Notes

Outline

Transition Planning for Children with Disabilities Pam Kautz, T/TA Specialist Region IV Quality Improvement Center for Disability Services in Head Start

Written Agreements Child Find Joint training of staff and parents Procedures for referral for evaluations, IEP meetings, and placement decisions transitions Resource sharing Counting and reporting children with disabilities Any other  items agreed to by both parties

What is Transition?

Transition is a process Administration Staff Families Children

Transition is Change Administration Staff Families Children

Key Elements in Making Transition Work Perceptions Interpersonal dynamics Participation Communication

Perceptions Eliminating an “us and them” mentality Recognizing that problems can be solved and may have more than one solution Working together to convey a positive perception to families Staying focused on the issues, not positions

Interpersonal Dynamics Demonstrating an interest in others, their programs, problems and successes communicating trust and respect attacking the problem, not the person using a positive approach

Participation Willingness to compromise willingness to give as well as receive active participation by each member PATIENCE becoming friends as well as colleagues

Communication Openness and honesty developing written procedures willingness to share information and resources willingness to listen as well as to share

Transition Activities Developing a process for sharing information Training Head Start Staff and families about the other programs facilitating visits by Head Start children and families to the next placement facilitating visits to Head Start by the staff of other programs