What is a recommended practice for enhancing cohesion between early childhood education and elementary education?

Extending beneficial early childhood education practices to elementary grades is a highly recommended approach to enhance cohesion between early childhood education (ECE) and elementary education. This practice recognizes the importance of developmentally appropriate methods that support children's transition from ECE to elementary settings. By integrating effective strategies from ECE, such as play-based learning, individualized instruction, and social-emotional development practices, educators can create a more seamless and supportive learning environment for young children.

This continuity helps to maintain children's engagement and motivation while fostering skills necessary for continued academic success. For instance, incorporating hands-on activities and emphasizing social interaction can ease the transition, ensuring that the foundational skills developed in early childhood are built upon as children move into elementary education.

The other options do not effectively promote cohesion. Segregating curricula can lead to disconnection between the two systems, while promoting unstructured play, while beneficial in certain contexts, may not provide the structured learning environment needed in elementary education. Limiting family involvement runs counter to best practices that emphasize the importance of family engagement in supporting children's learning and development across both educational levels.