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Use this checklist to prepare for and guide effective, child-centered transition conversations. The goal is to provide families and receiving teachers with a strengths-based understanding of the child's developmental journey.
Before the Conversation
- Review current DRDP data and observations
- Summarize child's strengths, growth, and support needs
- Gather input from current teacher and specialists
- Collect recent family input (Family Observation Form) or conference notes
- Prepare a 3-point story (Strengths, Growth, Next Chapter)
- Identify successful strategies and accommodations in place
- Share child summary or DRDP report with receiving team (if appropriate)
- Confirm date, time, and participants for the conversation
During the Conversation
- Begin with introductions and conversation purpose
- Share the child's story using DRDP data, work samples and personal examples
- Highlight what's working well and why
- Invite family input and questions
- Encourage receiving teacher/team to share needs and ideas
- Discuss supports, routines, and environmental strategies for continuity
- Identify any gaps or follow-up actions needed
- Confirm shared understanding and next steps
After the Conversation
- Send conversation summary or notes to all team members (including family)
- Ensure key supports and strategies are shared with the receiving team
- Follow up with family and teachers on agreed-upon next steps
- Reflect on what went well and what could improve for future transitions
Notes
Attach additional pages or documentation as needed.
Summarize child's strengths, growth, and support needs:
Gather input from current teacher and specialists:
Collect recent family input (Family Observation Form) or conference notes:
Prepare a 3-point story (Strengths, Growth, Next Chapter):
Identify successful strategies and accommodations in place: