The Transition to Kindergarten: Launching New Tools

When the Memphré en Mouvement collective conducted its 2009-2010 strategic planning, early childhood actors noted that children often experienced difficulties when transitioning to kindergarten. In order to reflect on the situation, an initial meeting was arranged in 2011, and a second one in 2017, between kindergarten teachers and Early Childhood Centre (CPE) practitioners in the Memphremagog MRC. Some findings soon emerged:
  • The reality is quite different between a day in kindergarten and one in a CPE;
therefore, using fun and informative tools should help children and parents adapt.
  • At times, parents are worried about their child’s performance when starting school;
It’s important to inform them about the school system’s expectations and to
debunk any unrealistic models.
  • It appears important to encourage the transfer of relevant information about the
child’s development between practitioners in early childhood care networks and
kindergarten teachers.
  • It is important for those who work with young people and their parents to share the same message: we are all working together towards the wellbeing of the child, and the parents can have confidence in the resources that are available. There is no need to feel stressed!
The 2017 meeting concluded on the need to reactivate the Transition Committee so it could work on developing the tools to meet these objectives. The committee is pleased to announce that the tools are now available on Memphré en Mouvement’s website at (memphreenmouvement.org).
You will find the Transition to Kindergarten document, which includes:
  • A colouring placement: including a printable Hunt and Seek placement, a sheet
detailing the use of the tools by the targeted practitioners and how to obtain
coloured placemats.
  • The Directory that holds the updated contact information for all the MRC schools, CPE’s and childcare service networks (RSGs).
  • L’Outil Mon Portrait (a child portrait tool): the new electronic and printable versions
of the tool.
If applicable, Memphré en Mouvement will get in touch with you shortly to provide you with brochures for parents explaining the steps leading up to their child’s kindergarten entry.
These joint efforts would likely not have happened were it not for the dynamic involvement of stakeholders over the past few years. A huge thank you to everyone, and we look forward to continuing to promote a smooth transition to kindergarten for children and parents alike.