When I think of Research.....

 Going into this research class, I was originally in a panic.  The first assignment was to choose a research topic.  I was like OMG!! How in the world was I going to complete this magnitude of research in 8 weeks and keep my sanity?  I was in a panic, but it turned out that we were doing a simulation! (Thank God!!)   

I decided to focus on Montessori preschool versus traditional preschool for my simulation.  I had asked many educators and parents the differences, but most of them thought the quality of education was the same.  I could not find anyone that was opposed to either option.  So, I wanted to see if there was a significant difference between the two styles of teaching.  Which style was more effective when the students took their kindergarten entrance exams?  Which child developed more cognitively and psychologically?   I felt as if this information would be important and impactful to the field of education.  Educators and parents need to know which style is more effective.  Why the style is more effective?  Lastly, when can you really begin to see the results? 

The results would be beneficial to educators, parents, and students.  The results would impact children the most.  They have no control over where and how they get their education.  This would also give parents another opportunity to build upon a great foundation for their child’s education.  I believe that knowledge is power.  We just have to gain knowledge then exercise our power.

 That is also why I am happy that I gained so much knowledge through my research class.  I didn’t allow the fear of the unknown to ruin my experience.  Working in an educational hospital, I am around research very frequently.  I now have a deeper understanding of the terminology and regulations for each trial.  I have also spoken to several physicians that have taken very similar classes.  I have grown to respect and appreciate research and the time it takes to make it valid.  Although, my perception of the field of early childhood education has not changed, research is now something I respect and could possibly enjoy.     

Research Around the World

I decided to look into the Early Childhood Australia (ECA) website.  It seemed to be interesting, especially since I have reached out to a few educators there.  The website is very interesting and informative regarding the issues and resources for Australia.  ECA offers great resources (for a price).  They have a Research in Practice Series that highlights the research topics through the journal.  Some of their research topics include:

•  Helping children with difficult things 
• STEM
• Building supportive relationship
• Connecting with babies
• Creativity of young children.    
• Gifted and talented: Inclusion and exclusion

I would have liked to read a little further into the subjects, but you have to pay for the journal to gain access.  Fortunately, I was able to see the parent resources section that spoke about separation anxiety, sleeping, children’s health and nutrition, and transitions to school.  The site lets parents know that separation anxiety is normal and short lived.  Most children, 6 months and older, show signs including crying, tantrums, clinginess, but this is different from child to child.  Childhood obesity also seems to be an issue in Australia.  They have a variety of information regarding physical activity and nutrition on the site. 

Some interesting facts I found while snooping around….

• At 2-3 years, 41% of young children still wake up 1-2 times per night (sometimes more)
• Night walking aka Sleep Walking can start as early as 6 months to 4 years old and is common.  If is persist after 7 or eight, a physician may need to be consulted
• It’s recommended for a child to have their bed in their parents’ rooms until about 12 months. 

 ECA also offers a leadership program for teachers, experienced directors, consultants, and aspiring leaders.  The program will give you a certificate upon completion.  It’s an online program that gives a person access to professional development materials and other professionals within the field.  

Resources 

Early Childhood Australia (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/ 

Positive Research

I love the way that medicine is helping children to survive.  I couldn't figure out how to get a post from the place I work, but wanted to share how 80% of pediatric cancer patients are now surviving.  This is so awesome and rewarding.  Although there have been plenty of negative research in the past, there are some positive aspects to research as well!!


http://www.medicaldaily.com/precision-medicine-drives-success-pediatric-oncology-80-children-cancer-cured-326856

My Research Journey

Have you ever wondered about a topic and just needed the time to complete research on it?  Not ever truly working in the field of Early Childhood Education, I have always been curious about the differences between Montessori School and standard daycare.  I have spoken to different parents and educators, but they each gave their own perceptions of the benefits.  So I decided that I would want to compare efficacy of each style.  Which child would perform better once they advanced to kindergarten?  Which teaching style is most effective when promoting development? What are the differences in a child's peer interactions and social emotional development?  I am very intrigued by each style of learning, so dissecting the information would be very interesting.

This week I am will hopefully find articles about the efficacy of the styles of teaching.  Knowing that I have to remain open minded, I will seek articles that have both qualitative and quantitative information.  Please point me in the right direction if you know of websites that could help with this search.

