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Even very young children need to hear about the transition plans from their family members. Talking about the plan and how it will unfold allows parents to uncover concerns, fears, and anxiety or excitement and anticipation.

Preparing the Classroom

Two types of classroom preparation are necessary. One is to welcome the child and family such as labeling a cubbie, identifying where the child will nap, or adding names and photos to the classroom. The other is curriculum planning to support transitions. A good transition curriculum creates freedom for the teacher to attend to the transitioning child and family while maintaining the other children’s interests in what is going on in the classroom.

Preparing the Program

Additional support is often needed during transitions, both from management and from the other teachers in the program. It is difficult to get to know a new family unless a priority is given to the process. Resources that increase the success of transitions include extra teaching help during the transition so the teacher can focus her attention on the new children, release time from classroom responsibilities to meet with the family, time to plan, evaluate, and reflect on transitions, and modification of schedules to have the new child’s teacher present at arrival time
during the transition period. Other teachers in the center can help support the family by greeting them and introducing themselves. This is especially true for tenured teachers with years of experience. These teachers have a wealth of experience with transitioning and can be very supportive of new
families.

Preparing OtherChildren and Their Families

Before the new child begins to transition, talk about the new friend who will join the group. For younger children, add a laminated photo of the new child to acquaint children with the new face. For older children, ask them to remember what it was like to be in a new place. Discuss ways to make friends or include the new child in activities. Anticipatory socialization activities like this help children use social skills appropriately when new children arrive or when they experience similar situations outside the school setting.

Parents or family members of enrolled children need advance notice of the arrival of new children. Announce the new family with a family photo on the bulletin board and introduce new family members to others during gradual enrollment and at arrival and departure times.
Curriculum Activities for Transitioning Infants

Talk, Talk, Talk! Talk to the child and the family as you explain what you are doing as you do activities with other infants in the classroom. Give the transitioning infant time to get familiar with your voice as you explain to the family why you do things a particular way. Postpone direct interactions with the child until both the child and the family are ready.

• Foot Painting �" Place large craft paper on the wall near the floor. Paint child’s feet with warm tempera paint. Kicks will result in a footprint!
• Touching Water �" Place a shallow container on the tray of a low chair or table and let child touch the water. Change the experience by changing the water’s temperature or color, adding toys, or adding texture.

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