Research that benefits children and families

     There are many research studies done that have positive effects on children and families.  The NAEYC website offers links to many of these reports and summaries.  One such study looked at almost 200 early childhood education programs and their partnerships with public schools and community organizations.  The reports shows how these partnerships have sustained changes which benefit children and families.

     The Child Care Action Campaign (CCAC), found that partnerships were challenging because they required a change in beliefs and motivation.  This was just as challenging as acquiring or spending more money.  They also found that 80% of the partnerships were initiated by school superintendents.  Finally, the CCAC found that partnerships between schools and early childhood programs are an effective way to provide children access to high quality childcare, thus preparing them to enter school ready to learn.  These partnerships created a system that is "greater than the sum of its parts". 

     The CCAC made several recommendations based on their findings:
               

• All children should have access to the benefits of good quality child care and early education, especially in lower income communities.
• States committed to improving school readiness and educational outcomes should invest in bettering the quality of early education.
• Superintendents in all the nation's school districts need to see collaborative early childhood efforts as a vehicle for education reform as well as a foundation for universal prekindergarten.
• Not only should children be ready for school, but schools must be ready for children.
• Community-based early childhood organizations should be encouraged by our findings and approach schools with specific proposals for partnering.
• All early childhood partnerships must take into account the needs of working parents.

There are many other research reports available that are beneficial to children and families and can be found at the following link:

http://www.naeyc.org/resources/research

My Research Journey

     The topic I will be researching is how special education helps children with learning disabilities.  I chose this topic because my 16 year has reading disabilities and I have watched him struggle over the years.  While he is in school getting learning support from his IEP, he experiences some success and his grades have definitely improved.  I also see children at the center I work for, children as young as 18 months, receiving services through their IEP's.  I see the results and want to know what is working for each of these children.  Knowing that all children learn differently, I'm sure that each case involves different techniques and I am curious to know the methods and styles of the special education teachers as well as  the accommodations provided for these children.

     Through the research chart, I have learned the many different steps involved in a research study.  I also realized the importance of following the steps in order to have a valid study.  I feel the "designing the research" step is going to be the key element in the research process and I am a little nervous about deciding which methods to use.

     I look forward to reading other's posts and hope to learn from everyone about what worked for them, what didn't work, what they would do different next time, etc.  I feel that learning from my colleagues is vital to my success.

     Good Luck to All as we begin our research journey!