1.4 Objectives
• To plan and promote successful transition for children
with disabilities or significant difficulties in learning or
behaviour to school.
• To ensure that the families of children with disabilities
or significant difficulties in learning or behaviour are
provided with the necessary information, support and
opportunities to participate as partners in planning their
child's transition and educational future.
• To promote collaboration and communication among
all key people in the transition process.
• To provide schools with adequate opportunity to plan
for the provision of appropriate services.
• To ensure a continuum of learning experiences and
programs to best meet the child's learning needs.
1.5 Flexibility
• The steps involved in the guidelines are designed to be
followed for all children who have been identified as having
special learning needs in any early childhood setting.
• Circumstances may arise which make it necessary to vary
the suggested timelines and schedule procedures to occur
at times other than those nominated. However, the
sequence of procedures should be adhered to.
• Where a child has a physical disability which may require
school building modifications, referral should be made
to the district disability programs consultant at least 18
months prior to the child's entry to school whenever
possible.
• Where personnel are not able to attend meetings, it may
be more practical to exchange information via telephone,
facsimile or written report (with parent's permission).
• The district superintendent should be contacted to discuss
appeal processes if required.
1.6 The individual family service plan
• When planning for transition to school commences in
the early childhood setting, it may be considered within
the context of an individual family service plan.
• The plan is tailored collaboratively by the family and all
the services involved. It is based on comprehensive
assessment and the needs and priorities of the family,
and identifies the role and responsibilities of all the
services involved.