Documenting the transition experiences of children, families and staff through the relocation and integration of two Australian early childhood services

This exploratory study examines the transition experiences of children, families, and staff at two early childhood services in regional Australia, as they merge into an integrated early childhood service. A qualitative methodology was used and data were collected from open-ended surveys distributed to early childhood staff (5) and families (13) three months after the transition. Families indicated that early preparation, via social stories and orientation activities, helped facilitate smooth transitions for their children and themselves. Early childhood staff indicated challenges with a new location and a lack of infrastructure to support integration. Directors expressed positive attitudes about the integration process, but indicated that the lack of leadership and policy to guide the integration process was an impediment. Results point to the need for stronger support of early childhood staff during transition, and the importance of strong leadership, infrastructure and policy to facilitate integration of early childhood services.