As the end of year approaches, the transition for children into new rooms or to formal schooling provides a wonderful opportunity to reflect with children, families, and team members upon what they would like to celebrate from 2023 and plan for in 2024.

The significant milestone of transitioning from an early childhood education centre into a primary school is an opportunity to be celebrated. End of year celebrations mark this milestone for children and their families as children continue their learning journey.

End of year celebrations are a time for children to embrace and share their strengths, and should reflect the competent and capable image of the child. The voice of children should be pivotal to informing celebrations, so it is important to involve children in planning and for team members to think about ways to share their ideas with families. To be inclusive of all children consider having a planning session with children, reflect upon their ideas and put together a plan that ensures children’s individual needs are met.

Recently, it has become popular for young children who are transitioning to school to wear graduation caps and gowns as part of the celebration. It is important to reflect upon whose individual needs are being met by this practice. For some children, wearing these types of clothing items can be quite challenging, as they are foreign and not significant to them. Consider providing children with clothing options, as they may prefer to wear something that is meaningful to them and their family. If you already have gowns, an inclusive practice might be to provide children and families with the option to have a photo taken wearing the cap and gown and an area could be set aside for this to occur.

It is important to communicate any celebration dates, theme and what children and families need to do for, and on, the day. You may have families who would like to support you with organising. Most importantly, recognise, acknowledge, and celebrate the early learning journey of all the children, and the significant and positive role that each one of you has played and continue to play in the lives of children and their families.

Transition resources

DDA_Tipsheet_4 – Creating positive transitions during major transitions.pdf (acecqa.gov.au)