Preschool Children's Transition to Formal Schooling: The Importance of Collaboration between Teachers, Parents and Children

Abstract

TO OUR KNOWLEDGE, NO PREVIOUS literature review has focused specifically on the effectiveness of transition programs that target collaboration between primary school and preschool teachers, parents and children. Hence, in this paper we sought to review the literature on this topic. The findings of published studies to date reveal that, internationally, the value of teacher collaboration across the early years of schooling has been recognised, with research acknowledging the benefits of creating meaningful relationships between the teaching professionals, the children they teach, and their parents. However, further research is needed both globally and within Australia to evaluate the effect that programs promoting collaboration between teachers and families can have on facilitating the transition to primary school for all preschool children.