Preschool to Elementary Transitions

Welcome to the Preschool to Elementary Transitions page for First Nations, Métis and Inuit Students.  The information provided here will help you to understand some of the strategies that work for this particular transition.

A video resource is also provided below!

The following are Best Practices for Preschool to Elementary Transitions selected from the ONECA document, “Walk in Our Moccasins: A Comprehensive Study of Aboriginal Education Counsellors in Ontario (2010)”.

  • Celebrate transitions, like daycare graduation, with parent and community involvement
  • Engage parents and community with daycare and elementary school events
  • Help families with financial resources for school materials and extra-curricular activities
  • Participate in family literacy and math centres that promote cultural and linguistic resources
  • Visit and meet with the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Counsellor, department and First Nations, Métis and Inuit services/programs
  • Visit Kindergarten (jump ahead day) and community BBQ’s at the schools
  • Programs like “School’s Cool” and other summer break bridging strategies
  • Draft Individual Plans for all students that track academic, social, mental, cultural, language and career development
  • First Nations, Métis and Inuit Headstart programs and the Early Years and Screening Identification process
  • Financial supports to subsidize classroom supplies and extra-curricular activities
  • Access to role models and opportunities in a variety of educational experiences
  • School bus orientation and “ride the big bus days”

For a specific perspective on this particular transition, go back to the HOMEPAGE and select one of the following: Education Counsellors, Students, Parents/Guardians, Other Professionals or Communities.   There you will also find a list of web resources specifically tailored for that group.