AUGUST 2026

PREPARING FOR

WHAT'S next...

how

transitions

work

AT FIRST CIRCLE

One of the most exciting—and sometimes emotional—milestones in early childhood is moving from one classroom to the next.

how transitions work at first circle
One of the most exciting —and sometimes emotional—milestones in early childhood is moving from one classroom to the next. While these transitions are an important part of growing up, they often bring questions for families.
Will my child be ready?
Will they know anyone?
Will they adjust to new teachers and routines?

At First Circle, classroom transitions are never simply about reaching a birthday. They are thoughtfully planned milestones that help children grow with confidence while preparing for what’s next.

infants to toddlers

Readiness is about helping children become prepared to take their next step with confidence, curiosity, and enthusiasm.

EVERY
classroom has
a purpose

One of the cornerstones  of our educational philosophy is readiness.

We believe every classroom is both a destination and a launching point—where children celebrate how far they’ve come while preparing for where they’ll go next.

Readiness isn’t simply about reaching a certain age or mastering a checklist of skills. It’s about helping children become prepared to take their next step with confidence, curiosity, and enthusiasm.

Whether a child is learning to walk, solve problems with friends, become more independent, or prepare for kindergarten, every classroom builds the skills they’ll need for the next stage of their journey.

Because we value continuous improvement, we also use parent feedback to refine our transition process. This year, families will see earlier communication, more consistent transition meetings, and clearer information about upcoming classroom moves.

HOW
we determine
readiness

About six weeks  before a potential transition, our educators begin assessing each child’s readiness for the next classroom.

For our younger classrooms, developmental readiness is the primary consideration, with age serving as a guide. As children move into our preschool programs, age becomes a larger factor while teachers continue supporting each child’s individual growth.

We also value your perspective. No one knows your child better than you do, and your insights help us create a transition plan that feels positive and supportive.

WHY TRANSITIONS
sometimes happen
earlier than expected

Massachusetts licensing regulations  now require programs to transition children within much narrower age ranges than in the past, leaving less flexibility in timing.

As a result, children generally transition:

  • from Infants to Toddlers at approximately 15 months
  • from Toddlers to Preschool at approximately 2 years and 9 months

While licensing requirements often determine when a transition occurs, we continue to work with each child so they feel confident and supported.

MAKING
the transition
successful

Transitions happen gradually  over the course of about a week.

Children spend increasing amounts of time in their new classroom, allowing them to become familiar with new teachers, classmates, routines, meals, and activities before officially moving.

Whenever possible, we transition children with familiar friends. When classroom enrollment or licensing requirements make that impossible, our teachers intentionally help children build new friendships while maintaining connections with familiar classmates throughout the school.

Before the transition, families meet the new teaching team, learn about classroom routines, and have an opportunity to ask questions. Throughout the process, teachers from both classrooms work closely together and keep families informed about how children are adjusting.

Our goal isn’t simply to move children into a new classroom—it’s to help them feel like they already belong there.

toddlers to preschool
Our goal isn’t simply to move children into a new classroom—it’s to help them feel like they already belong there.
preschool to prekindergarten

Children often settle into their new classroom more quickly than parents expect!

HOW
families can
help

Children take their cues  from the adults around them. When parents approach transitions with confidence and optimism, children are more likely to do the same.

A few simple ways to help include:

  • Talk positively about the new classroom.
  • Maintain consistent routines at home.
  • Encourage age-appropriate independence through everyday tasks.
  • Reassure your child that it's okay to feel both excited and nervous about change.

And don’t be surprised if the transition is harder on you than on your child. 😊 Children often settle into their new classroom more quickly than parents expect!

ALWAYS
learning from
our families

One of the things  we’re most proud of at First Circle is our partnership with families.

Based on feedback from recent parent surveys, we’re enhancing our transition process by:

  • notifying families earlier about anticipated transitions
  • scheduling transition meetings more consistently
  • communicating expected timelines more clearly
  • continuing to individualize each child's visitation schedule

Thank you for helping us continue to learn and improve.

PREPARING CHILDREN
for whatever
comes next

Every classroom at First Circle builds on the one before it. The confidence children develop in one classroom becomes the foundation for new skills, new friendships, and new opportunities in the next.

That’s why we believe readiness begins on a child’s very first day and grows through every conversation, every challenge, every accomplishment, and every joyful discovery along the way.

We’re honored to partner with your family as your child takes each next step with confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

And that’s what we mean when we say we’re helping children become ready for learning, ready for life.

prekindergarten graduation

…we’re helping children become ready for learning, ready for life.