This book showcases the quality work that Latin American researchers have done on transition to school in Latin American countries by offering the English-speaking world, first-hand access to some Latin American transitions research, practices, and policies. This book shows the work carried out in countries such as Brazil, Chile, Cuba, and Mexico with regards to the way in which the transition to primary school is experienced from different stakeholders' perspectives, and how Latin American educational policies and cultural practices shape such an important process for stakeholders. This book was importantly framed by the COVID-19 pandemic which placed the world in a global health emergency, and it is our hope that this book will trigger future international collaborations between researchers, policy makers, and practitioners interested in transitions which could help produce a wealth of empirical evidence to inform educational policies and transitions practices across the world. Building networks where diverse experiences are valued and respected, as well as analysed, can help provide a platform that supports educators and researchers as they continue their work and branch out in new and challenging directions.

This timely handbook presents evidence and recommendations to make informed decisions for planning, funding, and operating high-quality educational programs for children ages 3-8.

This handbook synthesizes both contemporary research and best practices in early childhood teacher education, a unique segment of teacher education defined by its focus on child development, the role of the family, and support for all learners. The first volume of its kind, the Handbook of Early Childhood Teacher Education provides comprehensive coverage on key topics in the field, including the history of early childhood teacher education programs, models for preparing early childhood educators, pedagogical approaches to supporting diverse learners, and contemporary influences on this quickly expanding area of study. Appropriate for early childhood teacher educators as well as both pre- and in-service teachers working with children from birth through 8, this handbook articulates the unique features of early childhood teacher education, highlighting the strengths and limitations of current practice as based in empirical research. It concludes by charting future directions for research with an aim to improve the preparation of early childhood educators.

With detailed examples of best practices from middle schools across the country, this book features research-based strategies and suggestions for transition programs. It covers the roles of school principals, counselors, classroom teachers, and the central office.

This document summarizes presentations made at a national policy forum concerning children's transition from home and preschool to the first years of elementary school. Three presentations by individual speakers examined: (1) the strategic importance of linkages and the transition between early childhood programs and early elementary school; (2) program coordination and other issues in strengthening linkages; and (3) findings and implications of a study on transitions to kindergarten in American schools. Three panel discussions considered the following topics: assessment issues related to transition; policy issues related to developmentally appropriate curricula, parental involvement, and multiculturalism; and administrative issues and barriers to the development of stronger linkages and transition programs. Small group sessions discussed barriers to, strategies for, and policy implications of, the development of transition programs. These sessions also tried to incorporate the information presented in the forum into regional agendas for support of transition programs. Appendices include a list of forum participants and a description of the early childhood program efforts of each of the 10 educational research laboratories. (BC)

This book highlights the key qualities which adults should seek to foster in children, to facilitate their current transitions and prepare them for the future. The author underlines the importance of listening to children from birth onwards, if we are to offer the kind of caring and educative environments that will best support their well-being.