Managing Transitions in Early Childhood: Helping Children Adapt to Change

The Challenge of Change

For children, transitions, whether big or small, can feel overwhelming. The shift from home to daycare, moving from one activity to another, or even the change of seasons can bring uncertainty, anxiety, or resistance. As educators, we see it every day, the child who finds goodbyes at drop-off a challenge, the group that takes time to settle after lunch, or the anxiety that builds up amongst parents and children as kindergarten approaches.

While change is inevitable, how we support children through these transitions matters. With the right strategies, we can create predictability, comfort, and emotional security, helping children build resilience and approach new experiences with confidence.

Why Are Transitions Difficult for Young Children?

Unlike adults, young children lack a developed sense of time and struggle with anticipating what comes next. Their world is built on routine and familiarity, and any disruption, no matter how small, can feel unsettling. Transitions often trigger big emotions, which can show up as resistance, meltdowns, or difficulty focusing.

Additionally, change can bring a sense of loss, whether it's leaving a favorite activity, saying goodbye to a caregiver, or adjusting to a new schedule. These emotions are completely normal, but without guidance, they can make transitions challenging for both children and educators.

So, how can we help children feel secure during transitions?

Practical Strategies for Easing Transitions

1. 1. Visual Schedules & Predictability
   

   Children thrive on knowing what to expect. Using visual schedules, picture cards, or simple first-then boards can help them see the sequence of their day. Reviewing the schedule at the start of the day and referring back to it before each transition can provide a sense of control and preparedness.

For younger children, consider using transition objects (such as a special toy or card) that signal "what's next" and provide comfort during change.

2. 2. Social Stories & Transition Talks

3. Social stories are short, simple narratives that explain a transition in a way children can understand. These can be especially useful for big transitions, such as moving to a new classroom or preparing for kindergarten.

For example, before a big change, read a story about a character experiencing the same transition. You can also create personalized social stories with real photos of the child’s new classroom, teacher, or daily routine to help ease anxieties.

Here are a few of my favourite stories to read for transitioning into kindergarten: 

"The Kissing Hand" – Audrey Penn

A beautiful story about a young raccoon, Chester, who is nervous about leaving his mother for school. She shares a special secret, a kiss on his hand, that he can carry with him throughout the day. This book is perfect for children feeling separation anxiety.

"Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten" – Joseph Slate

This fun and colorful book introduces children to a lively kindergarten class as they get ready for their first day. It helps kids visualize what to expect in a playful and engaging way.

"The Night Before Kindergarten" – Natasha Wing

Modeled after the classic "The Night Before Christmas," this book follows children as they prepare for their first day of kindergarten, helping to normalize the jitters and excitement that come with new beginnings.

"Llama Llama Misses Mama" – Anna Dewdney

A relatable story about separation anxiety, as Llama Llama learns that even though his mama leaves, she always comes back. It reassures children that their feelings are valid and that school can be a fun place.

"We Don’t Eat Our Classmates" – Ryan T. Higgins

This humorous book follows a dinosaur named Penelope Rex as she navigates making friends and learning classroom rules. It’s a great way to talk about social skills and being kind to new classmates.

"Kindergarten, Here I Come!" – D.J. Steinberg

A collection of short, playful poems about all the milestones of kindergarten, riding the bus, meeting the teacher, learning the alphabet, making the transition fun and exciting.

"How to Be Kind in Kindergarten" – D.J. Steinberg

A simple yet powerful book that teaches children how to be kind, share, and make friends in their new classroom, reinforcing social-emotional skills.

"School’s First Day of School" – Adam Rex

This unique and charming book is told from the perspective of the school itself, which is also nervous about welcoming students. It’s a great way to shift the focus and create empathy for all the "firsts" happening that day.

"Butterflies on the First Day of School" – Annie Silvestro

A lovely book that addresses nervous feelings as "butterflies in the tummy," showing children that excitement and nerves are normal and that new friendships and experiences make it all worth it.

"My First Day of Kindergarten" – Kristen Hall

A sweet and interactive book with flaps and surprises that help young readers explore all the fun things they’ll experience in kindergarten.

3. 3. Gentle Warnings & Cues
   

   Abrupt transitions can be disorienting. Instead of sudden changes, provide gentle time warnings (e.g., "In five minutes, we will clean up") and use consistent cues like a song, bell, or a soft chime to signal upcoming transitions. This works for transitions over longer periods of time of time as well such as in “3 months this will be your new classroom”

For children who need extra preparation, consider a countdown approach giving reminders at 10, 5, and 2 minutes before a change. Or 3, 2, and 1 month before the change. 

4. 4. Connection Before Transition

5. Before expecting a child to move on from an activity, pause for a moment of connection. This could be:

• A quick conversation about what they’re working on
• A high-five or a hug
• A choice-based transition ("Would you like to hop or tiptoe to circle time?")

Connection reassures children that their needs are seen, making transitions smoother and less resistant.

5. 5. Transitional Songs & Movement

6. Music and movement can turn transitions into engaging moments instead of abrupt disruptions. A clean-up song, a transition dance, or a movement-based transition (e.g., "Let's stomp like dinosaurs to the reading corner!") helps children shift gears in a playful way.

Using familiar songs to mark transitions builds consistency and helps children associate changes with something positive.

6. 6. Supporting Emotional Regulation

7. If a child is struggling with a transition, their distress isn’t about the transition itself—it’s about feeling out of control. Instead of rushing them, offer co-regulation strategies:

• A calming breath exercise together
• A comforting phrase ("I know leaving the playground is hard, but we will play again tomorrow")
• A "calm corner" option where they can reset before moving on

Validating their feelings while gently guiding them forward makes transitions feel safer.

7. 7. Encouraging Parent Collaboration

8. Some transitions, like moving to a new center or preparing for kindergarten, extend beyond the classroom. Engaging families in conversations about transitions sharing strategies, visual schedules, or social stories ensures a smoother adjustment at home and school.
9.  

Encourage parents to mirror classroom routines at home (e.g., bedtime stories about upcoming changes, practicing morning goodbyes) to reinforce predictability.

How Technology Can Support Transitions

Digital tools can make transition planning more effective and transparent. Platforms like Parent App provide:

• Daily Routine Sharing – Keep parents informed about schedules so they can reinforce transitions at home.
• Real-Time Updates – Help parents understand how their child is adjusting with instant check-ins and progress updates.
• Personalized Transition Plans – Track individual child adjustments and share resources (visual schedules, transition stories) with families.
• Easy Communication with Families – Provide parents with tips and reminders to support their child’s transition beyond the classroom.
  
  

By integrating structured routines, supportive conversations, and digital tools, we can create a smoother experience for children navigating change.

Keeping the Conversation Going

Transitions are a natural part of growth, but they don’t have to be stressful. When we meet children where they are, provide predictability, and offer emotional support, we help them develop the skills to navigate change with confidence.

Want more strategies on managing transitions in early childhood? Join our upcoming discussions where we’ll dive deeper into real-life classroom strategies for helping support children in our classrooms. Join us!

Book a no-obligation meeting today and see how Parent App can make your daily operations smoother, easier, and more efficient.