Family-Centered Approaches to Supporting Kindergarten Transitions at a Preschool in Hawaiʻi

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 9:45 am - Gold 2
  In Roundtable Session: Family and Parent Engagement

Abstract

Children’s transition to kindergarten is a pivotal milestone shaped by family, school, and community systems. This qualitative case study examined a family-centered transition process at a multicultural, multilingual preschool in Hawai‘i. Data included interviews with educators, parents, and children, classroom observations, and document analyses. Findings showed that everyday family practices, such as reading books together and sibling modeling, supported children’s emotional readiness. Educators scaffolded this readiness through classroom routines, small-group book readings, family workshops, and structured communication with caregivers designed to build trust and continuity. Systemic factors, including enrollment procedures and teacher availability, also influenced families’ experiences. These results highlight opportunities for schools to foster smoother transitions through culturally responsive, relationship-based practices that affirm family culture and build confidence.

Author

• Taryn Ashlee Nakagawa, University of Hawaii - Manoa