Successful Transitions for Young Children with Disabilities and Their Families: Roles of School Social Workers

Three early transitions are significant for young children with disabilities and their families: (1) into Early Intervention, (2) between that program and preschool services, and (3) from Early Childhood Special Education into kindergarten special education. Each of these transitions is significant for families in terms of obtaining appropriate intervention services, involving families in their children's development, and building foundations for the children's later learning. This article details responsibilities for social workers at each transition. Roles are synthesized into nine important social work contributions that will help to ease the stress of transition for all participants, bridge people and programs, support families, and foster shared efforts to launch young children on a lifetime of learning.