Preparing for the Kindergarten Transition
Starting Kindergarten is a big milestone, for children and families! This transition often includes many changes, such as a new school, teacher, routines, and expectations. Because autistic children often do best with familiarity, predictability, and routine, planning ahead can make this change feel more comfortable and successful.
One helpful step is connecting with your child’s new school before the Kindergarten year begins. Getting to know the environment and staff can reduce anxiety and help your child feel more confident on their first day.
Here are some ways to support a smooth transition:
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Schedule a school tour: Visit the classroom, playground, and school building. Allow your child time to explore the space. Some schools offer tours, ask your child’s team or call the school to find out.
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Take pictures of your child on the playground and at other locations around the school. The pictures can be used to make a book about your child at their new school and you can read/show them the book over a period of time.
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Connect with a Kindergarten teacher: Introduce yourself and ask about the daily schedule, classroom routines, and learning expectations. Even if the teacher hasn’t been assigned yet, any Kindergarten teacher can share helpful information.
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Ask about transition activities: Many schools offer spring “Welcome to Kindergarten” events or summer Kinder Camps.
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Share information about your child: Let the school know about your child’s interests, strengths, and learning needs. Consider using a *Kindergarten Resume to share with the teacher during a transition meeting, often held in the spring or summer.
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Attend open houses or family events: These are great opportunities to meet staff, connect with other families, and ask about volunteer opportunities.
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Explore the school’s website: Many schools post schedules, calendars, staff information, and helpful resources online.
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At home: Getting a new backpack and lunch box and creating a special place to keep them in the house should be done in advance. The child can practice putting things in the backpack and carrying it on summer outings to get used to the idea of a backpack.(if not already)
Planning ahead and building connections early can help make the Kindergarten transition a positive experience for your child and your family. However, don’t be overly concerned if this takes a while for your child to settle into their new routines. Kindergarten teachers report that the first nine weeks of school is spent helping all children get used to the routine of school.
Other helpful information to support the transition to Kindergarten:
Check out some autism friendly events and activities in the area:
Join Hidden Creek and Northwest Regional ESD for this free Sensory Playtime! Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education staff will be on hand to share information about child development, answer basic questions, and provide details about services and supports available to families with children aged 5 and under.
Play is self-led, and adult supervision is required. At least one adult/guardian must remain present at all times.
0-5 years of age | Hidden Creek Community Center
Mondays: 4/13, 5/11, & 6/8
9 am to 11 am
Included with a Play Pass, Family Membership, or Single Visit Fee.Supervising adults attend free. No Registration Required.
Springtime Exploration for Young Learners - Noticing Spring Together
April is a wonderful time to slow down and notice the seasonal changes around us—especially here in Oregon, where spring brings rain, color, and new growth. For children, simple experiences in nature help build language, motor skills, curiosity, and connection.
Go on a Color and Shape Hunt
Take a short walk and look for colors and shapes in nature. Can you find:
- Something yellow?
- Something tiny?
- A flower?
- A worm?
- A puddle?
- A snail?
- A bunny?
- A bird?
- Even a “robot” shape in the clouds or trees?
Try a “slow walk” and pretend to move like the things you see—slither like a worm, hop like a bunny, or glide like a bird. Slowing down helps children notice details and build observation skills.
Explore and Grow
Spring is a beautiful time to explore local parks. Try:
- Climbing in new ways
- Rolling down small hills
- Looking for signs of new growth
- Packing a simple snack picnic
You can also visit your local library, plant something together at home, or do some inside spring cleaning and sorting activities. Sorting toys, clothes, or household items builds early math skills and independence.
No matter the activity, the most important part is noticing together. Talk about what you see, hear, and feel. Spring invites us to connect with nature and with each other.
Reminder - FACT Oregon Special Education Virtual Conference
2026 Special Education Virtual Conference
Whether you are new to special education or want to build on what you already know, this virtual conference is designed for you. Join us as we explore topics many families face, from learning the basics of special education to understanding behavior supports, taking part in the IEP process, and working through concerns or disagreements with schools.
Fun Upcoming Portland Trail Blazers Events
Autism Acceptance Game - April 10
Supporting autism acceptance and the broader neurodivergent community. For further details click here.
AAC Blazers Event – April 12
Families of children who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) may be interested in this special event hosted by the Portland Trail Blazers.
AAC Blazers: Augmentative and Alternative Communication in the Rip City is designed to celebrate and support AAC users and their families while enjoying a Blazers game together.
This is a wonderful opportunity for AAC users and their families to connect with others in the community and enjoy an inclusive game-day experience.
Learn more and get tickets: https://aacblazers.com/
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