When I think of Research

I have gained more insight that I truly dislike research methods even more this time around than the first two times I took it in undergrad.  I can’t say that I can truly apply the concepts without having to re-read a couple times and then hope that I am doing correctly.  I have been truly surprised that I am getting an A.  I simply think it’s the grace of God that has gotten me thus far…

If I was to ever plan a research project I would have an outline that would provide me the ability to follow.  I would have an idea about which methods I would follow and how I would compile and analyze data.  I think conducting research is just as difficult as I conceptualized before and I would never want to conduct a research study to this degree.  I have learned that there are so many steps to plan, think about, re-think about, plan again, variable, extraneous variable, independent variables, validity, methodologies, sampling choices, ethics, quantitative, qualitative and more and more and more…  Truly enough to make one crazy.  

I learned that it was possible to complete this class.  I learned that I NEVER, EVER, EVER want to do research methods and pray never to have to take this class again.  Third time a charm.  I was challenged each week to complete the assignments. There were times where I did not understand concepts and relied on a friend to assist me.  I also would conduct research online and look at kids websites that simplified the concepts on terms that I could grasp, understand and then apply my knowledge to the assignments.   

I have great admiration for those who have the patience and the knowledge to put all these pieces of the puzzle together and make great sense of it.  There are many researchers that have been successful and thus have further the field of early childhood education.  Many great studies like Perry Project which is influential in parent participation, home-visits and center-based care.  I am grateful that I chose direct service as my initial route in early childhood education.

I did learn most from the discussion post.  Writing them and reading my colleagues enhanced my knowledge in others viewpoints.  Thanks and good luck in your education journey.  Much thanks to Dr. Parrish!  You’re the first professor that took the time not to cut and paste comments.  You actually read the work and your comments greatly assisted me in being a more professional writer!

Research Around the World

 

I reviewed the website Early Childhood Development Virtual University.  I am familiar from other class assignments and researching early childhood development that other countries tend to be ahead of the U.S. in regards to education services for early childhood education. The research confirms that regardless of where in the world similar questions arise and therefore research is conducted.  From reviewing various projects that have been submitted topics include single motherhood/poverty, brain development, child development, psychosocial development, cognitive development, curriculum, and using community resources to assist families.  One aspect that is not prominent or at least not to my knowledge is children in the U.S. that are being raised by grandparents that are affected by HIV/AIDs.  My experiences consist of a lot of foster parenting by grandparents but due more to chemical dependency or incarcerated fathers. The papers also tended to have a cultural and environmental theme.  Cultural aspects added to research questions as well as environment effects of living in a rural area.    I did find it interesting that many topics were submitted for Bachelor's Degrees.  I did not have thesis for my Bachelor's Degree.

Early Childhood Development Virtual University. (2005).  Final Major Projects and Theses.     Retrieved November 29, 2014, from http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/major_reports.php

Research that Benefits Children and Families—Uplifting Stories

I've never imagined being a parent that has a child that has a diagnosis and that there is not a treatment available.  Have you ever envisioned seeing your child slowly fade away and die?  It’s not a vision that any of us have for our children.  We all have wishes and dreams.  Milestones, birthdays, school dances and someday marriage is what we envision.  A healthy and happy life for our children is what we desire.  Unfortunately, there are many parents that have to face the reality of that their child is facing a life-threatening disease.  I have two friends that are currently experiencing this reality each day.   As parents we will do just about anything for our children to be happy regardless of the cost.

I read the article TRIALS: A Desperate Fight to Save Kids & Change Science written by Amy Marcus.  The Hempel’s twin daughters had been diagnosed with a rare diseased call Niemann-Pick Type C (NPC).  “It gradually steals mobility, speech, the ability to swallow” (Marcus, 2013).  Only the children’s symptoms at this time were able to be treated.  With no cure or medications to help slow down the progress of the disease Addi and Cassi’s parents turned to a group of citizen-scientist (Marcus, 2013).  This was a group of people that shared their experiences as well as research papers that wanted to be equal partners with researchers.   In the Hempel’s research they found information about an experimental drug that had not been tested to see if it was safe on children.  The researchers they knew under pressure helped families they knew.  Both the researchers and the families were confronted with possibilities and loss (Marcus, 2013).  Mrs. Hempel approached a doctor about an experimental drug the doctor pleaded with her to wait and she stated it could take 20 years and we don’t have that long.

