Parents' Involvement in the Transition Processes of Children from Family to Early Childhood Institution

Families and early childhood and preschool institutions represent the first environments in child's development and education. The transition from family to institutional context is characterised by specific processes and... [ view full abstract ]

Families and early childhood and preschool institutions represent the first environments in child's development and education. The transition from family to institutional context is characterised by specific processes and accompanied by possible problems. The problems of adaptation and transition processes from family context into the context of early childhood and preschool education institutions were subject of numerous research. The difference between mentioned contexts represents a challenge not only for children but also for parents and early childhood teachers. Interaction of children with their family members is a possible indicator of relations that a child will accomplish in the interactions with his peers and adults in an educational institution. Since a child of early and preschool age has a strong connection with its parents, that connection remains during the stay in the institution. Different models of interaction between family and early childhood institutions emphasise the importance of quality relationships between parents and early childhood teachers with the goal of more successful transition of children from the family environment in the nursery care. This paper analyses parents' experiences and their involvement in the processes of children's transition from the family context to the early childhood and preschool education institutions. Research sample includes a group of parents – parents of children in the nursery care. The information about parental assessment regarding the quality of established communication with early childhood teachers during transition activities is gathered using questionnaire survey. Given information indicate the quality of the relationship between parents and teachers in the sensitive period of children's adjustment to a new environment that can represent a meaningful factor in the further children's development and achievements.  

Keywords: child, parent, family, transition, nursery care, early childhood and preschool education