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Program Transitions  

Early Head Start to Head Start Transition Plans

What to Expect for Transition Plans
  1. Center Director and CCSC meet to discuss upcoming transitions for any child that will be transitioning out of Early Head Start. A final plan will be made with the family (see #3) that includes supportive steps to help guide the process as appropriate for the family and based on the most successful outcome for the child.
  2. EHS Teachers will include activities in their lesson plans to support children’s development and readiness for preschool.
  3. Center director will meet with the family to discuss a transition plan and invite the family to visit the preschool classroom with their child. This meeting may include the EHS Teacher, the Family Services Specialist and any other relevant staff or itinerants.
    1. When meeting with the family discuss a good time for them to visit the preschool classroom.
      1. Before Scheduling the visit, assist the preschool teacher in completing The Teacher Preference Form to determine the best time of day to visit the classroom, as needed.
      2. If not moving out of EHS at 36 months old (3rd birthday), this step would be completed no sooner than 1 month before transition to preschool classroom.
    2. Provide link to Interest Form to begin the HS application process. Update the Transition Activities Log identifying parent preference for next programming.
  4. CCSC will compile an EHS Transition Summary Report. As an EHS Teacher or center director, you will be asked for your feedback on completing this report. The CCSC will ensure the future teacher and family services personnel have a copy of the finalized report.
  5. The director or teacher may consider facilitating a "good-bye" activity, such as Pieces of the Bye ​to help support the transition process for everyone involved.
Refer to the EHS Transition Guidance document on the right for a more detailed explanation of the transition process. Any transition event, including those listed above, will be recorded on the EHS Transition Activity Log.
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EHS Transition Documents
EHS Transition Guidance

EHS Transition Activity Log

Getting to Know Your Child and Family


Optional Transition Documents
EHS Transition Teacher Preferences

Additional Classroom Visits
Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS)
HS 1302.70 Transitions from Early Head Start. (b) Timing for transitions. …at least six months prior to each child’s third birthday, implement transition planning for each child and family that: (1) Takes into account the child’s developmental level and health and disability status, progress made by the child and family while in Early Head Start, current and changing family circumstances and , the availability of Head Start, other public pre-kindergarten, and other early education and child development services in the community that will meet the needs of the child and family; and, (2) Transitions the child into Head Start or another program as soon as possible after the child’s third birthday but permits the child to remain in Early Head Start for a limited number of additional months following the child’s third birthday if necessary for an appropriate transition.
Head Start to Kindergarten Transition
School Readiness and Planning for Transitions
Getting ready for Kindergarten means that children are ready for school, families are ready to support their children's learning, and schools are ready for children. There are several activities teachers can plan throughout the year to support children, families and schools in making this transition.
Families
  1. Keep families informed of kindergarten round up and events at the local elementary schools.
  2. Support families with extra transition visits to local schools.
  3. Share transition packets with families and discuss ways to help them feel prepared for what happens next.
Elementary Schools
  1. Go to the local schools early in the fall and introduce yourself to the kindergarten teachers and principal.
  2. Arrange a trip to the local kindergarten classroom.
  3. Collaborate with the local public school to host events when appropriate.
Preschool Classroom
  1. After checking with the principal, Invite local kindergarten teachers and parents to classroom events throughout the year.
  2. Set up "school" in your dramatic plan area using items or materials you know are used at the local public school.
  3. Set up a "school cafeteria" in the dramatic play area.

HS Transition Packet                                                             
Head Start and GSRP Early Childhood Transition Form

Instructions for Completing Early Childhood Transition Form

HS Transition Activity Log and Activity Suggestions


Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center
To access a wealth of knowledge and resources around transitions, click the button below:
1302 Subpart G- Transition Services
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