When I Think of Research...

The insight that I have gained about research is all the preparation one needs to make sure that the research is reliable and trustworthy. Researchers have to choose a design and a method depending the subject or case study. I idea of research has changed because I was not aware of all the work that one has to do. Now when I read a case study or a research journal I will able to determine what method did the researcher use and if it is just and fair. My biggest challenge that I encountered was the understanding of the material and applying the information to my simulated research study. It was a humbling experience but worth all the time and effort. The importance of making sure that all information is correct will help the early childhood profession. The information that is gathered should be able to help the teachers, parents and professionals in different situations. I enjoyed the course. I wish we had more time to study more in-depth.

Research Around the World

I looked at the Australians web site. I found that on international base the research topics are the same as ours. They are concerned with child development and their well-being. The insight that I have gained is the different programs they offer for the children and families. They have one program in particular that caught my interest and it is called Everyday Living series, which speaks about have a positive learning environment for the children and other suggestion for the families to stay healthy and positive. It is very healthy as a professional to be aware of the issues that other countries face and how they are handled. I enjoyed the adventure of looking at the Australian life style. Reference Early Childhood Australia: This is the Australian equivalent to the U.S. based NAEYC. You can access several links to early childhood research from the menu on the left side of the home page.
http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/

Uplifting Stories

A positive example that I have seen in research was of a 4-year-old child who had experience three-deaths in his family with in a matter of five-month span. This child lost his Grandmother and uncle on his mother side and his Grandfather on his fathers’ side; the Grandparents both died of cancer and the uncle died suddenly. The parents both agreed and signed consent forms for the child to be observed at school and home and asked questions. They observed him in the classroom to see if the child expressing any aggression towards his classmates and also if he was being more emotional then usual. This research benefited him and also others his age in order to help them handle death. This research helped the child cope with death of his loved ones. It also helped the parents in that they were able to maintain stability in at home continue with their normal routine.

Your Personal Research Journey

It is surly a journey to research topics. I was not aware of all the details that are involved in conducting a reliable study for this topic that are of importance to early childcare. The topic that I chose to research is child obesity. I will like to know how obesity effects the child’s development and what can we as educators help to put a stop or curve to the epidemic. I chose this topic because it is a growing concern. In my school we have started a program Healthy Choices. In this program we explain to the children and parents of the dangers of obesity and what we can do to encourage the children to make healthy choices on their own. The web-site that I chose to start with is Childhood Obesity - Children's Defense Fund www.childrensdefense.org/.../childrens.../child. This site shows statistics and other health related issues that comes with obesity. I know there many other sites that I can visit and help me to conduct a reliable study that will help me bring awareness to this issue. The research chart assignment has helped me stay organized and focused to be very effective in my presentation. If you have any other resources that will help me I would appreciate it. Reference Childhood Obesity - Children's Defense Fund www.childrensdefense.org/.../childrens.../child..

Professional and Personal Development

Throughout the course in Trends and Issues I have gained much valued information that has enhanced my knowledge. As I began to research how the early childhood field functioned on international bases good consequence resulted from this experience. One being the goals to help children and families were the same as here in the United States. Another is the passion to help children and families succeed is in the forefront of my collegial lives and third is how they advocate for the health and well being of the children. Personally I have gained a great respect for my collegial that live in third world countries and are pushing to educate the parents on the importance of a better education for their children. All children have a right to learn and do so in a safe and secure environment. One goal I have is to find ways to help the children internationally. I may not be able to go to these places however, I will be able to send resources through different organizations and help to advocate for a successful future for these children and families. Working together is the key.

Getting to know International Contacts Part 3

I live in North West Indiana and the issue of quality and early childhood professionals are being accepted as a part of the main stream school system. More kindergarten teachers are working with the ECE teachers in order to better prepare the children for public and private schools. The ECE workers are returning to higher education in order to gain more knowledge in child development. Many universities are offering classes for the ECE programs. My professional goals are to complete my masters’ degree, to help other organizations to establish the standards for a quality and affordable programs and the ultimate goal is to establish a school for kindergarten readiness that is looked at as a formal school so that all children are able to receive a quality education.

Sharing Web Resources

In my search the e-newsletter that I discovered is the International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy, at http://14.36.32.123/upload/bbs_journal/4%20Andrews_USA.pdf from that site I was able to find the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) journals which gave me a multitude of leads of the trends and issues that are affecting the children in our country and that I am currently studying. The sites also lead me to the Child Care Awareness of America National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies. At this site I was able to find 12 more journals that will support centers to become excellent in early care programming. What interested me was the fact sheets that are useful for administrators, legislators, and advocates to help strengthen child care programs and reduce the gap that exist in our society. The web sites are excellent resources to enhance my studies in early childhood programs. As the Education Director of my center the wealth of information is preparing me to up grade our center and encouraging me to continue searching for a better tomorrow for all children. Some much information is at our fingertips that it somewhat overwhelming however, I found if I focus on the issues in which I need information I will be well informed. Keeping the main site in my resource file will give me the opportunity to refer back to when needed. References Buettner, C. K., & Andrews, D.W. (2009). United states child care policy and systems of care: The emerging role of quality rating and improvement systems. International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy, 3(1), 43-50. Retrieved from http://14.36.32.123/upload/bbs_journal/4%20Andrews_USA_.pdf Child Care Awareness of America National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies