Transition Planning
There are many transitions in a young child’s life. The Ohio Department of Health’s statement on transition says: “Every family with a child receiving ongoing Help Me Grow services will experience support and information specific to the transition of their child at age 3 or upon exit from the Help Me Grow system.

A written transition plan, as part of the Individualized Family Service Plan, includes the “sequence of activities, the individual responsible, and the timeline for each activity.”

Parents will have many concerns and expectations during transition times. New rules, regulations, services and agencies each contribute to making transition a challenging time. Clearly, whatever can be done to help make these transitions less disruptive is helpful.

Transition Tips from parents who have been there…

Communication is the key—communicate with everyone who is involved with your child.

Whether starting a new school or a new therapist, give it time—three months at the most. If you do not see some improvement in that time, then address the school or look for a new therapist.

If you see something different happening with your child, take notes, and ask around for help.

Keep a copy of everything. Sometimes things get lost in the mail or aren’t faxed right. Have a copy when registering your child. It makes the process move a lot faster.

Never be afraid to ask a question. Never assume administrators and teachers know everything. You know your child best.

RELAX. Trust yourself—you know your child better than anyone else. Remember, you are your child’s best advocate.

Plan ahead! Visit the new school, meet the staff, make a photo album or scrapbook well ahead of when the transition will occur.

It is much easier to say ‘goodbye’ that first day with a happy voice, if you are confident about your child’s new situation.

Eliminate fear of the unknown by becoming familiar with your child’s new setting. This will better equip you to reassure your child.

Start by trusting. Assume that those who will be working with your child are trustworthy until proven otherwise. Communicate, communicate, communicate. Share about your child and listen to the expertise of others.

Have members of the current team or school meet with members of the new team or school.