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

Bella (Siu Man) Chan July 16th, 2012

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ARTICLE INFORMATION Title: Successful transitions for young children with Disabilities and their families: Role of school social workers Authors: Sharon E. Rosenkoetter, Ann H. Hains, Cristian Dogaru Published in: Children & Schools, Vol.29, No.1, Jan 2007 Keywords: disabilities, early childhood; early Intervention; service coordination; transition

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AUTHOR INFORMATION

Sharon E. Rosenkoetter, PHD - Associate professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences at Oregon State University - Focus on young children with disabilities and their family Ann H. Hains, PHD - Professor in the Department of Exceptional Education at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Cristian Dogaru, MD - Graduate student in the Department of Human Development and family sciendes at the Oregon State Univesrity

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ARTICLE OVERVIEW

Three important transitions young children with disabilities and their families experience

The significance of each transition

Early transitions can be either smooth or difficult

Social workers play a crucial role before, during, and after each transition period

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RATIONALE FOR CHOOSING THIS ARTICLE

Highlights the strengths and successes in the field of special education

Positive focus

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KEY FRAMEWORK OF ARTICLE

3 Early Transitions: Into Early Intervention Into Preschool Program Into Kindergarten

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TRANSITION 1 : INTO EARLY INTERVENTION

Family Concerns/Issues How social workers can help the family Don't overwhelm the family ! Roles of the social worker

6 Guidelines for Effective Social Work During Transition

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TRANSITION 1 : INTO EARLY INTERVENTION

6 Guidelines for Effective Social Work During Transition 1. Professionalism and competency 2. Focus on parents needs 3. Involving the family in planning 4. Emphasizing parents strengths 5. Being sensitive to the ecological context of the family 6. Taking the familys culture into consideration

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TRANSITION 2 : INTO PRESCHOOL PROGRAM

4 Important Considerations 1. Transition is a process, not one single event 2. To ensure smooth, effective transition - Plan ahead of time - Follow-up afterwards 3. For a successful transition, professionals and family members must contribute 4. Special education is not a location, it is a program

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TRANSITION 2 : INTO PRESCHOOL PROGRAM

Roles of the Social Worker : Fulfill legal requirements Provide family support Service coordination Support the child through transition Support program staff Support systems change within community Support children and families exiting the system

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TRANSITION 3 : INTO KINDERGARTEN

A Significant Transition Recommended Planning Process 4 Aspects Planned activities in spring, summer, and fall of kindergarten year Focus on family involvement and peer relationships Ensure school is ready for childs entry Appoint transition coordinators at prekindergarten and kindergarten level Community Planning benefits Children with Disabilities Planning Ahead Roles of the Social Worker Parental Involvement

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ARTICLE CONCLUSION

9 Guidelines for Social Workers Inform the family Provide family with options Ensure New Setting is Prepared for the Child Ensure all Existing Services are Not Interrupted Familiarize School Staff Familiarize the Child to the New Setting Make Family Feel Welcome Fulfill Legal Requirements, make timely decisions Promote Positive Attitudes, Decrease Stress

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CRITIQUE & ANALYSIS

Strengths of the Article: Well-organized and practical Focuses on direct, positive action regardless of circumstances Draws strength from all those involved in child's life and education

Strongly Agree Transitions are significant Factors determining success Info is accurate and relevant Practical and applicable

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CRITIQUE & ANALYSIS

Concerns Implementing an Effective Transition Process Applying these Guidelines How to widely distribute this info to all professionals and families How to routinely apply this info into daily practice

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REFERENCE

Rosenkoetter, S. E., Hains, A.H., & Dogaru, C. (2007). Successful transitions for young children with disabilities and their families: Roles of school social workers. Children & Schools, 29(1), 25-34.

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Q&A

Questions ?
1. Does a successful transition depend somewhat on the childs disability level or behavioral problems? 2. What if the family has only one option for school, and that school isnt really concerned about the transition, or communicating with team members? 3. Are smooth transitions possible without positive family support?