Mrs. Hempel was able the purchased cyclodextrin from a company in Florida.  She took the sugary substance for 4 days to make sure she didn’t experience any side effects before giving it to her girls. She had a blog in which she posted that she would not hold any doctor, hospital, researcher or non-profit agency accountable if anything happened to her children as she embarked trying experimental treatments to save Addi and Cassi’s life from NPC (Marcus, 2013).   She would mix the compound and reward the girls before and after for taking it.  The Hempel’s then pushed the FDA to allow the girls to have girls receive infusions with cyclodextrin.  The results were subtle. 

Overall with the push of parent’s like the Hempel’s and other parents of children that hat NPC they were successful in getting researchers to do a trial with an experimental drug.  Most of the data that was collected before the research project was the benefits parents had seen in their children.  It had been stated that “it was hard to ignore “but was not science (Marcus, 2013).  Experiments with cyclodextrin have been since placed in different parts of the body.  Although it’s too late to be successful for Addi and Cassi their parent’s persistence has made a way for a possible treatment to help other children with NPC if given when they are younger.  Trial and error with research showed that cyclodextrin is more successful if given in the spinal cord because it allows more of the substance to reach the brain.  Early diagnosis of NPC would allow treatment to occur before any symptoms arose (Marcus, 2013).  "Neither parent nor scientist could have brought cyclodextrin drug trial alone.  The role of parents like the Hempels pushing and challenging the scientist to crawl out of out of their skin of safety" (Marcus, 2013). 

Marcus, A. (2013).  Trails: A Desperate gto Save Kids & Change Science.  Retrieved November 12, 2014, fromhttp://projects.wsj.com/trials/#chapter=1

Your Personal Research Journey

The topic for my simulation will focus on working with diverse cultures on language development.  I currently work on a Native American reservation and during the past few years I have completed the data for the the children on the reservation with special needs diagnosis.  I have observed that communication and language acquisition/development is culturally different on the reservation.  Some children in my program had not developed language not due to a biologic reason but due to their environment.  Culturally families communicate differently to young children.  In one case the children were not taught words but were when they scream, screeched and yelled their needs were met.  We had to teach the mother developmentally appropriate methods of communication with her children.  The children also developed using their words versus screaming once they began Head Start and socialization with other children. I have chosen this topic because it will aid the early intervention process when working with non-verbal children that are not non-verbal due to biologic reasons.  

I did conduct some research on Walden's Library and was unsuccessful with finding any articles that are directly related to Native American populations and language development.  I found articles with English as a second language, sign language, and deaf children.  Although I am not sure if permitted but I may need to find a resource outside of Walden or change my topic to relate to information available on the school's website.  

I found completing the research chart a difficult task.  I struggle with paraphrasing and it seems like completing a chart is more time consuming and daunting for me than writing a paper.  I have truly built a strong relationship with my thesaurus.  I do try to challenge myself versus using direct quotes.  I am getting better each class I do take.  I have been writing out a list of words that I am not familiar with while reading articles and when I come across a new word in the thesaurus.  This is building my vocabulary.  I welcome any information that you can personally share with me to further develop my skill set in paraphrasing and writing.

Final Blog Educ 6162

Teachers here in the United States are not the only educators that are facing unrealistic measures enforced by the school systems.  What I found interesting is the American School in Riyah is NAEYC accredited and its a school ran by the US.







Mar and I have built an on-going relationship.  We are friends on facebook and have learned much more about one another that our connection through early childhood development.    I don't consider this a consequence but a blessing to learn more about another countries systems and to build a friendship.






Mar stated this statement is what she instills in the children in her classroom.  She has worked and lived in a country that deals with poverty.  She loves and works diligently for the children.





