Family Concerns Surrounding Kindergarten Transition: A Comparison of Students in Special and General Education

• Published in: Early childhood education journal Vol. 38; no. 4; pp. 259 - 263
• Main Authors: McIntyre, Laura Lee, Eckert, Tanya L., Fiese, Barbara H., DiGennaro Reed, Florence D., Wildenger, Leah K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Netherlands 01.12.2010; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Caregivers; Comparative Analysis; Comparative studies; Disabilities; Early Childhood Education; Education; Educational Development; Families & family life; Family Involvement; Family Relationship; General Education; Individualized Education Programs; Individualized Instruction; Kindergarten; Kindergarten students; Learning and Instruction; Parent participation; Preschool Children; Preschool Education; Regular and Special Education Relationship; School Readiness; Sociology; Sociology of Education; Special Education; Special Needs Students; Surveys; Urban Schools; Young Children; Family involvement; Family concerns; Kindergarten transition; School readiness; Special education
• ISSN: 1082-3301; 1573-1707
• DOI: 10.1007/s10643-010-0416-y

Kindergarten transition is considered an important developmental milestone for children and families. Children with disabilities may be especially vulnerable during transition and may lack academic and behavioral readiness skills essential for kindergarten. Family concerns surrounding children’s transition were explored in 132 students ( n  = 29 special education; n  = 103 general education) preparing to enter kindergarten. Caregivers responded to a survey on family experiences and involvement in transition and reported on the degree to which they were concerned about kindergarten transition. Caregivers of special education students reported significantly more concerns surrounding their child’s behavior, communication, academic readiness, and overall readiness for kindergarten than did caregivers of general education students. Implications for supporting children and families during transition are discussed.