Research that Benefits Children and Families—Uplifting Stories

My  3 year-old son is currently apart of a collaborative research pilot project that both the local Infants and Toddlers Program and Wicomico County Board of Education developed in September 2012. The study primarily focuses on evaluating how integrating children with specials needs/ developmental delays with those children without special needs/ varying abilities may aid in both child type educational and developmental experiences.The classroom consist of 15 Pre-K students,(between the ages of 3 and 4 years-old), two teacher and 1 special education teacher, 1 aide, 1 speech therapist and 1 occupational therapist.

My sons experience has been nothing short of amazing those far. This research project has offered him the opportunity to develop social emotionally, cognitively, and has aid in both his receptive understand and expressive language.  The research is collected through observation and through assessments. Teachers are able to provide information on the progress and reactions or each child including any challenges that become prevalent. I as a parent had to sign consent in order for my child to be participant in this project. Although my son will need and is receiving additional services outside of this program, it is evident that this particular research project has positively affected his life and the lives of other students in the program mentioned.

My Personal Research Journey

It is evident that building research is very systematic, yet very complex in regards to understanding how the various research terms aid in the development of building research in general. During the construction of my research chart, I have gained a deeper understanding and appreciation the terms and literature surrounding the field of research. The process of reviewing resources for quality and creditability has been very enlightening and has allowed me to more confident in my attempts to research my topic, (how singing assist Pre-K students with special needs in regards to encouraging developmentally appropriate interactions with their peers).   

Furthermore, both Beck, (2009) and the New York Library Association, (2010) reveal secure evaluation approaches of on-line resources. Being able to have access to such quality measuring devices has only enhanced my knowledge and professional research building skills.In my opinion the following are a few databases/search engines are great for retrieving quality research: Walden University Library, Google Scholar, NAEYC, Educational Resource Information Center, (ERIC), Zero to Three, and Pre-K Now and National Center for Children in Poverty, (NCCAP), and National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities etc.