Transitioning Across Systems: Head Start Coordination With Elementary Schools to Enhance Children's Success in Kindergarten

• In Event: Relationships and Partnerships in Early Childhood Settings

Abstract

This study examines coordination efforts between Head Start programs and elementary schools to better understand how coordination may support success in kindergarten. Data were drawn from a nationally representative sample of Head Start children (N=2,019). Findings suggest that Head Start programs are engaging in a variety of activities to coordinate with elementary schools, and results of lagged OLS regression analyses found that coordination efforts were significantly related to children’s language and mathematics skills in kindergarten in elementary schools engaging in limited activities to support the transition to school. In a context of increased calls for coordination across early childhood and elementary school systems, this study highlights the use of coordination practices by Head Start programs.

Authors

• Kyle DeMeo Cook, Education Development Center, Inc.

• Rebekah Levine Coley, Boston College