Kindergarten Inclusion
& Transition (KIT)
Preparing Families for Kindergarten
& Beyond
DRO’s Kindergarten Inclusion & Transition (KIT) program is a virtual learning series designed for:
Families of children entering kindergarten in Fall 2027; and
Families of children who have a disability, are suspected of having a disability, are receiving Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) services, or are participating in or waiting for an evaluation.
Every child belongs, and every family deserves the tools to help make that happen.
KIT is an 8-session virtual learning series that helps families build knowledge, confidence, and tools to support their child's learning, belonging, and inclusion at school.
Meaningful participation in a child’s education can help create opportunities for relationship development, learning, and a successful transition to kindergarten and beyond.
Together, participants use practical tools to reflect on and plan their child’s educational needs. Through shared learning experiences, families build understanding, self-assurance, and skills that support ongoing participation throughout their child's school journey.
KIT is built on the belief that when families deepen their understanding of their child, educational planning processes, and their rights, they are better prepared to meaningfully participate in decisions affecting their child's education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this series for?
Families of children entering kindergarten in Fall 2027
Families of children who have a disability or are:
suspected of having a disability;
receiving Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) services;
participating in or awaiting evaluation; or
anticipate educational planning, eligibility, or IEP discussions as their child prepares to enter kindergarten
Participation is limited to one parent or caregiver from each family. The same individual must attend each session.
Families may be receiving ECSE services, participating in or waiting for an evaluation, exploring eligibility for special education services, preparing for an initial IEP, or simply learning about kindergarten options.
No prior knowledge of educational planning, special education, or educational rights is required.
What do we believe?
What is KIT’s approach?
Every child belongs.
Families are experts on their children.
Rights support meaningful participation.
Participation matters and creates opportunities for learning, relationships, and a sense of belonging.
Is there a cost to participate in the KIT program?
No. There is no financial cost to participate. But you will need a computer or phone to access the online sessions.
What should I expect during the series?
KIT is designed as a learning experience that builds from session to session. Participants will have opportunities to:
Participate in presentations and guided learning activities
Reflect on their child, family experiences, hopes, and priorities
Learn about educational planning, rights, participation, and transition
Discuss questions and concerns with other families
Develop a Person-Centered Profile
Explore practical participation strategies and planning tools
Apply learning to their own child's educational journey
KIT combines family expertise, presentations and guided learning activities, reflection activities, discussion, person-centered planning, practical planning tools, and opportunities to learn from and alongside other families. Families bring valuable expertise about their children, and that expertise is an important part of the learning experience.
All 8 KIT sessions will be held online via Microsoft Teams. Here’s what we’ll cover and when:
Session 1: STARTING THE JOURNEY
Tuesday, November 17, 2026, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Session 2: Knowing My child
Tuesday, January 12, 2027, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Session 3: what matters most
Tuesday, February 2, 2027, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Session 4: communication, participation & supports
Tuesday, February 16, 2027, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Session 5: educational planning & the IEP
Tuesday, March 2, 2027, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Session 6: rights, family voice & informed participation
Tuesday, March 16, 2027, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Session 7: preparing for kindergarten
Tuesday, April 6, 2027, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Session 8: carrying it forward
Tuesday, April 20, 2027, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
When are the sessions, and what will be covered?
What is a Person-Centered Profile?
A central component of KIT is the development of a Person-Centered Profile (PCP).
Person-centered approaches help focus attention on understanding the whole child, including strengths, interests, relationships, communication, support needs, priorities, and hopes for the future.
Throughout the series, participants develop a profile that can support:
Communication
Educational planning
Participation
Educational decision-making
Kindergarten transition
How do we learn together?
Participants bring different experiences, perspectives, questions, and knowledge to KIT. Together, we strive to:
Honor family expertise
Listen respectfully
Respect confidentiality
Welcome diverse perspectives and experiences
Ask questions and share ideas
Support meaningful participation for all
Will my privacy be protected?
Participants may choose what information they share during discussions and activities.
While KIT encourages respectful treatment of participants' personal information, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed in group learning environments. Participants are encouraged to be thoughtful about what information they choose to share.
What if I can't attend every session? What is the participation commitment?
If you are unable to attend a session, please note that in your registration and contact us to discuss it. You can email us at kit@droregon.org.
Regular participation supports:
Reflection and application of learning
Development of a Person-Centered Profile
Practical planning and participation tools
Discussion and shared learning
Preparation for kindergarten transition
Ready to Register?
Space is limited
November 12 deadline
