The importance of transitions in early childhood
When we’re in a new environment, we never feel as confident to be who we are. Oftentimes we feel nervous or feel like we lack a sense of belonging and as a result it can take us a while to warm up and engage in what’s going on. That’s why when working with children during transitions, we want to ensure that period of change is as smooth and comfortable for them as possible, so they can feel a sense of belonging in their new environment. Our goal is to give children a sense of agency so they become confident contributors within their space. Episode Summary In this episode of the Adeona Family Podcast, Tracy and Zoe discuss the importance of smooth transitions for children in different contexts, particularly from home to care, between different rooms within the childcare service, and eventually from childcare to school. They emphasise the significance of creating a sense of belonging, safety, and security for the children during these transitions. They outline the steps taken at Adeona’s early childhood education centres to facilitate smooth transitions, such as orientation visits, building relationships between families and educators, and providing support through the process. They also touch upon the importance of engaging with schools and preparing children for the transition to school from childcare, emphasising qualities like resilience, social skills, and the ability to seek help as key indicators of school readiness. They discuss the use of various tools such as the Reflection of Learning document, Transition Statements, and engaging with schools to ensure that the child’s needs and strengths are effectively communicated during the transition. This episode emphasises the significance of these transitions for both the children and their families, and highlights the various ways Adeona supports families throughout this process. They underscore the importance of open communication between educators and families to ensure a successful transition. What are transitions in childcare? The physical movement from one space to another. This can be transitioning into care for the first time from the home environment, transitioning from one early childcare room up into the next room, as well as transitioning from early childhood education into school. Why are transition times important in the early years? Safely navigating transitions in the early years is crucial to a child’s healthy development and wellbeing and can lay the foundation for a future of learning and better outcomes. Likewise, children are able to grow, develop, and learn best when they are feeling safe, secure, and a sense of belonging. Key takeaways from this episode Adeona’s transition process, the resources we provide, and how we ensure both parent and child are comfortable Transitions between rooms Transitions from childcare to school environment & how we work with local schools to aid in that transition Our approach to school readiness How transition statements are prepared and how they work Thank You We’d love to hear from you! If you have any feedback, suggestions or questions about anything we discussed in this episode, please feel free to reach out – tracy@adeona.com.au. Our Early Childhood Education Centres Coorparoo | Mitchelton | Noosaville | Mackay