My goal is to continue discussions in regards to early childhood development.  I want to share the knowledge that I have acquired during my career and education.  Play is taken out the classrooms at the American School.  I was to encourage Mar to include play whenever she has the opportunity with her students.

Getting to know International Contacts Part 3

Conversation with Mar......

There are so many issues about quality education in our country or even other countries in Asia like we lack facilities the educators need to use to give good quality education. The teachers needs to have salary fitted as professionals so can focus to their lessons and not to other things like looking for an extra work outside the school.

Educators/teachers are advised to go schooling and seminars to enhance their skills and knowledge so that they can give good quality education.

As teacher in pre-school my goal is to instill to my pupils the best possible knowledge no one can steal from them for the rest of their lives. Pre-school is the foundation every knowledge a child can have. If you start the right way will carry that in the future.

I have dreams and hope for the better education in our Country and that someday we will meet good quality education for every Filipino.

Marenal Liva, Personal Communication, 2014.

Education near and far teachers alike share many frustrations.  We are being faced with standards in which we are required to teach our children but not always equipped to provide such standards.  Salaries are not adequate to pay teachers for the most important role that they have in a child's life.  I love Mar's statement that knowledge is not something that anyone can ever steal from you.  Very powerful statement!  Teachers with passion also want every child not just the ones in their community to have quality education.  I will also question why doesn't every child deserve a quality education.

Thank you Mar for being an inspiration for all the children's live you touch and for having a vision for every child in your country.  Thank you also for sharing your knowledge and education experience with me!

Sharing Web Resources

On the Zero to Three website there is a link that is title What’s New.  It was providing information at the White House Summit.  I found it interesting because the assignment this week was writing a letter to the White House Council on the importance of funding early childhood education. The graphic was titled Juggling Jobs and Babies-the Challenges of Working Families.  It was providing statistical information about how working families are still having difficulty providing basic needs to their families and often times face many adversities.  “Many factors contribute to these difficulties, but there are things we can do—ensuring families have access to paid family and medical leave as well as affordable, high-quality child care” (Zero to Three, para.1, 2014).  I found the information truly disheartening that 62% of woman have to go back to work within the babies first year.  I am sure the number of woman within the first 12 weeks is even higher although the statistics was not provided.  I know because I was a mother that went back at 7 weeks and my role was directing programs to support other children and families yet was not financially able to stay home and take care  of my infant. 

There is not a summary on what the White House Summit will do with the provided information.  It would have been more informative to detail what was going to be done to support woman, children and families. 

Zero to Three. (2014).  Juggling Jobs and Babies-the Challenges of Working Families.  Retrieved October 11, 2014, from http://www.zerotothree.org/public-policy/working-families-infographic.htm

l

Getting to Know Your International Contacts-Part 2

This past week I was only able to have a very brief yet informative conversation with Mar on Facebook messenger.  I informed her I had sent her an email earlier in the week and she apologized that she had been unable to respond. Mar stated they she has been busy since last Sunday because they have conducting examinations called Long Test at her school.  They give the Long Test at the end of the month every month.  I was very surprised when I asked even in her class for 4-5 year olds?  Now I realized that the standards that the US is attempting to move to other countries have been doing to their children as well to advance their academic skills. Early learning standards are really taking a vast amount of time and energy. “This is because most public systems are pairing their early learning standards with an accountability system that includes sanctions when children do not get to their destination by the end of a particular leg of the journey.  The pressure to get there is palpable” (Graue, 2008).  There are 4 subjects the children are tested on.  They have 3 long examinations for them as well each month.  I explained that early childhood professionals tend to be against standardized testing for our children at such a young age.  We feel it causes stress and takes away from a holistic child-centered curriculum.  Play is being taken out of the curriculum because of the stress of introducing academics.  Mar stated “in our curriculum, actually we don’t have play time every day.  Only during physical education class they can play.  Our kids are used to this type of curriculum” (Mar Live, Personal Communication, 2014).  “The curriculum is modeled on the AERO standards and a variety of US national and state standards in all subjects” (US Department of State, 2012, para. 2). When viewing the website for the school I learned that the school that Mar teaches at uses US standards yet there is a focus on the “Saudi Arabian culture, Arab culture and Arabic language” (US Department of State, 2012, para. 2). 

