The “Now What Dilemma”: An Emirati Perspective on Issues Related to Transition of Learners with SEND from Early Care to Primary Education

Abstract

This chapter draws upon research conducted in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on parents' perspectives of transition in early childhood intervention (ECI) for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The research followed a sequential exploratory mixed methods design to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. Data were collected from semi-structured interviews with 11 parents of children with different types of SEND, followed by a cross-sectional survey administered to (183) parents. Thematic analysis of interviews revealed that parents perceive the transition process as: “smooth,” “stressful,” and “blurring.” Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis tests of the parents' responses to the cross-sectional survey showed significant differences among parents' perspectives toward transition with respect to parents' gender, education, type of child with SEND, and educational setting; no significant differences were found regarding children's gender. Implications for practice regarding transition from ECI to inclusive education are addressed through a transition framework introduced at the end of this chapter.

Citation

Abdat, R. and Gaad, E. (2022), "The “Now What Dilemma”: An Emirati Perspective on Issues Related to Transition of Learners with SEND from Early Care to Primary Education", Scorgie, K. and Forlin, C. (Ed.) Transition Programs for Children and Youth with Diverse Needs (International Perspectives on Inclusive Education, Vol. 18), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 9-23. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1479-363620220000018002