2 – 3 weeks prior to a child’s 2nd birthday the following steps will begin to ensure that they will be empowered to successfully negotiate this transition within the Centre through procedures that acknowledge continuity of learning and overall well-being and sense of belonging for the child.
The child will be given frequent opportunities to partake in the over 2’s routines such as mat times and meal times with the support of an under 2 teacher.
A whāriki/placemat will be made with each child.
The child will be encouraged and supported to take increasing responsibility encouraging independence. This may include hand & face washing, placing bag in locker, putting clothing into bag etc.
At kai times, the child will be assisted and supported to develop skills such as choosing own spreads, spreading on toast, cutting their own fruit, and feeding themselves using cutlery and pouring their own drink. At the end of our meal they will clear their plates & cup and place these on the bench, wipe whāriki/placemat and put away chair before they leave to play.
Teachers responsible for toileting the over 2’s will invite the child to have their toileting needs met by them.
As the child celebrates their 2nd birthday their portfolio will be transferred to the over 2’s area for the teachers to familiarise themselves with, and their bag placed in outside lockers.
The procedure of transition will remain fluid with the teachers being led by the child as their sense of belonging, security of new relationships and familiarity with routines is evidenced by their settled and responsive reciprocal behaviours in the over 2 learning environment.