Why is Transition Important?

Evidence suggests that children who have a positive start to school are likely to engage well and to experience academic and social success.  Transition to School may be a child's first experience of social interaction with others outside their immediate or extended family.  Children's perceptions of themselves as learners, and as someone who belongs at school, are often formed early in their schooling.  A Transition to School program can assist in achieving a positive start to school.

Transition to School should build on children's prior learning and develop strong links between parents, prior to school and school.  There is much to be learned from parents and prior-to-school services about what children already know when they enter school.  Children may bring with them a range of early childhood education and care experiences including:

• Informal child care – provided by a family member or carer
• Playgroup – group activities for prior to school aged children accompanied by their families or carers
• Family day care – home based care for children by a registered caregiver
• Occasional care – short term care for young children on a regular or irregular basis
• Long day care – caters for young children birth to school age, usually operates for at least 8 hours a day for 48 weeks a year and usually provides a preschool program
• Preschool – caters for children three to five years and usually operate 9am – 3pm during school terms.

All of these experiences in which children participate, enjoy and learn from, are valuable.