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As early education professionals, we know a structured environment enables children to feel safe and comfortable.  Even still, routines that involve any type of transition between activities, locations, or people throughout a day can be stressful for them. Whether children are leaving the care of their families for the first time, entering a new age group, or going to a different program, children need to know what to expect. 

Helping children and parents through transitions is an important part of having a quality program and can help children and parents adjust successfully. Developing transition plans will not only help families adjust to the necessary changes in their child’s life but will also give children valuable skills they can apply throughout their lives.

Please refer to the Maryland EXCELS Toolkit for TIPS on making transitions work! 

One of the ways to gain knowledge about the interests, strengths, and challenges of young children through observation. Observing can give insight about how each child thinks, hears, and learns. Information gained through observation can be helpful when planning lessons and activities or selecting materials that will encourage each child’s development and growth. 

Please refer to the Maryland EXCELS Toolkit for more TIPS on effective assessment tools and techniques for observing children.