to the time when a transition IEP will be held to determine services for your child in the upcoming year.