Educators’ Views on Parents’ Contribution to the Transition to Nursery of Children Under the Age of 3

Abstract

The transition of a child from home to the nursery marks the passage to a new phase of life not only for the child, but also for the whole family. In this process, family is the most important factor in the child's smooth and successful transition to the new environment. In particular, the characteristics of parents and their behaviour during transition seem to have a direct impact on children and the way in which they will face this new challenge. In this context, many nurseries are implementing transition programmes or practices to prepare children and parents to cope with challenges that may arise from this process. The aim of this study is to investigate the views of educators working in nurseries in Attica (Greece) on the characteristics-behaviors of parents that can influence the smooth transition of children under 3 years of age. In addition, the study examines the transition practices, including parental involvement, that are usually put in practice in nurseries in Attica, Greece. The results of the research show that parents' anxiety and their thoughts on transition issues ifluence their childrens' adaption to the nursery environment. Finally, the practices that the educators apply more frequently are mainly related to providing information to parents about the transition process, about the possible behaviours that the child may display and also about issues associated with the operation of the nursery. Implications for practice are also discussed in this paper.