Thinking of Research...........

In the past I thought of research simply involving a theory, hypothesis, procedure, and a conclusion. However that has changed. I have learned about the importance of having validity, equity, and equality within your research. The question of being ethically correct is a subject which struck my interest because in research you must stand clear of biases, deceptions and confidentiality issues. Problems such as these can  be detrimental to your study therefore making it invalid. Proper planning is a necessity when conducting research, making enough time for observations, interviews before concluding your research is imperative because if not prepared time will be wasted on non relevant matters.

My perception of an early childhood professional that has changed as a result of this course I am now aware of how empathetic and passionate a few of my coworkers are in the field. They do not let preconceived notions to affect how they interact with the children they work with. However because of this study I can see the difference between true compassionate professionals and the ones who lack in certain areas and are only there for compensation.

 

Research Around the World

The Early Childhood Development University (ECDVU) is an innovative and multifaceted approach to addressing Early Childhood care and Development (ECD) leadership needs in the Majority World. The ECDVU works with nominees of participating countries to enhance the country's social and economic development through addressing the needs of their youngest citizens that nurture them.

One of the current international research topics that were found to be particularly interesting was the "Assessment of Interaction and Stimulation in Single-Mother Low Income Families". The basis of this topic is to assess the kinds of interaction and stimulation currently being practiced in single-mother low-income homes and to make recommendations for future programs. This topic was found to be universal and takes place throughout the world and has an affect on single-mother's ability to parent with limited resources and support.

Surprisingly the amount of single-parent families has increased throughout the world; and the majority of families have women, as the head of the household was interesting to me. The single women are faced with economical disadvantages and are unable to provide food, water, and shelter for their children. I agree with   Maslow's statement "If one's basic needs aren't being met, their other areas will also be affected".

The website was found to be very informative as it relates to childcare and welfare. The ideas and visions can be used to reference other research topics as well as in our personal and professional child development experiences and journeys.

Reference:
http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/index.php 
http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/major_reports.php

RESEARCH THAT BENEFITS

The wonderful world of research was a blessing for my family when my father was diagnosed with a form of cancer called Myelodysplasia. Myelodysplasia is a blood disease that attacks the white blood cells, causing extreme anemia and low blood counts. My father was only expected to live three months when he was first diagnosed in March of 2001. Thanks to the tremendous efforts of his Doctor, he lived three years. Throughout the three years my father under went numerous blood transfusions and overnight stays at the hospital. His body would often reject the blood from the transfusions that would cause him to have fevers and required longer stays in the hospital. My father's fight came to an end once his body was rejecting his transfusions more than it was accepting of it. 

My family is grateful for all the efforts with cancer research, because of their gracious efforts my father was able to live longer than anticipated. Research is necessary in order to find cures for cancer and other life threatening diseases. 

My Personal Research Journey

The topic I chose to research is Childhood Obesity and what causes it. In today's society there is a tremendous amount of young children overweight for their age. The contributors to this problem is a combination of not eating enough healthy foods and not being active on a daily basis. Many parents are either too busy with work or other issues to make sure their child/ren is eating properly, so they frequent the local fast food restaurants or allowing them to eat junk. This epidemic is causing great risks for the children of our future. The reason I chose this topic because I have worked with so many children whose parents do not have a clue of what a healthy meal is and how beneficial it is for their child. I hope that through my research I will be able to gather enough valuable information to utilize in my own childcare and be able to pass this information on to other parents, teachers, and colleagues. Please feel free to add any information you might have on the subject of childhood obesity, I would definitely appreciate it.

Collegial Relations

 Incorporating international awareness on the current issues we all are facing is important in ECE field. A goal of mine would to be more aware of how our neighboring countries handle issues of poverty, budget cuts, and other issues related to the field. I feel it would be great to share experiences and ideas of the field and observe new techniques to teaching small children.

My Supports

When reflecting on my support system, I would definitely have to say that my three children, my twin brother and extended family would be my greatest supports. My three children have given me the strength and courage to live another day and to continue to strive for a better life for them. Being a single parent, I'm all my children have to lean on and look up to, with that said my main focus is to be that positive role model for them. My twin brother has Cerebral Palsy and he also looks at me for strength and guidance. He lives independently with two roommates who have CP as well. The have around the clock care with supportive staff to assist them. He is my support system solely because I know that he relies on me to make sure that the company who cares for him is following protocol and guidelines when it comes to him. Considering I'm the only one within our family who checks in on him on a regular basis, he relies on me heavily. My extended family supports me with my goals and tries to offer valid and useful advice. When I look back on the support that I have, it reveals how others rely on me to help them or be that person they can always come to in need of help or a listening ear. This type of support is fine with me because it's what keeps me going everyday. Just knowing that I am needed by someone is a great feeling. I don't have an idea as to where I would be without my children or family. They have given me the inner strength to be the person I am today and to continue to reach for higher goals.

I often think about what it be like if the shoe was on the other foot and I was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. I would wonder who would be there for me and how. My hopes would be that my family would support my everyday living and be proactive in my life. Just knowing that I have someone who looks in on me often and makes sure that I'm receiving the ultimate care in my living situation would be all that would need in terms of support. I would like to live as independently as possible but be aware that help is there if needed. Having a support system in place would mean a lot to me because with the challenges of CP can be overwhelming and to know I have family and friends who are there to comfort me through these challenges is what would brighten my cloudy days. Without them, being in this condition could be detrimental to my whole being.

My Connections to Play

Spending time at a small stream is delightful with so many things to explore around me. I would spend my time throwing small pebbles into the water to see the splashes that it would make. The  flowers around me smell so good I would almost enhale the whole stem. Lying in the grass around the stream is one of my favorite past times. I like to look up in the sky and count the clouds while the sun is gleaming in my eyes. Sometimes I imagine the shapes of the clouds and pretend to touch them. My mind wonders about how the the sun and the clouds are so far in the sky. Often there has been times when I take my favorite toys and coloring books to the stream and lie on my blanket and spend my day creating various pictures from the ones I have colored. My mom comes to get me from the stream when it's time to eat lunch or when it's getting late and I have to come in for the evening. I have so much fun when I'm at my special place at the stream.