Policy Number:	Effective Date:  3/1/2006	Relates to CFR #1308.21
Draft Number: 8 2005		Reference: Disability Service Area Plan

SUBJECT: Transition from Head Start to Kindergarten.

PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVE:  

To ensure successful transition of special needs children from Head Start to Kindergarten.

OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES:

A.        To ensure a child’s success in Kindergarten:  all children of kindergarten age including those with special needs will participate in transition activities throughout the school year (e.g. learning name recognition, carrying a food tray, being in line, etc.).

1.   These activities shall be documented on the weekly lesson plans and reflected in the children’s anecdotal notes.

B.        To ensure a smooth transition into Kindergarten, the schools of next placement will be notified of the children coming in.

1.   In January, the staff will ask parents of kindergarten age what school they will be registering their child for kindergarten.

2.   Staff will obtain parents consent to begin the transfer of records to the new placement.

3.   By February 1^st, the Eligibility and Disabilities Coordinator will prepare the Notice to Public Schools, which is, a form listing the children with IEP’s who will transition to kindergarten in the fall. A separate list is sent to each school listing only the children planning to transition to that school.

4.   In March, parents will receive kindergarten registration information and kindergarten/transition packets from the Family Advocate.

5.   In January, the Eligibility and Disabilities Coordinator will distribute the Transition Questionnaire for Parents of Children with Special Needs form which asks parents what particular concerns they have about transition and how we might be able to address those concerns.

6.   By June 1^st, the Eligibility and Disabilities Coordinator will send an updated Notice to Public Schools list regarding children with IEP's who intend to enroll.

C.        To ensure a child's success in Kindergarten: all children of kindergarten age with a current IEP will have a meeting in order to develop a Transition Plan.

1.   The meeting will take place in April/May. Attending will be the Head Start Teacher, a Special Education Representative, the parent, and the receiving school personnel, who will all contribute to the development of the Transition Plan.

2.   The Transition Team will review the child’s IEP and discuss with the parents questions or concerns regarding their child’s next placement. The Transition Plan will be distributed to the parent, Special Education, the receiving school, and the Eligibility and Disabilities Coordinator. A copy will also be placed in the Child’s File.