Transition strategies in childcare

Starting childcare is a big step – both for parents and their children. Transition in childcare settings can cause stress and anxiety, whether that is moving into a new room, getting used to the structure of childcare programs or entering new environments.

This anxiety, stress and uncertainty can continue and impact your little one’s development over time, especially if it is not approached smartly and sensitively. To ease the process, it’s a good idea to have a transition strategy in childcare.

What is a transition strategy in childcare?

A transition strategy in childcare refers to preplanned methods, techniques and tools used by educators, caregivers and parents to guide children from one activity or routine to another. These strategies can help to maintain a calm and organised environment to reduce stress and anxiety for both children and educators. As a result, educators can better support a child’s developmental needs such as their ability to adapt, focus and self-soothe.

Why are transition strategies important?

Whether it is moving into their own bed or progressing through grades at school, transitions for children can be stressful. They are dealing with big emotions around change, which can affect their health and well-being if not handled properly.

A robust transition strategy can create a smooth shift between tasks and environments to ensure your child feels comfortable and confident no matter the setting. Transition strategies can also reduce behaviours arising from sudden or unexpected changes, encourage independence, help children feel comfortable in new environments as well as encourage time management and organisational skills. In turn, this can support a child’s emotional, social and cognitive development in early childhood.

With that in mind, here are a few tips to help ease the transition:

Transitions between activities

It’s a good idea to introduce your children to changes in their environment slowly. They will encounter many new activities at childcare, so chat with their educators before they start and see if you can introduce them to any of these activities (reading books, playing with sand, doing crafts, etc.) at home. When your child first starts childcare, try to plan their day to reduce as many transitions as possible. Ensure their belongings are ready to go and that they have everything they will need throughout the day. Chat with their educators to find out what the transitions between activities will entail to make sure they have everything they need.

Common problems with transitions

Children will often display challenging behaviours during transitions, causing educators to feel the need to step into a more authoritative role. As such, it’s a good idea for families to be aware of some of the common problems with transitions…

Children are not developmentally ready to move up to the next room

• Transitions are rushed
• Children don’t know what is coming next
• Children are not ready to stop doing what they are doing
• Children have little or no warning of what is expected of them
• These problems are why it’s a good idea for parents to be aware of transition strategies in childcare

Strategies support transitions during activities

There are many different strategies that both parents and educators can take to help children with transitions. These include, but aren’t limited to…

Introducing the child to the children and educators in the room that they are going to be transitioning into – try to spend some time there each week during quiet times to get started

Preparing the environment for transitions

• Using visual cues (pictures, charts or timers to show what activity is coming next)
• Give auditory clues (songs, claps or bells to signal transitions)
• Giving children constant updates and countdowns to help children anticipate change
• Preparing the children for changes in advance
• Teaching children to help others – buddy system
• Incorporating games, songs or movement-based activities during transitions to maintain engagement

For parents, while they are sitting in on a childcare visit, try to document how the transition routine is undertaken to help you prepare your child at home.

How we support transitions at Edge Early Learning

We know that transitions can be challenging for children. That’s why we have a number of transition strategies in place to help ease your child into their early learning journey. For example, we only transition when they are developmentally ready.

At Edge Early Learning, we also don’t structure our early learning programs by set ages, because we know that all children develop at different paces. We include the family in this decision too as we strongly believe that early learning should always be a partnership with the family and the centre.

Want to know more about our transition strategies and approach to childcare? Explore our page ‘Our Approach’ to discover more, contact us online, or book a tour of your local Edge Early Learning Centre to ask questions in person and discover our modern spaces.