Transition to Kindergarten for Children with Disabilities: Parent and Kindergarten Teacher Perceptions and Experiences

Abstract

The transition to kindergarten (TTK) occurs at a stage in a child’s development when it can have a direct impact on later school success. For children with disabilities, TTK may be especially challenging, and U.S. federal policy provides limited guidance and mandates related to use of practices to support children with disabilities and their familes. The purpose of this study was to explore parents’ and kindergarten general education teachers’ perceptions and experiences related to the TTK from an inclusive preschool for children with disabilities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six parents and seven kindergarten teachers. Themes identified high-intensity transition practices as especially helpful during the transition process, and limited communication and collaboration, late teacher assignment, and ecological differences in preschool and kindergarten as challenging. Parents described the importance of sharing their prior experiences with new team members, and kindergarten teachers emphasized a desire to be included in the transition process.