I had previously looked into researching other topics, but I believe this one would be most impactful for my career.  I am not a big research fan.  It intimidates me and most other people.  I enjoy learning, but the style of writing for most articles has bored me in the past.  I do however, appreciate the research that has been done in the past.  I have been able to apply the information that I have learned to several areas of my life. I can recall the days that I have completed research and felt like the women below.  Hopefully the class in the information that I receive will change my outlook on the experience.

Final Post for EC Issues and Trends

(I love pictures that explain my thoughts)

Learning about International Early Childhood has been enlightening and humbling.  I have learned that other countries are going through some of the same issues that we in the US are experiencing.  There are also other children and families that have it far worse than we do.  Childhood inequity, poverty, and protection are some of the challenges faced daily.  

  

After reaching out to an EC professional in Australia, I can see that there are problems with governmental policies and education are all around the world.  They are struggling with equity and quality just as we are.   According to my EC professional contact working in Greenway and Tuggeranong Australia, the government is decreasing access to EC for some of the most vulnerable children.  The governmental jobs for families require additional EC services.  The need for facilities would require for some children to be eliminated or not have access to the programs.  It is like the children’s families are being put on a ranking system to see who gets service and who doesn’t.  Also, quality education would be compromised to accommodate for the lack of facilities.   

Childhood poverty is an ongoing issue in many countries.  The scarcity of food, clothing, healthcare, and the lack of education have caused millions of children to die prematurely.  The situation has caused many organizations to get involved when others turn their backs.  I have also learned that UNICEF is a great resource for information regarding issues in the world regarding children.  They provide shelter, food, clothing, education, and so many other supplies to not only children but their families as well.  I recently read about UNICEF providing protection and healthcare for children susceptible or previously involved in trafficking.  Their experiences are horrendous and very few people reach out to help them escape. 

My personal and professional outlook on various issues has made want to do more. Sending clothing to another country isn’t enough if they are worrying about if they are going to eat.  I have a personal goal of increasing my giving and volunteer time.  Many people can give their money, but fewer people give their time.  In my opinion, time can be more valuable than money.  I am very blessed to be in my current situation, but I always have to remember that I too could be in their shoes.  Many people forget they may only be 1-2 paychecks away from being in the position that you look down on.           

Excellence & Quality

Pictures have the power to speak so much louder and stronger than documents.  A single photos has the ability to bring on so many emotions. Being that I am also a believer in what the bible says, I find or take pictures of my professional goals.  Habakkuk 2:2-3 (KJV) says,

 "... Write the vision, and make it plain upon the tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry."

Here is a glimpse of my professional goals, I would like to do the following:

1) Own and operate multiple quality Christian based primary educational facilities (ages 6 weeks to 8 years old):

2) Providing superior education to every student that enters through the doors: including foreign languages, art courses, fitness classes, educational field trips, science and chemistry, and cultural history classes.... to name a few things 😁

3) Hire a superb diverse staff that loves to teach, learn, enjoys children, and works as a team (with the ability to compensate them well) 

4)  Provide financial aid and scholarships to children who are not able to attend due to financial complications 

5) Leave a legacy as to what a great educational experience would be like... 

 I know that it is a lot, but I love when I share my goals and people tell me that I can't achieve it.  It gives me the opportunity to send my business card and a thank you card, once the goal is met!  

To my knowledge there are no current EC quality issues being discussed in my community.  Working in a hospital, they are more concerned with healthcare rather than education.  Unfortunately, that leaves me to have to research developmental opportunities.  As of right now, I have been more focused on my goals and school work..... which are one of my many goals 

National Black Child Development Institute

After my week 6 assignment, I decided to do some research on NBCDI (National Black Child Development Institute).  I know that they would be advocates for EC equality and accessibility.  I am glad that I took the time to read through the site.  The organization advocates for children from birth to eight years old.  NBCDI works with federal, state, and local agencies to help low income children receive quality education, credible staff and educational support, support in creating developmental and culturally appropriate guidelines and lesson plans, and evaluations that appropriate for each level of education (https://www.nbcdi.org/what-we-do/early-care-and-education).

There are a variety of things that I have learned through looking through the site.  The organization supports seeking out talented trained educators and compensating .  Providing children with educators that are trained decreases the achievement gap especially for low income children.  NBCDI is in favor of creating a diverse staff and inclusion of school and community based educators (https://www.nbcdi.org/what-we-do/early-care-and-education).  The site as a whole was interesting and educational.  I hadn't heard of them, but decided to do some reading.