SUPPORTING EARLY TRANSITIONS. HOME-SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP IN GREEK EARLY CHILDHOOD SETTINGS

Zoe Konstantinidou, Maria Stamatoglou, Maria-Eleni Alexoglou

Abstract


Transition has always been considered to be a critical period for every person, especially in early childhood, which is characterized by a multitude of transitions. One of such is the transition from the home to the school environment. In this kind of transition, the practices followed by early educators play an important role aiming to integrate infants and toddlers into the structures of preschool education and supporting them as much as possible. The purpose of this study is to approach the issue of infants’ and toddlers’ transition from the home to the preschool environment, through the prism of investigating collaborative relationships with the families, as well as the search for and utilization of appropriate practices in this direction. The research involved preschool educators (N=78) from public and private preschool education settings in the prefecture of Thessaloniki. The early educators were invited to answer questions regarding home-school partnership and communication. The aim was also to identify appropriate practices with the idea of utilizing them in the context of the transition. The results of the survey reveal frequent communication between parents and early educators, and highlight the importance of cooperation between them during the transitional period.

Keywords


transition, home-school partnership, early childhood education and care, practices

Full Text:

PDF

References


Αlevriadou, A., Vrynioti, K. P., Kyridis, A. G., Sivropoulou-Theodosiadou, E., & Chrysafidis, K. (2008). Full-Day Kindergarten Guide. Athens: Pataki.

Anagnostopoulou, R. (2017). The child's transition from the family environment to the daycare and kindergarten: the role of the teacher in the transition process. (Doctoral thesis). University of Ioannina.

Andersson Søe, M., Schad, E., & Psouni, E. (2023). Transition to preschool: Paving the way for preschool teacher and family relationship-building. Child & Youth Care Forum, 52, 1249–1271. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10566-023-09735-y

Andersson Soe, M., Schad, E., & Psouni, E. (2023, January). Transition to Preschool: Paving the Way for Preschool Teacher and Family Relationship-Building. In Child & Youth Care Forum (pp. 1-23). Springer US. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10566-023-09735-y

Azizah, N., Rahmawati, R., & Purwanta, E. (2023). Transition Program for Young Children with Special Needs: Parents' Experiences. Journal Obsesi: Journal Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini, 7(1), 1055-1062. https://doi.org/10.31004/obsesi.v7i1.4053

Bagakis, G., Didachou, E., Valmas, F., Loumakou, M., P., M. (2006). The smooth transition of children from kindergarten to primary school and their adaptation to the first grade. Athens: Metaichmio

Britto, P., Yoshikawa, H. & Boller, K. (2011). Quality of early childhood development programs and policies in global contexts: Rationale for investment, conceptual framework, and implications for equity. Social Policy Report, 25(2), 1-31. Retrieved from https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED519240

Bronfenbrenner, U., (1979). The Ecology of Human Development. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. Retrieved DATE from: https://khoerulanwarbk.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/urie_bronfenbrenner_the_ecology_of_human_developbokos-z1.pdf

Brooker, L. (2016). Smooth transition to preschool. Athens: Pedio.

Busch, J., Bihler, L., Lembcke, H., Buchmüller, T., Diers, K., & Leyendecker, B. (2018). Challenges and Solutions Perceived by Educators in an Early Childcare Program for Refugee Children. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, 1621. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01621

Byrne-MacNamee, E. (2020). Facilitating a Successful Transition from Home to Preschool. A sociocultural perspective. Ireland's Education Yearbook. Retrieved from https://irelandseducationyearbook.ie/downloads/IEYB2020/YB2020%20Early%20Childhood-7.pdf

Carrión-Martínez, J.J., Pinel-Martínez, C., Pérez-Esteban, M.D., & Román-Sánchez, I.M. (2021). Family and school relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(21). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111710

Conkbayir, M., & Pascal, C. (2019). Introduction to classical and contemporary theoretical approaches to preschool education. Athens: Gutenberg.

