Research that Benefits Children and Families - Uplifting Stories

There are positive effects of research on children and one of those research studies has impacted my profession.   The research I am speaking of consists of  a culmination of an Abbott Preschool Program Longitudinal Effects Study : Fifth Grade Follow-Up in 2013.  This was a multi-year research study of New Jersey's Abbott Preschool Program which showed significant gains in those communities which participated in the preschool program, and significant gains in literacy, math, and science through 4th and 5th grade.  Abbott districts are school districts in New Jersey that were created as a result of a ruling in Abbott vs. Burke.  The ruling from the case asserted that education within certain poor communities were unconstitutionally substandard.
I am an Abbott Preschool teacher in the Camden City School District, and this research study has helped to support the fact that we are making a difference with our children and their education.  This study has had a positive effect upon the children and families of not only my district, but 30 other Abbott districts in New Jersey.

Personal Research Journey

The topic that I have chosen for my research is language development in preschool children.  I have chose this topic because language development is an integral part of my curriculum and classroom.  So much of everything I do within my classroom revolves around this concert, and I find the topic amazing.  I love to see the progress children make when they discover letter sounds and then start to show progress in making strings of letter sounds.  This is the very early stages of reading and it is truly magical.

Upon entering this research course, I was quite intimidated and truly frightened of the entire process.  After the first week, and realizing that I am not alone, I am excited for this journey.  Dr. Ferrari has made it known that this is an introductory course, and I am now looking forward to the bones of research and understanding even more.  I know that this course will be beneficial to me in so many ways, not just in my Walden experience, but also in my career.

I welcome any and all information that my colleagues wish to share.  I am a fan of both the course discussions and the blogging, as they both provide a wealth of information from classmates who may have differing perspectives and fresh ideas.  

Karenskonnection.blogspot.com

Final Blog

As I post this final blog at the close of this course, three consequences of learning about the international early childhood field come to mind.  First, I have gained a better understanding that while we have concerns about the early childhood field in the United States, our counterparts in other nations have similar, if not the same concerns.  Second, I have realized that issues such as poverty and child welfare and health issues are national and global issues and progress in these areas is necessary.  The third and final consequence is that educators, regardless of their nation of origin, have the same goal and common thread, they want what is best for their children and families.

One goal I would like to see for the field in regard to international awareness, is a greater global understanding of the topic of early childhood education.  All young children benefit from educational services at a young age, and regardless of nation or land, the benefits are standard across the board from country to country.  Early childhood education is a necessity in all nations and should be handled, not just domestically, but on a global basis for the benefit of all children and families.

Getting to know International Contacts Part 3

This week I asked my international contact, Jacqueline Perry what her hopes, dreams, and aspirations are for the future of her profession.  She stated that she has been in the field of early childhood education for several years and her dream is for early childhood to become more respected, appreciated, and understood.  She aspires that one day all children, regardless of socio-economic issues, race, culture, and background shall be privy to early childhood education.  I agree with her on this topic, and long for the day in the future.  

Like I have stated in pervious posts, our Canadian neighbors share many of the same viewpoint, expectations, and aspirations as we do in the United States.  

Sharing Resources

The website I found to be most helpful is www.hhs.gov US Department of Health and Human Services.  Currently if you visit the site, the three main topics are Open Enrollment Over for Obamacare, Healthy Eating, and Autism Awareness.  All of these topics take you to outside links with a  wealth of information.  If you go to the search bar and type equity in preschool, many  different links concerning the topic come up.  Many  of the links deal with head start and their different initiatives.

Like  i have stated in the past, this is wonderful site with a wealth of information that can be utilized within the field of early childhood education.

 http://www.hhs.gov

Getting to Know Your International Contacts - Part 2

This past week I touched base with my Canadian contact, Jacqueline Perry.  I discussed with her the topic of school readiness in preschool and my concerns as  far as my view on the field.  She stated that school readiness is a concern in her country as well and there is much current debate on the topic.  There is discussion about what can be done to remedy the gap in  readiness and where the field  of early childhood is going.  Once again, this  is an example of how our neighbor to  the north is experiencing some of the very same topics and issues within the field.  Different country, however, same trends and concerns over our young children and the future of the field.