The Preschool-to- Kindergarten Transition
Spring 2026 • Volume 2 No 1
Educating Young Children Staff
Annie Moses Editor in Chief Susan Donsky Senior Editor Charity Coleman Senior Creative Design Manager Gillian Frank Senior Creative Design Specialist Makayla Johnson Creative Design Specialist Emily Wehby Associate Editor Elizabeth You Associate Editor Michelle Kang Chief Executive Officer Naomi Dillon Chief Communications Officer
Alissa Mwenelupembe Chief Early Learning Quality and Research Officer
Treva Bustow Senior Director, Membership
Susan Friedman Senior Director, Publishing and Content Development
Patty Mason Director of Communications Nicole Santa Director of Marketing Codi Trump Senior Business Development Specialist
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EYC – Educating Young Children
( ISSN 3066-8891) is published quarterly( January, April, July, and October) by the National Association for the Education of Young Children( NAEYC), 1401 H Street NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20005.
Through its publications program, NAEYC provides a forum for discussion of major issues and ideas in our field. We hope to provoke thought and promote professional growth. The views expressed or implied are not necessarily those of the Association. Acceptance of advertising does not represent NAEYC’ s endorsement of any product or service, nor is NAEYC responsible for representations made by advertisers.
Copyright © 2026 by NAEYC unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved. Cover photo courtesy of Grace Luy.
NAEYC promotes high-quality early learning for each and every child, birth through age 8, by connecting practice, policy, and research. We advance a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children.
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Dear NAEYC members,
The transition between preschool and kindergarten is an important one, for children and families as well as educators and early learning programs.
This issue includes stories of how educators create strong bridges before, during, and after the transition into kindergarten. Authors share how they are responsive to children and families in their contexts, and they describe how these ideas can be applied to settings like yours.
Be sure to read the journey of a NAEYC member and the advice for guiding and supporting children with challenging behaviors. And don’ t miss the latest information about NAEYC’ s 100th anniversary.
Along with joining in centennial celebrations, we encourage you to contribute to future EYC issues. You can do so in two ways:
› Share your feedback on EYC using the feedback form.
› Submit your stories and experiences following the guidelines for Writing for EYC.
Consider sharing your stories and expertise today!
With gratitude for all you do, Annie Moses, EYC Editor in Chief