Family Transition Checklist

As a parent you can do many things to support your child's move into kindergarten. Use this checklist to help you stay focused on your child's education.

Be Sure You Have the Following Information

1. Where will your child attend kindergarten? ___________________________
2. Is your child enrolled for fall?    Yes       No
   If your child isn't already enrolled, do you have all the
   necessary documents you need in order to register?   Yes      No
   (Birth certificate, proof of immunization, proof of residence,
   social security number, and any other information required
   by your school system)
3. Who are the contact people in your new school?
   Principal ________________________  Phone________________________
   Teacher _________________________ Phone ________________________
4. Which other children from your child's class this year will be enrolling in the
   same elementary school?
   Name ___________________________ Phone ________________________
   Name ___________________________ Phone ________________________
   Name ___________________________ Phone ________________________
   Name ___________________________ Phone ________________________
   Name ___________________________ Phone ________________________
5. Do you have copies of your child's records from Head Start or preschool? Yes   No
   Be sure to include medical history, school progress, current performance in all skill areas, teacher recommendations, formal evaluations, Individual Family Service Plans (IFSP), and samples of your child's work. Find out exactly how this information will be used to help your child.
6. Do you know the following about your child's school:
   At least one person to contact for questions and concerns? Yes   No
   Rules and regulations?   Yes   No
   Goals for children in kindergarten?   Yes   No
   Communication between home and school?  Yes  No
   Quality and quantity of parent involvement with the school?   Yes  No
   Schedule of activities, report cards, closures, and meetings?  Yes   No
   Transportation (who/what/when/where)?   Yes   No
   Meals (who/what/when/where)?   Yes   No
   Available support people (counselors, social workers, tutors, special education, interpreters, bilingual programs)? Yes  No
   Expected skills to be learned by the completion of kindergarten (reading, spelling, writing, math)?   Yes  No

Do These Things Before Your Child Starts Kindergarten

1. Have you visited the school with your child?   Yes   No
2. Have you visited the library and gotten a library card for your child?   Yes   No
3. Have you identified a study area and time in your home?   Yes   No
4. Have you talked with your child about the positive aspects of going to school?Yes No
5. Have you arranged for all necessary school supplies?  Yes  No
6. Have you established a routine that includes meal time, time to talk, and reading time?  Yes  No
7. Have you discussed the expectations you have for your child and the school?Yes  No

Time to Get Organized

1. Have you started a telephone tree for parents, beginning with those you know from Head Start or childcare?  Yes  No
2. Do you know the principal, and does the principal know you and your child?Yes  No
3. Do you have a school calendar posted so that you can keep track of school holidays and teacher workdays?  Yes  No

Do These Things During the First Months of School

1. Have you made sure your child attends on time, every day?  Yes  No
2. Have you made sure the school has your current phone, address, and emergency contact numbers?  Yes  No
3. Does your child eat breakfast and lunch?  Yes  No
4. Have you visited your child's classroom and met the teacher? No Principal? Others?  Yes  No
5. Do you have a calendar of events posted at home, including parent meetings, events, grading periods, and conferences?  Yes  No
6. Do you have a phone list of other parents, including those from Head Start or childcare, in order to share information, ask questions, and attend school activities?  Yes  No
7. Have you talked with your child's teacher to discuss how and when to contact you with progress information and questions?  Yes  No
8. Do you clearly understand how your child's progress will be measured (tests, observations, portfolios) and when?  Yes  No
9. Do you know what you can do to support your child's academic success (homework, materials, participation)?  Yes  No
10. Do you show your child that you value educational success DAILY by your comments, praise, schedule (e.g., turning off the television), interest, and participation?  Yes  No

Contact the School Staff

1. Have you contacted your child's teacher regarding academic and social performance, success, needs, and questions?  Yes  No
2. Are you and the school staff: Celebrating your child's successes? Addressing any areas of need on a daily basis? Clear about your child's performance in comparison to his peers, grade, and individual potential?  Yes  No

Follow Through on Needed Steps

1. Have you had AT LEAST monthly contact with your child's teacher?  Yes  No
2. Have you taken steps needed to improve your child's academic and social success in school?  Yes  No
3. Are you satisfied with the program which has been implemented for your child?  Yes  No
4. Is there a plan in place to access support from the community, including neighbors, police, social service agencies, churches, and local businesses?  Yes  No
5. Have steps been taken to help children and families who don't speak English?Yes  No

The Rest of the School Year

1. Have you planned steps to address new and ongoing needs?  Yes  No
2. Have you celebrated successes and shared this information?  Yes  No
3. Have you told staff and parents "thank you?"  Yes  No
4. Have you received final report card and progress information on your child?  Yes  No
5. Do you know where your child will attend school next year (school, room, teacher)?Yes No
6. Do you know what to work on over the summer to help your child improve areas of need and build on strengths?  Yes  No
7. Do you have a list of summer activities from the school, parks, library, and social service agencies? Have you shared this information with other parents?  Yes  No

This checklist is adapted from National Head Start Association's publication After Head Start: Success in public school.