Foreword
Through the Early Learning Program, the NSW Department of Education and Training aims to promote a positive start to school for young children with disabilities or significant difficulties in learning or behaviour.
A key focus area in catering for the learning needs of these young children is the establishment of a systematic, dependable, timely and coordinated process to guide transition to school.
Through collaboration, the family, together with a range of personnel from school and early childhood settings, needs to plan for the child’s smooth entry to school and so maximise opportunities for continuity of programs and learning across settings.
The process described in this document, Transition to school for young children with special learning needs, has been developed to address this need through a consultative and collaborative process involving people from a range of departmental agencies, parents or carers and community groups.
This involvement has ensured that the guidelines are representative of the needs and concerns of all who are interested in the education of children in the early years. On the basis of this commitment it is the expectation of the Department of Education and Training that the guidelines will be readily adopted and implemented.
The early learning opportunities for young children with disabilities or significant difficulties in learning or behaviour will be greatly enhanced across a range of school settings through the implementation of these guidelines and the support that will be provided to families and to schools.