When I Think of Research

One important insight that I gained in regards to research, is the value it was in society with it we can better understand the behavior and needs children and family have in order to improve, modify or change our views or ways of providing services. Another insight I gained was that research is not as simple as I thought, it requires a lot of planning, research, organization and effort in order to meet the needs of all parties not just the needs of the researcher. My idea about the nature of doing research completely changed, I know have a more clear understanding of its implications as well as its benefits for society and that because of this it has to be done in a way that is informative, ethical and meaningful that it has to have a purpose of improving the lives of others. Another important insight I learned was that not all research is accurate and valid, that it is important to review them carefully before considering them as tools for references. I learned identify the clues to look for when trying to find a research paper that is worth using as a point of reference.

The lesson that I learned in regards to planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood, is that it has to be done professionally.  That it is important for the researcher to learn to identify its bias in order to better observe, document and avoid judging or stereotyping during the research. It is also important in order for the information to be accurate and valid. Validity is an important peace in all research and in order for this to happen researchers need to be conscience that everything is done properly and with equity.  

Among the challenges I encountered was being able to identify which method of research would be the best fit for my type of research. Another challenge was being able to identify the question that would better guide my research to the intended result and validity that would confirm my hypothesis. The way I was able to overcome these challenge was with the support of my text book, colleagues as well as the valuable feedback obtained from my instructor during the course.

As, I learn more about our role as professionals in the field of Early Childhood, I’m able to understand how important our influence can be in the lives of children and their families. How we can we make a difference in the lives of many children and their families by actually being proactive and researching ways to improve our understanding and service to the children and families we serve.

Thank you all for your wonderful support, things would have been much harder if I wouldn’t have counted with your experience and knowledge in regards to the difference aspects of early childhood focused on research that we explored during this course. Good luck to all and I’m looking forwards on hearing from you again in the next courses to complete for our Master’s Degree.

Research Around the World

I choose to review the link http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/index.php

Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA): Developed and maintained by the University of Victoria, Canada, this virtual university is the international gateway for early childhood research worldwide. As I reviewed their website I was able to understand the wonderful work they do to educate and training in regards to child and young care, as they express in their mission. “The School of Child and Youth Care provides education, training, professional development and research for the care and support of children, youth, families and their communities. The work of the School of Child and Youth Care is grounded in the principles of inclusion, social justice and ethical practice”.

The University has 3 major goals:

One is to provide university level education in child and young care through the delivery of an inclusive curriculum that address the cultural competencies, knowledge, skills, and self awareness/development necessary for child and youth care professionals to meet the highest standards of professional practice. They undertake innovative theoretical, empirical and applied research that represents diverse populations, contexts, histories, epistemologies, knowledge and experiences. Last of all and perhaps one of the most important goals in the importance they give to motivating leadership in the area of social advocacy, education, research and professional development while supporting the initiative of others in enhancing services, public policies, and the evolution of the field and the promotion of social justice.

Among the valuable information they offer in their website it was great to see how they encourage employment opportunities to these students that are graduating. How they value the importance of equity opportunities and fairness among the applicants. Encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, aboriginal peoples, people of all sexual orientations and genders, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the University.

Other noteworthy information that I was able to find in the website was various ways information, questions and live conversation could be made with people interested in their program such as, FACEBOOK, Flickr, Twitter, and YouTube. Which are great ways to reach a bigger number of people interested.

Research that Benefits Children and Families

There are many topics that came to mind when trying to find a topic that I would like to have the means and knowledge to conduct a research on. One that struck my attention despite the fact that it has been the study for many years is “Parenting Styles, and its impact in Delinquency. As everything evolves and changes, so have parenting styles need to change in order to adapt to the different needs of young children.

We have various types of parenting styles such as Authoritative, Rewarding, Inductive, and Authoritarian. Many articles have examined the association between harsh discipline practices and negative outcomes, such as aggression and delinquency. Authoritarian parenting was associated with more delinquency, while authoritative with less delinquency.

I believe that the findings of my research will reinforce the importance parenting has in the present and future well being of the children and future adults. It is of vital importance that society realizes how vital it is to proper care for their children in order to avoid future problems as they become adults.

Your Personal Resouch Journal

Among the various issues that I have found important interesting and relevant to research, in regards to early childhood and its impact in the development of a child is “Parent Involvement”. These are the subtopics I would like to focus on:

a)    The influence “Parent Involvement” has in the student’s achievement

b)    Ways to foster “Parent Involvement”

c)    Reasons why “Parent Involvement” declines as children get older

d)    The impact Male/Dads participation has in the child’s school achievement

The reason why I choose this topic is because; I have observed the lack of participation from the parents in the education of their children. I worked for many years in the field of early childhood for a head start program, and I have seen very little if noon improvement of the parents involvement in the various events, meeting and conferences. It seems that parent involvement is been placed at the end of parents list due to various reasons that I would like to research. As a working mom with 3 children and going to school I can relate to many of the parents that find it difficult to participate in their child’s school, but at the same time I  can say that it is not impossible if you try and prioritize your numerous commitments for the better of your children current and future education. I have also come across those parents that do not understand the importance their predication has in the development of their child and how it can impact their future achievement.

