Building the bridges: the transition to school for children with special needs and their families

Abstract

The process of transition to school for children with special needs is a complex one. There is a range of stakeholders involved in the process - the child, their family and a range of professionals. The process involves a change from one set of service providers to another, and may include shifts in philosophies, models of service delivery and qualifications and practices of staff. If the process is to be effective and efficient continuity is essential, including continuity between services the child is leaving and the school; of teaching and learning; of relationships with families; and of planning and management of the transition process. During the transition process the attitudes and views of families and professionals are enmeshed within a framework of policies, management procedures and the decision making required within each. This thesis includes an outline of best practice and investigates the issue of continuity during the transition from early intervention services to school. Research was carried out in Western Sydney with a group of early childhood teachers who described their current beliefs and practices related to transition. The results are outlined and discussed and recommendations made for the delivery of more effective transitions to school for children with special needs and their families

Date of Award	1995
Original language	English