POLICY FOR TRANSITION BETWEEN CLASSROOMS

RATIONALE

To ensure children and families experience an environment where connecting links are affirmed and extended.

Belonging Te Whāriki goal 1

PRINCIPLES

To develop a policy which ensures an effective transition from one area to another.

POLICY

To specify procedures Curious Minds Early Learning will follow to facilitate an effective transition between areas for children.

PROCEDURE

• Curious Minds Early Learning will consult from parents-whānau for transition visits to start, from one classroom to another.
• Administrator to keep a list of dates children will transition to allow as many visits as children may need.
• Visits to the new classroom will be kept consistent- every child has the same opportunity.
• All teachers will take turns accompanying children on the transition visits.
• Children will visit often and at different times of day, so they are familiar with staff, other children, and routines.
• Children from each classroom will, from time to time visit each other, to explore a mixed age environment and alternative curriculum areas.
• Registration on each areas daily roll, will be completed for children visiting; their arrival and departure times will be documented.

TRANSITION OF CHILDREN TO SCHOOL POLICY

RATIONALE

To ensure children and families experience an environment where connecting links with the family and the wide world are affirmed and extended.

Belonging, Te Whāriki Goal 1

PRINCIPLES

To specify the ways of facilitating the transition of children to school.

POLICY

To provide opportunities for an effective and efficient transaction to school.

PROCEDURES

• Discuss school options / preferences with parents-whānau.
• Encourage parents-whānau to contact the school of their choice when the child reaches the age of four years and to arrange visits to enable the child to become familiar with the new entrant room and teacher.
• Provide information from schools in consultation with parents-whānau; this will include general information packages, zoning, and open days.
• Encourage parents-whānau to share their child’s individual profile books with new entrant teachers for continuity of care.
• Liaise with local schools and invite their new entrant teachers and staff to talk to children, staff, and parents.
• Liaise with schools and staff to enable an awareness of skills and requirements to enable a smooth transition to school.
• Encourage children to bring in their own lunch box regularly before starting school.
• When a child turns 4 years, they have the opportunity to participate in a transition to school programme to strengthen their capabilities to develop social, emotional and academic competence.
• Children are given ongoing responsibility for themselves and their possessions.
• Children are encouraged to develop emergent literacy and numeracy skills at their own pace through meaningful experiences.
• All children are provided with a celebration to mark their transition to school.

                     Transition between Classroom Checklist

Profile Child (Full Name):___________________                                                                                                                  

Please coordinate with new profile teacher & complete before a child begins transitioning:

• Review the transitioning sheet and confirm any queries,
• Confirm transitioning times and dates,
• Assign and label the following for the child;

Locker, bedding bag with sheet and blanket, whānau communication pocket (incl badge), Nappies, Creams & Medication, clothing & shoes, if required.

During the transitioning period, new profile teacher to:

• Update the birthday chart.
• Update the Whānau Tree (family photos)
• Update the programme planning board, planning & observation notes.
• Prepare a welcoming story for profile book.

(Discuss following points over the transitioning period).‍

- Introduce parents/whānau to the classroom and to all teachers in the room, invite them to participate in the transitioning period and show them: Communication board, whānau communication pockets, charts recording information on the child’s day (eating, sleeping, toileting).

- Medication Policy and Medication Charts (prescription chart, & preventative medication chart).

- Programme planning wall, learning stories, profile books and Educa- how they can become involved.

- Daily routines, weekly activities and periodic celebrations and events we observe.

For children transitioning to school or leaving the Centre, during their final week:

• Finish profile book (& include leaving certificate if applicable)
• Prepare goodbye sheet from staff team,
• Ensure medication, clothing, artwork, whanau photo, personal belongings sent home on final day.
• Request USB card from Administrator or Profile Teacher,
• Return preventative medication forms to Room Leader.
• Happy Last Day mat time celebration, organised in consultation with parents-whānau
  ‍

Profile Teacher Name: Signature:

Checked by Room Leader: