Based on the intersection of different systems at school entry, children and families often experience uncertainty about their preparedness and impending shift from other early childhood settings. This study used a mixed-methods explanatory sequential design and investigated the perspectives of parents and caregivers on kindergarten readiness with…

The transition to and through kindergarten is consequential for the academic, social, and emotional wellbeing of children. Policies and practices are in place to smooth that transition. Researchers are working to understand which practices work best and for whom, particularly as the student population in U.S. schools continues to diversify. In…

Background: Parents have long held an important role in their autistic children's lives. As autistic individuals enroll in higher education institutions at much higher rates, new issues emerge. In particular, autistic college students and their parents must reconcile the major transition with the extent to which parents must be involved and exert…

California Community College campuses are struggling to enroll Latinx students. As identified through the literature, most Latinx students navigate the college enrollment process with little to no guidance and seek support in navigating it. Using Yosso's (2005) community cultural wealth framework, I investigate how Rose Grace College's Familias…

The purpose of this study was to examine parents' lived experiences when considering the impact of their parental involvement and parenting styles on their ethnic minority youth with disabilities, transition outcomes, and mental health. Specifically, the research sought to explore how parents' levels of engagement in their children's education may…

This study examines Chinese immigrant parents' educational involvement beliefs and practices during their children's transition to kindergarten in the United States. Interviews were conducted with 10 Chinese immigrant parents in an area with a small Chinese population and limited ethnic resources. Three main themes emerged. First, limited English…

The transition from primary to secondary school is a stressful period for autistic individuals. However, less is known about parental experiences of the school transition, and its impact on the family. This study explored mothers' perspectives on the psychological impact of the transition to secondary school for their autistic children and their…

Students with special learning needs (SSLN) have many issues when attempting to access quality education that would prepare them for post-secondary pursuits. Upon investigation, two themes stand out (1) persistent devaluing of the potential of the SSLN, and (2) the absence of the caregiver's voice in their son or daughter's educational plan. To…

Researchers have suggested that empowered parents may be more helpful successfully transitioning children to formal school. The problem investigated in this basic qualitative study was that educators located in a Southern region of the United States were not empowering parents with the knowledge, skills, and sense of self to become engaged in…

As the number of students on the autism spectrum rises, educational services and social support for this population continue to develop and expand. Parents of those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) receive information, guidance, and support as they work closely with K-12 teachers, therapists, medical professionals, and social service…

Background: Strong connections between children's teachers and their parents fosters their learning and development in early childhood and throughout their schooling. Developing strong connections in preschool may ease the transition to elementary school for children. Objective: The goal of this study is to examine the initial implementation of…

Background: Strong connections between children's teachers and their parents fosters their learning and development in early childhood and throughout their schooling. Developing strong connections in preschool may ease the transition to elementary school for children. Objective: The goal of this study is to examine the initial implementation of…

The problem addressed was parents and guardians desire more involvement during the transition of their special needs children from secondary to post-secondary education due to concerns about their child's preparedness for post-secondary education. The purpose of this qualitative single case study was to understand the perceptions and experiences…

Parent involvement is foundational to the development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities, including the transition component of the IEP. However, many culturally and linguistically diverse parents, including Hispanic mothers, report barriers to their participation in school-based transition planning,…

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act emphasizes that students and parents are equal partners in the individualized education program (IEP) process, including planning for transition to postsecondary education, employment, and community living. This is especially important for English learners (ELs) with disabilities, yet little is known…