Connelly, A.M. (2007). Transitions of families from early intervention to preschool intervention for children with disabilities. Young Exceptional Children 10(3), 10-16, 10. https://doi.org/10.1177/109625060701000302

Cook, K. D., & Coley, R. L. (2017). School transition practices and children’s social and academic adjustment in kindergarten. Journal of Educational Psychology, 109(2), 166–177. https://doi.org/10.1037/edu0000139

Correia, K., & Marques-Pinto, A. (2016). Adaptation in the transition to school: perspectives of parents, preschool and primary school teachers. Educational Research, 58(3), 247–264. https://doi.org/10.1080/00131881.2016.1200255

Creswell, J. W. (2016). Research in Education. Designing, Conducting and Evaluating Quantitative and Qualitative Research. Athens: Ion.

DeCaro, J. A., & Worthman, C. M. (2011). Changing family routines at kindergarten entry predict biomarkers of parental stress. International Journal of Behavioral Development, 35(5), 441-448. https://doi.org/10.1177/0165025411406853

DeMarco, R., Ford-Gilboe, M., Friedman, M., McCubbin, H., & McCubbin, M. (2000). Stress, coping, and family health. In VH Rice (Ed.), Handbook of stress, coping, and health (pp. 295-332). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. https://doi.org/10.1177/107484070200800204

DeMeo-Cook, K., & R. Levine-Coley (2017). School Transition Practices and Children's Social and Academic Adjustment in Kindergarten. Journal of Educational Psychology 109(2): 166–177. https://doi.org/10.1037/edu0000139

Drugli, M. B., Nystad, K., Lydersen, S., & Brenne, A. S. (2023). Do toddlers’ levels of cortisol and the perceptions of parents and professional caregivers tell the same story about the transition from home to childcare? A mixed-method study. Frontiers in Psychology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1165788

Early, DM, Pianta, RC, Taylor, LC et al. Transition Practices: Findings from a National Survey of Kindergarten Teachers. Early Childhood Education Journal 28, 199–206 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1026503520593

Ereky-Stevens, K., Funder, A., Katschnig, T., Malmberg, L., & Datler, W. (2018). Relationship building between toddlers and new caregivers in out-of-home childcare: Attachment security and caregiver sensitivity. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 42, 270-279. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecresq.2017.10.007

Galanis, P. (2017). Applied medical research. Basic principles of qualitative research in the health sciences. Archives of Greek Medicine, 34(6), 834-840. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322029998_Fundamental_principles_of_qualitative_research_in_the_health_sciences

Grozde, T., Zorec, M., & Vorkapić, S.T. (2021). Are There Any Differences in Transition Practices among Preschools in Slovenia?, INTED2021 Proceedings, pp. 8486-8493. https://doi.org/10.21125/inted.2021.1739

Kang, J., Horn, E.M., & Palmer, S. (2017). Influences of Family Involvement in Kindergarten Transition Activities on Children’s Early School Adjustment. Early Childhood Educ J 45, 789–800. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-016-0828-4

Kessopoulou, M., & Tsimbidaki, A. (2021). Electronic school and family communication during the COVID-19 pandemic. Research in Education, 10(1), 137-160. DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/hjre.26971

Kong, P.A., Zhang, X., Sachdev, A. et al. Learning the Rules: Chinese Immigrant Parents’ Involvement During Their Children’s Transition to Kindergarten. Early Childhood Educ J 52, 681–691 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-023-01452-4

Konstantinidou, Z. & Gkloumpou, A. (2026). Promoting school-family cooperation in the context of intercultural education through the reorganization of the kindergarten courtyard. The example of the outdoor library. Dialogoi! Theory and practice in the science of education and training, 12, 208-221. https://doi.org/10.12681/dial.41677

Krakouer, J., Mitchell, P., Trevitt, J., & Kochanoff, A. (2017). Early years transitions: supporting children and families at risk of experiencing vulnerability: rapid literature review. Department of Education and Training. https://research.acer.edu.au/early_childhood_misc/9

