Parents’ Perceptions of Multiprofessional Collaboration during Their Children’s with Special Needs Transition to School in Finland

Abstract

The transition from day care to the preschool and primary school presents several challenges for children, families, and professionals. Some child groups need special attention, for example, children with handicaps or special needs. What makes a successful transition must be clearly conceptualized from different viewpoints in order to discover workable transition strategies. The study focuses on Finnish parents’ perceptions of the transition to school of their children with special needs. Furthermore, the parents’ experiences and ideas of multiprofessional collaboration during the transition phase were dissected. The data were
collected through role play method: parents of children with special needs were asked to continue the stories that covered the child’s transition to school. Key dimensions that affect to the success of the transition phase are discussed as the results.