Navigating the Transition to Kindergarten and School-Age Care
The transition to kindergarten is an important milestone in a young child’s life. While this transition is often accompanied by much excitement and anticipation, it can also bring uncertainty and anxiety as children face changes on multiple levels. The range of reactions felt by children also affects their parents and caregivers, as they think about the changes that lie ahead and work with their children to prepare for the transition.
The National Center on Afterschool and Summer Enrichment (NCASE) has developed a research brief, Navigating the Transition to Kindergarten and School-Age Care, on this topic that is so important for young children, their families, and other stakeholders. This brief builds on existing guidance about supporting children and families during the transition to kindergarten by broadening the way parents and stakeholders think about this transition to include the school-age programs many young children attend.
A companion webinar on this topic, with a particular emphasis on how the transition to kindergarten can can affect the whole family and involve the need for out-of-school time care was hosted by NCASE on June 3, 2020. It can be found here: https://childcareta.acf.hhs.gov/ncase-resource-library/navigating-transition-kindergarten-and-school-age-care-webinar