Transition Program

To ensure that MELC children are receiving the most appropriate care, we will often move groups of children from one room to the next during the calendar year.

The decision to move children is based on their stage of development and the skills they have acquired, and it is always made after consultation with you, the parents.

When a move happens there are a number of steps that we take to ensure that your child is fully prepared.

• A dedicated transition program is implemented for 8-10 weeks prior to the move, within the children’s own room/peer group, to help prepare them for the new routine and activities
• Your child will spend time, on their regular care days, in the new room familiarising themselves with the environment and the teacher etc
• Half way through the transition program the dedicated carer will meet with you and provide an update on your child’s progress

Whilst the level of care at MELC is consistently high regardless of your child’s age, there are some aspects of programming and activities that vary. The differences between rooms mean that your child will need time to adjust and to become familiar with the new routine. For example:

Bumblebees - Caterpillars Transition

The Caterpillar room is a more structured environment than your child would have experienced in the Bumblebee Room.

Whereas in the Bumblebee Room the emphasis is on individual babies’ routines, in the Caterpillar Room there is a more scheduled approach to the day with a balance between group time and free play. The aim of this environment is to assist your child to develop their communication and self-help skills, follow a routine and participate in small group activities such as language, music, craft, games etc.

Caterpillars – Butterflies

The Caterpillar Room is more structured again, preparing children for the challenges they will face at school. In this Room language and music experiences are split into two groups reflecting the age differences and needs of the children. The younger group are the Butterflies and the older group are the Dragonflies. The Dragonflies are involved in our MELC Prep Program.

During the transition process children are given opportunities to develop their confidence in communicating with peers and staff. Small group and news experiences help to build and extend self-help skills and continue to challenge areas of cognitive planning, problem solving and all areas of development.

If you have any questions regarding your child’s development, whether they should be moved to another room, or any other issue then please do not hesitate to contact us. Your child’s dedicated carer, or the Centre’s Director of Teaching would be happy to discuss their progress with you.