Open AccessA Critical Investigation of Policy, Research, and Programs that Aim to Support Children’s Transition to Kindergarten in Quebec
Author(s) -
Joanne Lehrer
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of childhood studies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2371-4115
pISSN - 2371-4107
DOI - 10.18357/jcs.v37i2.15198
Subject(s) - psychology , transition (genetics) , developmental psychology , immigration , pedagogy , perspective (graphical) , sociology , neighbourhood (mathematics) , political science , mathematical analysis , biochemistry , chemistry , mathematics , artificial intelligence , computer science , law , gene
This article critically examines Quebec policy and programs related to children’s transition to kindergarten, with a particular focus on “hard to reach” families (Hong, 2009; Mapp et Hong, 2010): those that are low-income, have limited levels of formal education, are part of racialized groups, speak a mother tongue other than English or French, and/or are recent immigrants. A conceptual analysis of parent pedagogicalization (Popkewitz, 2003) and of the difference between the transition to school and school readiness is followed by a review of the literature on children from “hard to reach” families beginning school. Five themes are identified in the literature: socio-demographic characteristics and academic achievement, the neighbourhood environment, transition practices, parent perspectives, and classroom processes. The article concludes with implications for policy, practice, and further research in order to support children’s transition to kindergarten from a strength-based, as opposed to a deficit-oriented, perspective (Carr, 2001; Dahlberg, Moss & Pence, 2007; Swadener & Lubeck, 1995).