I found this statement interesting based on the differences that Mar has stated about what her classroom focuses on.  She teaches what I believe in kindergarten.  This is for the 3 year old classroom. “The program is play-based with lots of opportunities for children to interact with other children their age. The rooms are chock full of developmentally and educationally appropriate toys such as puzzles, puppets and building toys. Pre-K is a half day program. Our program is based on current research and best practices established by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children). Our program is designed to foster the individual and developmental needs of each child, paying attention to social, emotional, physical and cognitive needs and appreciating the unique experiences that each child brings from his or her home culture. Because children develop and different rates and learn in different ways, we provide a child-centered program that is developmentally appropriate” (The American School International School-Riyadh, nd, para. 1-2).  Although NAEYC accredited it is my assumption based on my conversation with Mar it is much more rigorous and academic focus.  It would have to be to prepare children for their transition to kindergarten and the academic testing that is conducted each month.  She stated the children are used to the curriculum.

Graue, E. (2008). Teaching and learning in a post-DAP world. Early Education & Development, 19(3), 441–447. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

US Department of State. (2012).  Saudi Arabia, Riyadh: American International School – Riyadh, Retrieved October 4, 2014, from http://www.state.gov/m/a/os/1517.htm       

        

The American International School Riyadh. (nd.).  Pre-Kindergarten.  Retrieved October 4, 2014, from http://www.aisr.org/es1/pre-k

Sharing Web Resources

Originally, I had chosen the National Association of Early Childhood Teachers but after reviewing their website I gained no additional insight.  In order to review the two journals on their website you had to become a member.  Therefore for this class it was of no benefit to me and probably many others that chose not to spend the little we are paid in ECE to fund these agencies.  As program coordinator I couldn’t even support spending my grant funds to become a member because there is so many other free evidence based resources on the web.  I then chose to research more information on Zero to Threes website. 

When reviewing the policy section on the Zero to Three website I came across their Infant & Toddler Policy Framework.  I compared the differences between the Infant & Toddler Framework to the economics of framework Human Capital Theory.  The human capital theory, while being an economic model, provides insight into the likely impact of policies on skills development and in a broader sense helps to link the seemingly separate areas or elements of early childhood policy, such as developmental stages, nature vs nurture and skills development, and better understand their multi-layered relationship (RAND, 2008).  Infant & Toddler covers the domains of health, family strengthening and early learning together to build good health, strong families and positive learning experiences for all children (Zero to Three, 2010).  Human Capital Theory is looking at the economics and future investments for investing in children while the Infant & Toddler Framework is looking at the whole child and how one would benefit  all domains that affect a child’s well-being.  The Infant & Toddler Policy Framework  is a “comprehensive early childhood systems equation of services(accessible, high quality, culturally responsive, inclusive) +  define & coordinate leadership, recruit & engage stakeholders,  finance strategically, enhance & align standards, create & improve improvement and ensure accountability) infrastructure=system”. (Zero to Three, 2010).  This framework I feel is relevant and can be utilized be all early childhood education programs regardless of the services we are providing.  It is so much more in line with child-centered care and focus on the family versus focusing purely on a child as a tangible economic source. 

Currently, I am working on developing goals and strategic plan for this 2014-2015 grant year with my program.  The Infant & Toddler Framework will set the tone for things that I would like to see progress in my program.  By providing this to staff will also enable them to develop their personal goals as well as develop a programmatic goal.  Overall we need to increase our services to meet the needs of children and families as their needs and goals progress each year.  