Lazzari, A., Balduzzi, L., Van Laere, K., Boudry, C., Rezek, M., & Prodger, A. (2020). Sustaining warm and inclusive transitions across the early years: insights from the START project. European Early Childhood Education Research Journal, 28(1), 43–57. https://doi.org/10.1080/1350293X.2020.1707361

Leblond M., Parent S., Castellanos-Ryan N., Lupien S.J., Fraser W.D., Séguin J.R. (2022). Transition from preschool to school: Children's pattern of change in morning cortisol concentrations. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 140. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105724

Lipshits-Braziler, Y. (2018). Coping with career indecision among young adults: Implications for career counseling. In V. Cohen-Scali, J. Rossier & L. Nota (Eds.), New perspectives on career counseling and guidance in Europe. Cham (pp. 71-85). Switzerland: Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-61476-2_5

Markström, A. M., & Simonsson, M. (2017). Introduction to preschool: strategies for managing the gap between home and preschool. Nordic Journal of Studies in Educational Policy, 3(2), 179–188. https://doi.org/10.1080/20020317.2017.1337464

Mashburn, A.J., LoCasale-Crouch, J., & Pears, K.C. (2018). Kindergarten transition and readiness. Cham: Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-90200-5

McIntyre L.L., Blacher J., Baker B.L. (2006). The transition to school: adaptation in young children with and without intellectual disability. J Intellect Disabil Res. 50:349-61. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2788.2006.00783.x

McIntyre, LL, Eckert, TL, Fiese, BH, DiGennaro, FD, & Wildenger, LK (2007). Transition to kindergarten: Family experiences and involvement. Early Childhood Education Journal, 35(1), 83–88. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-007-0175-6

Mexi, E., & Vlassi, E. (2010). The smooth transition of toddlers from Kindergarten to Primary School through audiovisual expression. Design and implementation of an educational program. In S. Ch. Pantazis, Th. Bakas, M. I. Sakellariou, & E. Kainourgiou (Eds.), Contemporary trends and perspectives in Preschool Education and Training of the 21st century. Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Preschool Education (vol. 2, pp. 266-279). Ioannina

Michelakaki, T., & Fonia, E. (2015). The involvement of foreign parents in the educational process. Education Sciences, 2015(4), 267-282.

Nystad, K., Drugli, M. B., Lydersen, S., Lekhal, R., & Buøen, E. S. (2021). Toddlers’ stress during transition to childcare. European Early Childhood Education Research Journal, 29(2), 157–182. https://doi.org/10.1080/1350293X.2021.1895269

Papanastasiou, K., & Papanastasiou, E. (2005). Educational Research Methodology. Nicosia: Private

Penteri E., & Petrogiannis K. (2013). School-family connection and the issue of cooperation between them: A critical presentation of basic theoretical models. Research in Education, 1(1), 2–26. https://doi.org/10.12681/hjre.8790

Petriwskyj, A., Thorpe, K., & Tayler, C. (2005). Trends in construction of transition to school in three western regions, 1990–2004. International Journal of Early Years Education, 13(1), 55–69. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669760500048360

Petrogiannis, K. (2012). Parental involvement and the transition of children from Kindergarten to Primary school. Modern Society, Education & Mental Health, 5, 9-25.

Pianta, R., Kraft-Sayre, M., Rimm-Kaufman, S., Gercke, N., & Higgins, T. (2001). Collaboration in building partnerships between families and schools: The National Center for Early Development and Learning Kindergarten Transition Intervention. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 16, 117–132. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0885-2006(01)00089-8

Prino, L. E., Longobardi, C., Fabris, M. A., & Settanni, M. (2022). Attachment behaviors towards teachers and social preference in preschool children. Early Education and Development, TEYXOS, 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1080/10409289.2022.2085980

Puccioni, J., Froiland, J., & Moeyaert, M. (2020). Preschool teachers' transition practices and parents' perceptions as predictors of involvement and children's school readiness. Children and Youth Services Review, 109. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2019.104742

Ramey, C., & Ramey, S. L. (2010). The transition to school: Concepts, practices, and needed research. In SL Kagan & K. Tarrant (Eds.), Transitions for young children: Creating connections across early childhood systems (pp. 19–32). Paul H. Brookes: Publishing Co. Retrieved from https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2010-22358-002

