Connecting family, ECEC and CSE during the transition to school trough social networking

During the transition from ECEC to CSE children can thrive from multiple social connections between their environments. Also known as Bronfenbrenners ecological theory, connecting multiple systems provides continuous and... [ view full abstract ]

During the transition from ECEC to CSE children can thrive from multiple social connections between their environments. Also known as Bronfenbrenners ecological theory, connecting multiple systems provides continuous and effective support for successful transition for all participants. Croatian ECEC national curriculum openly calls for ECEC-CSE partnership during transition, but since educational policy doesn't have formal documents that support transitional process in CSE system, connecting two systems relies on motivation and creativity of individual educator. This paper examines social networking (Facebook in particular) as a virtual platform for promoting partnership between family, ECEC and CSE during transition process. Facebook represents one of the most popular social network and in Croatia it gathers a community of over 1.77 million active users in 2016 (41% of Croatian population). Majority of users are people of 18 to 24 following 25 to 34 years of age, indicating that parents and future parents are active users of social network. Facebook is already being used in educational system trough closed groups both in early childhood groups and elementary school classes. Interesting questions are rising from the idea of using Facebook as a medium for transition activities (ethical questions, administrative challenges, motivation, inclusion, on-line communication, quality leisure time education) making it a positive or a negative medium not by itself, but rather by its users. Using social networks in transition activities represents only a fraction of possible connections and does not substitute direct face-to-face communication during the transition process. Nonetheless, social networks are a powerful tool for promoting connectivity and partnership in an education for modern and on-line world making process of learning visible and tangible, education transparent and changing perspectives from one to multiple for all participants. Finally,it enables self-reflection as well as promotes curriculum co-construction.

Keywords: starting school, family, ECEC, CSE, transition activity, partnership, social network