Research models of the transition process of a child from preschool institution to elementary school

Abstract

A child’s transition from preschool to primary school is a significant pedagogical issue. The quality and appropriate inclusion of children in the first grade of primary school was discussed at many world meetings organized by various international organizations. At the UNESCO session held in 2010, it was pointed out that educational systems differ according to the particularity of the cultural context to which they belong, which presupposes a different approach to the transition of a child from one educational context to another. Educational policy has a great influence on the course of the transition process, therefore, the topic of a child’s transition from preschool to primary school in the Republic of Croatia is very important in the implementation of curricular changes. The paper will present a cross-section of previous research into the process of a child’s transition from a preschool educational context to the context of the first grade of elementary school in certain countries of Europe and the world (USA, Australia) and in the Republic of Croatia. Based on the obtained data, it will be determined whether there is educational continuity for the benefit of the individual child.