It's all about building bridges for student inclusion at Edgerton Elementary School, which is the school the author leads in Kalispell, Montana. When the author became principal of Edgerton five years ago, the school was planning to introduce a cohort of preschool students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) into kindergarten. Everyone at the…

Educators at both preschool and kindergarten levels must work together to create developmental continuity and improve the chances of school success for all children. Four strategies of preparation and transition are discussed. (12 references) (SI)

Developmentally appropriate kindergarten programs produce excellent long-term results for children, allowing them to reach their full potential while preserving their self-esteem. This article suggests that principals weigh nursery school teachers' recommendations to help parents decide whether a child is ready for kindergarten. Includes seven…

Described is a nongraded, multi-aged program developed at John Campbell School in Selah, Washington. The program is intended to bridge the development gap between kindergarten and second grade. (SI)

Description of, and guidelines for, a preventative early intervention program designed to provide a strong academic, social, and emotional foundation for postkindergarten students considered to be at risk for future academic difficulties. (Author/DCS)

Home/kindergarten transition activities comprise two distinct categories: those involving coordination or communication between school and preschool levels and those including parents as participants. Transition activities are more often found in schools with a prekindergarten program, a high poverty level among families served, and considerable…

A transition plan offers students and parents an opportunity to become familiar with middle school's expectations, routines, curricula, classmates, and buildings before the new school year. The journey can be facilitated by surveying students about areas of concern, providing student mentors, and staging information day and transition day…

The Santa Clara (CA) transition project is a collaborative effort between the county's Head Start program and a San Jose school district. The program provides teacher training, transition activities, developmentally appropriate practices, comprehensive family services, and parent involvement opportunities. During 1994-95, the project is working…

Recent statements by educators and child development specialists support the contention that a child's developmental maturity is the key predictor of success in school. Possible modifications of student placement policies are considered, including establishment of transitional programs for kindergarten graduates not fully ready for first grade.…