Rentzou, K., & Ekine, A. (2017). Parental engagement strategies in Greek and Nigerian preschool settings: cross-country comparison, International Journal of Early Years Education, 25(1), 30-50. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669760.2016.1275529

Revilla, Y. L., Vuorisalo, M., & Peltoperä, K. (2025). Pedagogical practices for the infant-toddler’s first day of transition from home care to early childhood education and care. European Early Childhood Education Research Journal. https://doi.org/10.1080/1350293X.2025.2509125

Rimm-Kaufman, S., & Pianta, R. C. (2000). An Ecological Perspective on the Transition to Kindergarten: A Theoretical Framework to Guide Empirical Research. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 21(5), 491-511. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0193-3973(00)00051-4

Şad, SN, Konca, AS, Özer, N., & Acar, F., (2016). Parental e-involvement: a phenomenological research on electronic parental involvement, International Journal of Pedagogies and Learning, 11(2), 163-186. https://doi.org/10.1080/22040552.2016.1227255

Sakellariou, M. & Anagnostopoulou, R. (2020). Transition program into compulsory education with emphasis on the enhancement of inter-personal relationships through the implementation of appropriate developmental practices during early childhood. European Journal of Social Science Studies, 5(4): 1-18. http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejsss.v5i4.862

Sakellariou, M., & Besi, M. (2014). The importance of social skills for the smooth transition of children from kindergarten to primary school: A research approach. Investigating the world of the child, 13, 453-463. https://doi.org/10.14445/23942703/IJHSS-V6I1P107

Sakellariou, M., Anagnostopoulou, R., & Strati, P. (2020). Concerns and expectations of transition from the domestic environment to the nursery school. International Journal of Current Research, 12 (7), 12413-12420. https://doi.org/10.24941/ijcr.39219.07.2020

Sakellariou, M., Anagnostopoulou, R., & Strati, P. (2015). The factors that influence the smooth transition of children from the family to the Nursery and Day Care Center. Proceedings of the 2nd International Symposium on Preschool Pedagogy, Transformative Pedagogy and Learning in Early Childhood. http://dx.doi.org/10.26717/BJSTR.2025.60.009478

Sakellariou, M., Anagnostopoulou, R., & Strati, P. (2018). International practices of smooth transition in Greek public and private preschool education: A research approach. Public and Private Education. Proceedings of the 3rd Panhellenic Conference on the Sociology of Education. European University of Cyprus (Nicosia).

Sakellariou, M., Anagnostopoulou, R., Strati, P. & Mitsi, P. (2021). Developmentally appropriate transition practices: A successful transition for all children within the Greek school and preschool environments. Berlin: Lambert Academic Publishing. Retrieved from https://www.amazon.com.au/Developmentally-Appropriate-Transition-Practices-Environments/dp/6204207296

Sakellariou, M., Anagnostopoulou, R., Strati, P., & Tzimas, P. (2016). Appropriate practices towards the successful outcome of the transition from the family to the preschool environment. In the 3rd Early Childhood Pedagogy Symposium: Contemporary Trends in Curriculum Development and Teaching.

Sakellariou, M., Strati, P., Anagnostopoulou, R., & Tzimas, P. (2016). Preparing toddlers with special educational needs or disabilities for their transition to the general and unified framework of primary school. In the 3rd Early Childhood Pedagogy Symposium, Contemporary Trends in Curriculum Development and Teaching.

Schulting, A., Malone, P., & Dodge, K. (2005). The effect of school-based kindergarten transition policies and practices on child academic outcomes. Developmental Psychology, 41(6), 860–871. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2757260/

Sidiropoulou, F., Dimitriadis, S., & Ralli, A. (2011). The transition of young children to different educational environments. Pedagogical Speech, 1, 63-83.

