Assisting parents in understanding what to expect in a new environment is an important role in Head Start and Early Head Start. Program staff seek to facilitate effective and successful transitions for children and their families.

Transitions include moving from Early Head Start prenatal services to a child development program option such as Center-based Childcare or the Home-based program; moving from the birth to three setting such as Early Head Start to Head Start or other preschool program; and finally, moving from Head Start to kindergarten. Transition is much more than simply changing buildings or settings. It means learning a new set of rules and behavior as well as getting to know a new peer group and new teacher. 

Thus, program staff implement transition strategies from Early Head Start into Head Start and from Head Start to kindergarten. At age three, a written transition plan is developed six months prior to the child’s third birthday. For children transitioning from Head Start to Kindergarten at age five, transition activities begin in early spring.  Activities may include a child transition portfolio, parent education on school readiness and how to help their child adapt to changes, and a visit to the new setting. The move from preschool to kindergarten is made easier if everyone involved is focused on the growth and development of the children.