18 November 2014 | General Interest
SNAICC Senior Policy Officer, Holly Mason-White, has recently published an article in Early Childhood Australia‘s (ECA) Every Child magazine, outlining the key to a successful transition to school for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
The article identifies that strong partnerships between early childhood services, schools, children and their families are crucial in ensuring a positive transition to school.
“When schools, early years services, families and children are engaged as equal partners, the transition process offers a significant opportunity to enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children’s successful entry into formal schooling.”
Combining a child-centred approach with competent, committed and passionate staff, the transition can be a rewarding and far less challenging experience for children and their families. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff also play a key role in providing a welcoming and culturally appropriate environment for children and families.
“Many people think that parents don’t want to engage, but it’s not that. When you have the right attitude and environment, and you can make people feel engaged and welcome, they will come.”
Building trusting relationships with families and children and providing supportive leadership will help in creating a positive transition for both children and their families.
