Achieving Smooth Transitions

Smooth transitions are central to the development and emotional wellbeing of a young child.

The way in which the first transitions are handled could have a significant impact on the child’s capacity to cope with change in the short and long term. This course will introduce the principles of well-planned transitions and of working with parents to ensure that children’s needs are met appropriately.

This course aims to give childminders the support needed to:

• Identify and acknowledge separation fears of parents, children and stranger anxiety.
  
• Identify the need to aid smooth transitions and establishing settling in procedures.
  
• Develop an Admissions Policy.

Key learning during this course includes understanding and explaining:

1. The approach and process for introducing and providing a welcoming atmosphere for families to a childminding service.
   
2. The approach to take for setting expectations and boundaries with families and how to provide them with information on service provision.
   
3. How to gather information on each child and family during the admissions and settling process.
   
4. How to get to know children within a childminding service.
   
5. Procedures to deal with transition, be it from home to childminder, childminder to playgroup/nursery/school, or childminder to childminder.
   
6. How to ensure continuity of care if a child has a blended childcare plan.

Course outcomes:

When you have completed this course, your core knowledge and understanding will include:

1. The education curriculum frameworks applicable in Scotland and the requirements of the relevant inspectorates.
   
2. The meaning of person-centered/child-centered working and the importance of knowing and respecting all children and young people as an individual.
   
3. The prime importance of the interests and wellbeing of children and young people.
   
4. The nature and impact of factors that may affect the health, wellbeing and development of children and young people you care for or support.
   
5. Factors that promote positive health and wellbeing of children and young people.
   
6. Theories underpinning our understanding of child development and learning, and factors that affect it.