First Transitions To Early Childhood Education And Care

This book brings together the work of researchers from around the globe around the topic of children’s first transitions to early care and education. It discusses political and sociocultural contexts, theories, and ideologies around the theme. The book offers perspectives and findings on adult expectations around a child’s first transition, infant emotional experiences, the role of space, the part that key objects play in infant transitions, and the role of time. It also discusses age of first entry, routines and rhythms of the institutions, and the future expectations of those involved. The book takes a culturally responsive approach, revealing at times striking commonalities across countries, and at other points distinct differences in the people, environments, orienting pedagogies, and policies that inform an infant’s transition into care.

By the time young children enter statutory education, they may have already attended a number of different educational settings, from entry to group settings outside home, to joining playgroup or nursery school. Each of these experiences is likely to affect children's capacity to adjust and to learn. This book focuses on children's experiences of personal and curricular transitions in early childhood. The authors are all academics with international reputations in the field of early childhood education. They draw on their research in Europe, Australasia and the USA to consider issues such as: *the optimum environment and appropriate pedagogy for young children's learning *how children, parents and educators cope with the transition from home to the first educational settings *the ways in which professionals can better support and empower children in transition The perspectives of children, parents and early years educators are all considered and case study examples are used throughout. This book will be essential reading for anyone involved in working with young children and their families, including students on early years courses, early years practitioners and early years policy makers.

Transitions to new educational experiences are a universal rite of passage encountered by children worldwide. This volume in the Educating the Young Child: Advances in Theory and Research, Implications for Practice series provides early childhood educators with a resource that focuses on the transitions that young children make to early care and education settings, along with the issues that surround this important time in their lives. New experiences, such as the start of formal schooling, mark important and exciting events that also evoke different reactions from children and their families. The diverse experiences, traits, and needs exhibited by young children provide early childhood educators with what may be a potentially challenging role. With an international focus, the purpose of Transitions to Early Care and Education: International Perspectives on Making Schools Ready for Young Children is to communicate an enlarged view of the transition process in order to appreciate and honor the promise and potential of all children worldwide. Contributing to this volume are a group of distinguished researchers, practitioners, and educators in the field of early childhood education. Their collective expertise is shared with those who are committed to educating and caring for young children and the families they serve.

This book aims to bring attention to children’s experiences of personal and curricular transitions in early childhood from entry to group-settings outside home to joining playgroup or nursery school and on into the early years of formal education.

In early childhood settings, children spend much of their time handwashing, dressing, napping, and on other routines and transitions. Turn these routine daily activities into learning experiences. By using transitions wisely, you not only help children develop skills but also run a more efficient, calm program environment. In addition to discussions on developmental issues, environments, educational values, and hygiene, this book includes examples of games and rhymes that help children accomplish daily transitions with ease. Not just another activity book, Routines and Transitions is the most comprehensive review of current theory and practice in this area; an excellent introduction and training manual for new child care staff; and an in-depth refresher course with new insights for experienced caregivers.

Drawing on research, theory and practice, this book presents ways in which practitioners, working in partnership with parents, can give children a successful start to school. Written in an accessible style, the book helps early years practitioners planning transition programs for new children and offers ideas for developing their professional practice when working with families. Starting school at the age of four or five is recognized as a major adjustment in a child's life that can determine his or her future success in education. This book highlights the factors that influence children's early adjustment, including their social and emotional wellbeing, so that schools can learn the best way to offer support. Practitioners, managers and those studying on early childhood courses will gain an understanding of the complexity and diversity of transition and will learn how they can make this a stress-free time for the children, families and professionals involved.

The transition from early childhood education to primary school is a big step for all children, and a step which more and more children are having to take. Quality transitions Should be well-prepared and child-centred, managed by trained staff collaborating with one another, and guided by ...