In this week’s Monday Memo from Raising Special Kids there was a link on the Attorney Generals Eric Holder and his message to combat bullying.  I like that the campaign was geared directly to children and posted on Cartoon network.  It is called “I Speak up”(The United States Department of Justice, 2014).  I appreciate that they are targeting this message directly to children and to a cable channel that children engage in.  The challenge is get to one million people to speak up against bullying.  These days this type of message will spread across social media as children love to do challenges.

The RAND Corporation. (2008). What does economics tell us about early childhood policy? (Research Brief). Retrieved fromhttp://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/research_briefs/2008/RAND_RB9352.pdf 

The United States Department of Justice. (2014).  Justice News.  Retrieved September 27, 2014, from http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/attorney-general-holder-records-message-cartoon-network-s-i-speak-campaign-combat-bullying

Zero to Three. (2012).  Infant and Toddler Policy Framework.  Retrieved September 27, 2014, from http://main.zerotothree.org/site/DocServer/AgendaMar5.pdf?docID=7921

My original contact failed to contact me back and I was very blessed that I was able to be in contact with another thanks to my friend Ayeesha in Saudi Arabia. 

My international contact name is Marenal Liva.  She currently lives and works in Saudi Arabia but is from the Philippians.  She likes to be called Mar.  She is a very sweet young lady and thus we have already began not only an early childhood professional contact but a friendship.  I met Mar from a friend that I have in Saudi Arabia.  Currently, Mar works at one of the International schools in Riyah.  She teaches math and English to 4-5 year olds.  The system her school adheres to is very unlike what typical American schools do.  She spends 4 hours in the classroom and is allotted 4 hours of what she calls paperwork time.  She grades test, papers, records documentation, lesson plans and makes visual aids.  She has 35 pupils (what she calls them J) in her class.  “My pupils are smart, babbly children.  And their parents are very supportive for their education” (Marenal Liva, Personal Communication, 2014).

I asked Mar the following questions:

First email with questions

Can you share with me any specific issues of poverty that you encounter when working with children in your community as well as any concerns with poverty that you have throughout the world with poverty?

Second email with questions

What as teachers do you do to end poverty?  Does the school serve lunch?  How old are the children that need to work to support their families?  Can you tell me about the housing for those living in poverty?

“ I came from a country where poverty is one of the main issues where children cannot go to school in a regular basis or every day because they don't have enough resources to support their schooling example they don't have money to buy food in school, they need to help their parents to work even for a young age. And their parents always tell the school that instead of buying materials for the projects they will use their money to buy their food first. As teachers our responsibility is not only inside our classroom but also in our community we should make people aware the importance of education to stop poverty and improve the means of their living. In our country teachers spend their own money to help children go to school. They have a feeding program to give children food while they are in school. In that way children like to go to school because they can eat at the same time they learn.”

“As teacher we can help our community and country to end poverty to encourage people to send their children to school and finish it to find a better occupation in the future to improve their lives. Our parents always tells us that the only thing they can give us is Education because we are not rich. Education is the only way we can end up our poverty? Yes in some public schools they have canteen where children can buy their lunch. But in some remote places the schools have no canteen some kids bring their own food to school, that is why teachers contribute so they can help feed these children whom their parents can't give them food to school. Their works depend where they live example if they live in city these kids in poverty level works in the dumpsite they gather garbage and sell them. If they live in the rural place yes they work in the farm with their parents. Sad to say they work at young age of 4- up. If they live in the urban place usually they live in a squatter area they build their houses beside the train railways, land owned by other people or they live on the riverbank, their houses made of light materials like wood and bamboo. If they are in the province/rural area they live in the farm where they work and their house made of Bamboo and nipa or we called Bahay Kubo. I hope I answer your question properly. God Bless” (Marenal Liva, Personal Communication, 2014).

I very enlightened last week and driven to learn much more.  My career has been centered on working with woman, children and families that experience poverty.  I worked 12 years in Early Head Start and Head Start which serves children living below the poverty level. “Children from birth to age five who are from families with incomes below the poverty guidelines are eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start services. Children from homeless families and families receiving public assistance such as TANF or SSI are also eligible” (Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center, 2014).  