Sotiropoulou, E., Katsiada, E., & Bercovits, A. (2022). Educators' Views on Parents' Contribution to the Transition to Nursery of Children Under the Age of 3. Transition, 14(2). https://doi.org/10.5296/ije.v14i2.20095

Tebridou, A.E. (2014). Approaching the unknown in the first grade of primary school. Exploring the child's world, 13, 523–531. https://doi.org/10.12681/icw.18003

Torres-Rendon, L. Zinsser, K. (2022). Predictors of parent-teacher relationship quality in head start classrooms. Dialogue, 25(1), 17-36. Retrieved from https://journals.charlotte.edu/dialog/article/view/1324

Tzilou, G. Th., & Papadimitriou, S. (2021). Distance education in preschool age: A case study of the utilization of Webex and e-Class environments during the Covid-19 pandemic. Open Education: the journal for Open and Distance Education and Educational Technology, 17(2), 6-22.

Vagi-Spyrou, E., & Georgiadou-Kambouridis, V. (2010). Linking virtual representation and oral speech production in the context of a transition program from kindergarten to primary school. In S. Ch. Pantazis, Th. Bakas, M. I. Sakellariou, & E. Kainourgiou (Eds.), Contemporary trends and perspectives in Preschool Education and Training in the 21st century. Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Preschool Education (vol. B, pp. 195-211). Ioannina

van Trijp, C. P. J., Ree, M., Belland, T. E., Esmaeeli, S., Eidsvåg, G. M., Asikanius, M. A., & Rosell, L. Y. (2025). A systematic scoping review on the transition of under-3-year-old children from home to early childhood education and care. Education Sciences, 15(5), 589. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15050589

Vecchiotti, S. (2003). Kindergarten: An overlooked educational policy priority. Social Policy Report, 17(2), 1-20. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2379-3988.2003.tb00021.x

Vlachou, M. (2019). The smooth transition within the framework of preschool education. Theoretical approach-Utilization of good practices. Counseling and guidance. Thessaloniki: Rome

Vogiatzi M. (2019). The views of kindergarten teachers and teachers on the transition to first grade. Transition practices and programs. (Postgraduate thesis). National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

Vorkapić, S. T. (2021). The challenges of children's transition to kindergarten: How do early childhood educators perceive their relationship with children during transition? In INTED2021 Proceedings (pp. 8300-8311). IATED. https://doi.org/10.21125/inted.2021.1688

Vorkapić, ST (2023). How to Support Early Educational Transitions of Children? An Overview of University Science Project's Activities from Croatia. Revista Romaneasca pentru Educatie Multidimensionala, 15(2), 532-556. https://doi.org/10.18662/rrem/15.2/748

Welchons, LW & McIntyre, LL (2015). The Transition to Kindergarten for Children with and Without Disabilities: An Investigation of Parent and Teacher Concerns and Involvement. Topics in Early Childhood Special Education, 35(1), 52–62. https://doi.org/10.1177/0271121414523141

Zehbe, K. (2021). Dealing with transition in formal meetings of parents and pedagogical staff. European Early Childhood Education Research Journal, 29(4), 569-581. https://doi.org/10.1080/1350293X.2021.1941167

Ziliaskopoulou, D. (2014). School-family cooperation: practices for strengthening communication and addressing difficulties. Teaching and education issues in multicultural schools: educational material, 491-510.




DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v13i5.6628

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Copyright (c) 2026 Zoe Konstantinidou, Maria Stamatoglou, Maria-Eleni Alexoglou

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Copyright © 2015-2026. European Journal of Education Studies (ISSN 2501 - 1111) is a registered trademark of Open Access Publishing Group. All rights reserved.


This journal is a serial publication uniquely identified by an International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) serial number certificate issued by Romanian National Library (Biblioteca Nationala a Romaniei). All the research works are uniquely identified by a CrossRef DOI digital object identifier supplied by indexing and repository platforms. All authors who send their manuscripts to this journal and whose articles are published on this journal retain full copyright of their articles. All the research works published on this journal are meeting the Open Access Publishing requirements and can be freely accessed, shared, modified, distributed and used in educational, commercial and non-commercial purposes under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).