National/International Transition Analysis

Transitions stand at a critical cornerstone of advancing children’s readiness for school and schools’ readiness for children, laying the groundwork for success in school and in life. This project involves a deep and broad analysis of transitions efforts taking place within the United States and internationally. The analysis resulted in a scholarly edited volume and a separate compendium resource guide of United States and international transition efforts.  Both are described in detail below. Please visit our Transitions Website to learn more about the project and to view the United States and international transition programs profiled in the compendium.

Transitions for Young Children:
Creating Connections Across Early Childhood Systems,
Edited by Sharon Lynn Kagan, Ed.D., & Kate Tarrant, M.P.A.

In this edited volume we offer a new conceptual framework for understanding transitions—one that will serve as a platform for practitioners and policy makers to establish a broader vision of continuity for young children and their families across the globe. We suggest that pedagogical, programmatic, and policy efforts must be pursued in concert to create a culture of continuity for young children and their families.  With contributions from many of the nation’s leading thinkers, the volume applies both a domestic and international lens to understanding the three-pronged framework to transitions and alignment.  We integrate case studies that exemplify transitions work with pedagogical, programmatic, and policy efforts taking place across the United States, as well as existing efforts from developed and developing countries.  In so doing, we provide real-world tangible examples of our conceptual framework and we suggest that this new way of thinking about transitions can and should transcend borders. Click here for more information or to purchase the book.

A Compendium of Transition Initiatives in the Early Years: A Resource Guide to Alignment and Continuity Efforts in the United States and other Countries
Sharon Lynn Kagan, Ed.D, Romilla Karnati, Ph.D., Jocelyn Friedlander, B.A., Kate Tarrant, M.P.A.

The compendium highlights some of the best United States and international transition programs.  Designed for multiple users, from practitioners to policy makers, the compendium aims to facilitate cross-cultural learning and stimulate innovative and comprehnsive approaches to transitions.  It provides over 80 real-world examples of transitions and alignment efforts, showing the three-pronged framework—pedagogy, program, policy—in action. Click to view the complete compendium.

Funding Source: The W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

Contact: Sharon Lynn Kagan, Ed.D.; Kate Tarrant, M.P.A.

Other Current Early Childcare and Education Projects

Completed Early Care and Education Research Projects