Starting kindergarten is a big step for any child, but for children with autism and their families, it often comes with additional layers of planning, preparation, and emotion. New routines, new environments, and new expectations can all feel like a lot at once. But with the right support in place, this transition doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
We believe that successful transitions begin with thoughtful planning, collaboration, and a personalized approach. As a school designed specifically for students on the autism spectrum, we understand how important it is to create consistency, provide reassurance, and set each student up for success from the very first day.
Here’s what parents should know as their child prepares to move from preschool into a kindergarten program.
Start with a Strong Transition Plan
If your child is already receiving preschool special education services, their Individualized Education Program (IEP) should include a transition plan in the year before kindergarten. This plan outlines steps to help your child adjust to their new environment, from visits to the new school to creating visual supports like social stories.
These transition activities might include exploring the kindergarten classroom, seeing the lunchroom or playground in advance, or practicing arrival routines. This kind of structured preparation can help reduce anxiety and increase your child’s sense of confidence and familiarity.
At Gersh Autism Academy, we build these supports into our everyday approach by using visuals, consistent routines, and carefully scaffolded instruction to help students feel safe and capable in new environments.
Your Kindergarten Transition Meeting
A transition meeting is typically scheduled by late winter or early spring before your child begins kindergarten. This meeting brings together key people: representatives from your child’s preschool program, the new school district, and, most importantly, you.
During this meeting, the team will review your child’s current services and supports, share their evaluation results, and begin developing an updated IEP for kindergarten.
While not every district is required to include general education teachers at this stage, it’s often helpful when someone familiar with kindergarten classrooms can speak to expectations and inclusion options.
Collaboration is a cornerstone of what we do at Gersh Autism Academy. We work closely with families and professionals across settings to ensure continuity of care and shared understanding. The transition meeting is a vital part of that process.
Creating a Kindergarten Learning Plan
If your child has been receiving services through preschool special education, your child’s elementary school team will take over the process. This may include new evaluations to better understand your child’s current needs. You’ll then be invited to an IEP meeting where a new kindergarten IEP is developed, outlining goals, classroom placement, and related services like speech, OT, or behavioral support.
In many cases, this new IEP will also determine the most appropriate school setting for your child, whether that’s your local public school or a specialized placement that better aligns with their profile and learning needs.
Gersh Autism Academy offers tailored classroom settings and therapeutic support specifically for students with autism, making it an ideal environment for families seeking a more individualized kindergarten experience.
Preparing Your Child for Kindergarten
Of course, the transition to kindergarten isn’t just about paperwork. It’s also about preparing your child for what’s next. That might mean attending a kindergarten orientation, visiting the new school together, or creating a visual schedule that helps your child understand what their new routine will look like.
Some students benefit from smaller, one-on-one visits rather than traditional group orientation days. You can also ask to meet the teacher in advance or provide helpful information about your child’s strengths and challenges to the new team.
These small steps can make a big impact. This is why we provide gentle, supportive transitions by gradually introducing new routines and helping students develop confidence at their own pace.
As a parent, you play a vital role in shaping your child’s early school experiences. Your insight, advocacy, and partnership with educators help create a foundation where your child can thrive. And while transitions can feel uncertain, you don’t have to navigate them alone.
Whether your child is entering a neighborhood school or you’re exploring specialized settings like Gersh Autism Academy, know that support is available, and that your involvement makes a meaningful difference.
With the right plan and a collaborative team, the transition from preschool to kindergarten can be a powerful step forward, opening the door to new skills, new friendships, and greater independence.
At Gersh Autism Academy, we’re here to walk alongside your family through every transition. If you’re beginning this journey and want to learn more about how we help children with autism successfully navigate kindergarten and beyond, contact us today.
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