6.4.2.1


Head Start to Kindergarten

Family Service staff and Child Development staff determine which children are eligible for Kindergarten in the next school year based on the September 1 cutoff requirements.

When a child is eligible for transfer from a Head Start program to Kindergarten in the next school year:

  • In the Fall of the Head Start program year prior to Kindergarten eligibility, the Family Service staff and Child Development staff begin Kindergarten transition discussions with the parent(s). Family Service staff explores Kindergarten options with the parent(s) during these discussions, including:
    • Kindergarten classroom visitation.
    • Reviewing school websites.
    • Determining the type of Kindergarten program.
  • In January or February prior to the transition:
    • Family Service staff provides the parent(s) with a Transition Packet that includes all required and necessary forms based on the Transition Packet coversheet, then reviews the packet with the parent(s).
    • Family Services staff and Child Development staff meet to begin the paperwork process. Information from the Child File is used to complete the ITP | Spanish, including:
      1. Family profile and goals.
      2. Child strengths and development.
  • Health status.
  1. Ideas for easing the transition.
  2. Possible activities for the action plan.
  • Family Service staff schedules a transition meeting or second conference with the parent(s) and the Child Development staff. Prior to the meeting, consider whether the parent(s) require interpreter services. [Individual Transition Plan | Spanish; Second Conference Form] The Family Service staff and Child Development staff should elicit additional information from the parent(s) to develop the action plan for the transition during the ITP meeting. For more information about ITP meetings, refer to the ITP Meetings topic.
  • In March, April, or May prior to the transition:
    • The Family Service staff and Site Supervisor schedule a Kindergarten Transition Parent Meeting with the parent(s), Family Service staff, and Kindergarten teacher (if available).
    • The Family Service staff plans a Transition Meeting for children with IEPs or behavior plans. Alternatively, IEPs or behavior plans may be addressed during a Transition IEP meeting if one has already been scheduled by the school district.
    • Child Development staff have the parent(s) complete the Permission to Share Child Outcomes form, then conduct a collaboration meeting with local Kindergarten teachers. [Link to document: Permission to Share Child Outcomes]
    • Child Development staff arrange field trips to local Kindergarten classrooms, if possible.
  • In May or June prior to the transition:
    • Child Development staff provide Kindergarten-specific transition activities in the classroom.
    • Child Development staff provide the parent(s) with Child Outcomes and Portfolios at the Final Home Visit or the child’s last day in the program.