Planning for School Transition: An Ecological-Developmental Approach

Abstract

This paper describes an approach based on Bronfenbrenner's ecological-developmental model to planning a child's transition from a preschool special education program to a public school classroom. Of particular interest is the emphasis the model places on the interactions between the various environments in which the child is expected to function, including those of family, community, and school. The model is particularly appropriate for young children with handicapping conditions, with whom the question is often whether or not the child will continue to require special education services in the public school. The paper also includes a description of a preschool transition program based on Bronfenbrenner's model.