Strategy

Supported Transitions and Alignment from Preschool to Kindergarten

What is it?

Transitions and alignment from preschool to kindergarten involves aligning standards, curricula, instruction, and assessments between the two grade levels. A thoughtful and integrated transition can set children up for success, making them more likely to have positive attitudes towards learning and school. Intentional transition programs and practices include kindergarten orientation sessions, teacher home visits, shared data systems, and transition teams or liaisons in schools.

What is the evidence base?

Engagement in transition practices increases prosocial behaviors, enhances academic skills in kindergarten, decreases child problem behaviors, and maintains the benefits children gain from pre-K. 

• Cook and Coley_2017_School Transition Practices and Children’s Social and Academic Adjustment in Kindergarten 
• Early Learning Network_2020_Bridging the Gap: Easing the Transition from Pre-K to Kindergarten