Transition of Young Children into the Elementary Education Mainstream

Abstract

A major goal of early childhood special education (ECSE) programs is to promote the entry of young children with handicaps into kindergarten and the elementary school mainstream. The transition from ECSE to the kindergarten classroom and elementary school mainstream may present several challenges for the child, family, and professionals. A model for planning this transition and addressing the challenges is presented. The model, developed through Project TEEM, enables parents, ECSE, and elementary school program staff to collaboratively establish and implement procedures for planning transitions. The model insures that the procedures (a) address the strengths, needs, and characteristics of individual children, families, and school programs; (b) promote the implementation of best practices in transition planning; and (c) result in the successful transition of children and families into the elementary school mainstream.

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