Parental Views on the Transition Process of Children with Special Needs from Early Intervention to Preschool

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate parental views on the experiences of children with special needs during transitions to preschool programs, the services provided by the schools and related problems. Eight parents of children with special needs participated in the study. Data were gathered via semi-structured interviews and analyzed inductively. Results showed that decisions for transitions were taken by health professionals, school selection was based primarily on the school’s/teacher’s acceptance of the child with special needs, children had to change their school due to lack of services and parents were offered insufficient services during their child’s transition. Other findings showed that parents’ major concerns during their child’s transition to preschool programs were finding a suitable school and once they found one, other concerns such as lack of trust in the staff, their children’s adjustment difficulties and problems in peer acceptance emerged. Parents also reported the need for proper legislations regarding the transition process.