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".