Starting Strong V
Transitions from Early Childhood Education and Care to Primary Education
The transition from early childhood education to primary school is a big step for
all children, and a step which more and more children are having to take. Quality
transitions should be well-prepared and child-centred, managed by trained staff collaborating
with one another, and guided by an appropriate and aligned curriculum. Transitions
like these enhance the likelihood that the positive impacts of early learning and
care will last through primary school and beyond. While transition policies have
been on the agenda of many countries over the past decade, little research has been
done into how OECD countries design, implement, manage and monitor transitions. Filling
these gaps is important for designing early years’ policies that are coherent, equitable
and sustainable.
This report takes stock of and compares the situation across 30 OECD and partner countries,
drawing on in-depth country reports and a questionnaire on transition policies and
practices. It focuses on the organisation and governance of transitions; and the policies
and strategies to ensure professional, pedagogical and developmental continuity between
early childhood education and care settings and schools. The report describes the
main policy challenges highlighted by participating countries, along with a wealth
of practical strategies for tackling them. The publication concludes with six “cross-cutting”
pointers to guide future policy development.
Published on June 21, 2017Also available in: French
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