Starting Early: Foundation Building
Successful school transitions begin months before the first day. Early preparation helps reduce anxiety and builds confidence for both children and families.
Key Insight
Small, consistent experiences with school-like activities at home create familiarity and reduce the overwhelming nature of a new environment.
Pre-Transition Preparation
Home Practice Activities
Practice sitting for short periods during structured activities
Work on following simple classroom routines like raising hand
Arrange playdates to practice social interactions
Environmental Familiarity
Visit the school building and playground beforehand
Meet teachers and support staff when possible
Review classroom schedules and expectations
Building Essential Skills
Focus on developing key skills that will help your child navigate the school environment independently:
Self-Care Skills
Opening lunch containers, using restroom independently, managing belongings
Communication
Asking for help, expressing needs, following multi-step directions
Routine Flexibility
Adapting to schedule changes, transitions between activities
Collaboration Strategies
Effective communication with school staff ensures consistent support:
Share Detailed Information
Provide comprehensive information about your child's strengths, needs, and effective strategies
Establish Regular Communication
Set up consistent check-ins with teachers and support staff
Create Transition Plans
Develop written plans for handling challenges and supporting success
Monitor and Adjust
Stay flexible and willing to modify approaches based on what works
When Additional Support Is Needed
Consider professional transition support if your child needs:
Specialized Planning
- • Individualized Education Program (IEP) development
- • Behavioral intervention planning
- • Sensory accommodation strategies
Ongoing Support
- • Regular check-ins and strategy adjustments
- • Crisis intervention planning
- • Staff training and consultation
Ready to Plan Your Transition?
Our school transition specialists can help create a comprehensive plan tailored to your child's needs.
Schedule Consultation →