Research Around the World

I chose the website Early Childhood Australia at www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/

Play based learning as opposed to teacher directed learning seems to be a hot topic as well as the affects of bush fires on children. The article on play based learning talked about how children learn best by practicing new skills that build on what they already know, and puts the focus on content instead of how the lesson is delivered. This is exactly what we have learned about children.

I learned information about studies on cortisol in children who attend quality programs vs those who do not. Studies actually show that the cortisol level of children in low quality programs is higher than those who attend higher quality programs. In some instances children in low quality programs may thrive because the program is actually better that their home environment.

I also learned that some countries such as Sweden and Britain are giving paid parental leave because through studies they have found that this is the most equitable and best value economically for all. It all came about because of a study in Canada where money was dumped into building more centers and only charging families $5.00 a day to try and help out dual income families afford to continue to work. What they found is that children were more hyperactive, inattentive, and aggressive, as well as had loss of gross motor skills, social skills and higher illness. The study found that children were worse off than their peers who stayed at home. Furthermore, the families suffered too as parent-child relationships deteriorated and there was an increase in depression rates among mothers. Canada was so horrified by the corporate chain profit model of child care that dominates in Australia that there is legislation proceeding to ban public money being given to these companies.

The results of this study led others like Britain to follow the Swedish model and offer paid parental leave also which was found to be the most equitable way and the best value for money. The article ends with saying that it is what is best for babies. "Love, after all, can't be bought".

Research that Benefits Children and Families

There is no doubt that we all benefit from research. Research has given us better insight as to what children should be learning so that they can have the best education and benefits possible; Research has made driving and being a passenger much safer; research has made playgrounds safer and food safer, not to leave out the medical research that is saving and extending lives.

I have a friend who's son was diagnosed with cancer at the age of one. Research made it possible for him to get advanced treatment that ended up curing him of the disease as he is now 25 years old. There are so many stories where medical research has helped children and families that I could go on and on. Although I understand Uri Bronfenbrenners' statement about refraining from social research, I would have to disagree because we have learned so much about children by our research. One just has to make sure that the proper guidelines are followed.

My Personal Research Journey/simulation process

I have been struggling to find a topic that is feasible. I started out wanting to research more about parents perspectives and "Quality" of care. I had a hard time finding articles on that topic so I thought I would do my research on either attachment or social/emotional issues. After finding articles on those I realized that I may have a hard time researching and testing a hypothesis so I switched my focus to the affects of maternal employment on childrens development. During that research I finally came across some articles on problems and perspectives on child care.

Here are the questions that I would like to find answers to:

1. What do parents value in a child care setting and why?
2. Where do most parents feel they will find the best quality of care; home or center?
3. How do Early Childhood professionals go about educating parents about what is Developmentally Appropriate for children?

Identifying and defining research terms on the research chart has helped me to learn more about the process by understanding and knowing the meaning of the terms. You cannot follow a map if you do not know what the symbals stand for.

If anyone has any advice for me I would appreciate it. I have only written one research paper before and I had some of the same struggles. Once I come up with a good topic I know it will be easier. I just hope I can find enough articles on this topic to make it work. I really feel as though this topic fits into my current job because these are some of the questions I wonder about on a daily basis and would like to have answered.