Parent Perspectives of Early Childhood Special Education Transition

Abstract

The transition from early childhood special education into school-based special education services is often the first major educational change for children with special needs. Parents are critical to children’s successful transitions. This systematic review compiled parent-reported data from 20 peer-reviewed quantitative and qualitative empirical studies to identify consistent themes regarding parents’ experiences during the early childhood special education transition. Themes for parents’ reported experiences reflected three ecological contexts of children’s development: family, school, and the special education system. Parents reported challenges relating to communication with their new schools and confusion navigating special education procedures but relied on support from their early childhood service providers. These experiences were differentially related to parents employing advocacy strategies for their child or taking a passive role in the process. Findings suggest a need for improved parent resources to support families’ adjustment and their roles in their child’s education in this transition period.