Currently, the program I work for does not have income guidelines but the families served are in an extreme povern community. I appreciate that Mar states that regardless of the families circumstances that the support education of their children.  It is even more admirable that the teachers support the children as well by encouraging and buying food for the children.  From my experience in HS and EHS the meals/snacks they received at school was the only meals they would be served for the day.  We strongly encouraged eating.  Poverty is worldwide.  My new insight this week is the mindset of of how families and different communities face it.  Positive reinforcements and encouragements can really inspire some.  I am sadden that children at 4 years of age are having to work to support their families.  I am grateful for educators like Mar and her fellow co-workers for taking care of children. 

Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center. (2014).  Poverty Guidelines and Determining Eligibility for Participation in Head Start Programs.  Retrieved September 20, 2014, from http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/tta-system/operations/mgmt-admin/eligibility-enroll/income/PovertyGuideline.htm

I chose the organization Raising Special Kids to describe to their newsletter.  Each Monday I will receive an email called the Monday Memo in additional to their full newsletter.  The Monday Memo will encompass featured news articles for Arizona and national headlines, community events, Raising Special Kids workshops and a family story.

“Raising Special Kids exists to improve the lives of children with the full range of disabilities, from birth to age 26, by providing support, training, information and individual assistance so families can become effective advocates for their children” (Raising Special Kids, 2014).

The Monday Memo contained an article about a new research study that looks at the correlation autism and vaccines.  It validates that there is no link.  I know that for some time it has been a concern with many families.  Although there is new research that states there simply no validity I know there are many families that will still have this concern and chose not to vaccinate their children. 

Raising Special Kids. (2014).  History & Mission.  Retrieved September 13, 2014, from http://www.raisingspecialkids.org/about-us/history-mission/

Establishing Professional Contacts

In order to find a contact outside the US I initially turned to Facebook.  I posted that I was looking for two ECE professionals outside the US.  I emailed friends that I knew that have friends and family that live in another country. I emailed friends that I also personally have that live in Saudi Arabia and England to request assistance.  I made FB post on about 15 on FB pages for preschools all over the world.  I also searched on Google and sent out emails to business addresses. My best friend shared my post on her FB page and her friend had a friend in Australia named Jodie that is a primary teacher (5-6 year old).  I was very excited to have Christina from The Nursery School in Malta.  Malta is an island in the Mediterranean Sea.

For the website I am going to explore The National Association of Early Childhood Teachers.  I was very familiar with several others listed and wanted to challenge myself with a new website.

http://www.naecte.org

Daily Supports

Family

 I have my family that will support me in any and all ways that are needed.  My mom always has a gift for me when I come to her house or when she comes to my house.  Mind you it maybe something small like laundry detergent or diet coke she has found on sale but it shows me that she is always thinking of me.  My dad is equally supportive and comes over weekly to mow my grass and to provide maintenance to my pool.  They take my daughter to school and pick her up each day.   Anything I need they are right there….  One day they will no longer be here but it is not an issue that I tend to put my energy towards.  I am simply thankful each day for the days that God has provided me with them.  I can don’t allow such thoughts because tomorrow is not promised to me and I may leave this earth before them.  

Co-Workers

I work in a very supportive environment.  My employees have the best interest of our program and that provides me the support needed to ensure I have a successful program.  I can lean on them for ideas.  Currently there are two of us pursuing our master’s degree.  We bounce our though processes off one another and proof-read one another’s work.  We both share in frustrations that it takes to be successful in our programs.  

Friends

They give time and a listening ear.  Old and new provide support. Support through good and bad times.  

Faith

In moments of doubt I lean on my faith.  Prayer gets me to where I need to be.  My life would lack meaning without my faith and understanding.  My life would never be without it.  

Challenge

Every day is a challenge.  Juggling work, school and being a mom.  All the support systems I listed above help to keep me grounded.  I have someone that will care for my daughter when I need time to complete school work or just need a little time for myself to provide balance.  School takes up a lot of personal time that I would otherwise have.  Without having family, friends and faith I would not have made it this far.