I would really appreciate any insights you may have regarding this topic, experiences or thoughts. If you have any good resources you would like to share that will provide me with valuable information that I could use n my research of “Parent Involvement”.  Have found some articles that I would like to share with you in regards to this topic:

Resources:

Article: Graue, Elizabeth; Clements, Melissa A.; Reynolds, Arthur J.. Education Policy Analysis Archives, v12 n72 Dec 2004. (EJ853535) More than Teacher Directed or Child Initiated: Preschool Curriculum Type, Parent Involvement, and Children’s Outcomes in the Child-Parent Centers. Retrieved from the Walden Library using the Research Database.

Article: Webster-Stratton, Carolyn; Reid, M. Jamila; Stoolmiller, Mike. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, v49 n5 p471-488 May 2008. (EJ812883) Preventive Conduct Problems and Improving School Readiness: Evaluation if the incredible Years and Child Training Programs in High Risk Schools. Retrieved from the Walden Library using the Research Database.

Final Blog Assignment

After having the opportunity to learn how other cultures view early education, as well as well as the challenges they face that are often very similar as the ones we face in our country. Among the many consequences from learning how other cultures as well as my own understand and value education, my awareness and interest has grown in regards to learning from other parts of the world. Another consequence would be being able to value the opportunities of early education that our country offers to our children and advocate for those services to continue and improve. Not all countries have this opportunity despite our need to improve the quality and equity of these. Another consequence that personally affected me by reviewing various international resources was the need to be more informed of the various issues that affect our children not only in our country, but all over the world.

One of my goals is to learn and encourage other colleagues in the field to learn from other cultures views, customs, values and needs of education in order to understand the children and families we serve that come from various parts of the world. It is easier for us to understand their issues and interests if we actually take the time to learn from them for the better of all.

Thank you to all, and good luck as dedicated professionals in the field of Early childhood Education.

Getting to know Your International Contacts - Part 3

a)    New Policy Videos

 This is a sections found in the ZERO TO THREE website that provides the  access to short policy and advocacy videos that can be used to create awareness of the various ways you can become involved in becoming an advocate for the continuing services of the various early childhood programs. Videos between 3 and 5 minutes long, such as Babies and the Budget, which explains how important the existence of quality childcare is for all the working parents in our country. It also mentions the impact that would come with the cut of these services, and the need to increase programs for all those families that are waiting for an opportunity to enroll their child in a program. Another video is titled “Stop the cuts! Babies can’t wait” and “Total Budget Amount Matters”, these two videos provide valuable information in regards to budgets granted to education since 2007 as well as the possible cuts that are seen to occur in 2011. Cuts in funding that will affect millions of families and children today.

b)    Coming Together Around Military Families

ZERO TO THREE is a proud supporter of military families working to increase awareness and collaboration throughout the military community so that parents and professionals can more effectively care for very young children and their families.

On April 12, 2011 the ZERO TO THREE joined forces with Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden to support service members and their families by educating citizens, businesses, and nonprofits about the challenges that military families face and by encouraging them to take action. Supporting military families, strengthens the resilience of young children and families across all military service by increasing awareness and collaboration throughout the military community.

      c)    School Readiness Interactive

I also was able to find that the ZERO TO THREE Web contains an exclusive interactive learning tool designed to help parents and caregivers encourage their young children's early learning.
This Tool Includes

·         Core information about how children develop school readiness skills and how parents and care givers can nature and support these skills in young children.

·         Video clips that show children learning these skills through everyday interactions with their parents.

·         Parent-child activities which provide fun ideas for helping children develop school readiness skills.

·         Frequently asked questions that offer answers to common questions about learning.

Among many of my professional goals and dreams as a professional in the field of Early Childhood Education. Being an advocate, and providing the resources and knowledge for all those interested in making a change for the better of children and families.

Sharing Web Resources

As I follow some of the outside links to"ZERO TO THREE: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families" website http://www.zerotothree.org/about-us/ , I found some links to Early Head Start for Family Child Care Project, this project is design to implement and evaluate a replicable framework that supports a partnership between Early Head Start and family child care. This project will increase quality for low-income children in family child care homes by implementing comprehensive services that include health and social services

What I was able to find, is a list of their goals in order to improve the service of low income families and their children. Such as “Higher quality care for low-income children in family child care homes, Coordinated comprehensive services for families,  Support to increase capacity for family child care providers and Strong partnerships that support coordinated service delivery in communities”. I also was able to find a list of all the participants of this program, these programs serve more than 3,000 children, of which more than 500 are served through family child care.

This website also provides valuable information regarding online courses to child care providers, child care licensing staff and parents on quality infant and toddler care. Courses include Professional Development for Infant and Toddler Caregivers, Infant and Toddler Training for Child Care Licensing Staff and Infant and Toddler Care Training for Parents and Families. Most courses are free of charge.

As I explored the various resources available from the Zero to Three programs, I realized that there is a lot of information and resources available for parents. Resources that many of our families ignore, due to the lack of information and limited exposure of these, providing information to our parents is so important, especially if they do not have the language or resources to obtain it.