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.

My Supports

The chief daily support in my life is my faith in God. I truly believe that if it wasn’t for his support, protection and directions, I would not even exist.  I depend on my faith in God daily. I choose to pray daily.  I choose to read the bible daily. My faith in God encourages me, motivate and keep me focus. The second most essential support that I have in my environment is my husband, who is also my best friend. My husband’s extends his support to me in so many varied was that included, but not limited to, fathering our son, working,  understanding of my obligation as a student, assist with my child care business, assist with household chores etc.  It would extremely challenging to wear all the hats that I wear, ( a wife, a mother, a business owner, an entrepreneur , an active community member, a daughter and a sister) If it wasn’t for the support of my husband.  If I did not have the support of my husband I most like wouldn’t have been able to return back to school and/or start my family child care business. It is very evident what my husband and I have both invested a lot into each other worlds. My mother’s support ranks the highest with regards to the length of time her support has carried me until adulthood. Presently, my mother is a tremendous support in her role as a grandmother to my son, (her first and only grandchild thus far).  She often watches him so I can do my studies or take care of household chores, especially when my husband is absent. I again wouldn’t most like be able to perform as efficiently as a student.

There are several items that support me daily in my role as a business woman and as student, my cell phone and my computer. Both my cell phone and computer allow me to stay connected with the world, family members, friends, and my parents.  The type of smart phone that I have allows to me to read the bible electronically, create a grocery list, take pictures, keep track of my calories and talk to my family and friend all at the same time. I recently realized just how much I depend on my phone, when I had misplace it for one day and I had the most difficult time trying to stay organized, and determining new methods to maintain communication to the outside world.  I am able to use both my computer and my cell to update my website, Facebook page for my business, communicate with my extended family and to complete my coursework assignments. It is evident that if I did not receive the support from the individuals and items mentioned above I would not be able to be as nearly as successful of an individual as I am at this point in my life.

The challenge that I choose to imagine, entail me having another child and my husband having to work the night shift. Although this is not occurring now, it is possible that this scenario could in fact occur. I would certainly need the continued support of my faith in God and I would want the support of my mother when my husband was a work and needed rest during the day. I would also need the support of my son in terms of being willing to share mommy with another new member of the family (his sibling).  I would want to have the assistance of my substitute staff so I could continue to run my child care business without inconveniencing my parents for more than 2 weeks. I would also like to have the support of my school in order to ensure I can continue my studies after healing from giving birth.  I believe that having these support would allow me maintain all of my responsibilities with few if any hiccups and/or problems.  It is evident that the supports mentioned are very important to me and play a huge part in my individual success and ability to flourish. In the event that I would not be able to have the support I believe I need or want, I certainly foresee me being placed in more stressful position and I believe that things would be less cohesive for me and my family in general.  

My Connections to Play

“Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity.” Kay Redfield Jamison

“Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play children learn how to learn.” O. Fred Donaldson

   

My mother was certainly an advocate for childhood play and she played a major role in my development with regards to play since I was her only child. She supported me in the area of play by establishing an environment where I could play freely and she offered me the tools necessary to play. In my childhood room, my mother and I would play dress up, have pretend tea parties, and line my stuff animal up so I could play school. I would read books to my mother and she would read books to me. We would play hide the block and she would tell me hot if I would close to finding the block or cold if I was nowhere near the block’s location. My cousins and other neighborhood children would often come to my house and play outdoors in my yard. Play during my childhood year occurred outside more than now. As a friend, I would play hopscotch, volley ball, bade mitten, jump rope, climb tree etc. I find that children in this day and age like to play computer games, video games, watch TV or movies. I find that children now are not as physically engaged in the various forms play activities in general. I am inspired when I see more children involved in little leagues and team like sports/ play activities. As a child play was very important to me especially as an only child. I was able to develop my social skills, and I truly enjoyed using my imagination as well. That is one of the areas of play I wish my son was able to enjoy. Since he has a developmental delay and speech delay he does not engage in pretend play as other children his age do. I find that this was most important for me developmental, because it allowed me to interpret how things were going on in my world in a fun, but meaningful way. 

Relationship Reflection

 

 My Pauls...

The relationship that I share with my husband and son are very significant and meaningful to me for many reasons.  There are many factors that have contributed to developing a positive relationship with my husband of 5 years and my son who is 3 years old.  My husband and I are very responsive to each others' needs in regards to being supportive of each others' careers, aspirations and responsibilities.  He is my best friend. He has proven himself to be a loving, God fearing man and faithful. The best part of our relationship is that we are able to grow together and learn from each other.  One of the initial challenges that my husband and I faced was our differences in parenting styles. It took my husband time to adjust to all the responsibility and care of an infant. It was important for us then to really keep the door of communication open at all times and be patient with each other. As a new mother being patient was difficult, but I managed to surprisingly, because I knew it was in the best interest of my son and husband. If you were to ask my husband what is his main goal in life he would tell you all he has ever desired is to be a great husband and father, (to this day I almost cry when I hear him say this).

My son, Paul, is my pride and joy. He is the reason why I initially sought out a career in the field of early childhood education. He at the age of 3 years old teaches me and refreshes my outlook of the field. My son inspires me, strengthens me, and offers me hope.  He is my biggest investment in life and I believe that he will yield a return so great that will with question encourage a real positive social change.  My son’s developmental delay and speech delay has founded my passion to be an advocate for children with special needs.  This unique characteristic that my son possess has enhances my perspective of the developing child and has broaden my desire to assist other children with special needs. 

My Mother and Grandmother...

 

The relationship that I have with my mother and grandmother are also very important. I truly believe that my mother and grandmother have maintained a relationship with me founded on love, respect, trust and God. The most enjoyable way I am able to maintain the relationship with my grandmother is spending the holidays with her and taking her to the beach, when she comes to visit me. Spending time with my grandmother, talking to her, going for walks with her are ways that we are able maintain our relationship. 

The relationship that I have with my mother is founded on love, trust, loyalty, respect, and kindness. My mother is a very influential person in my life and she was my first teacher and continues to teach. I believe that my mother is a significant contributor to my decision to serve int he field of early childhood education. Similarly my mother was a teacher and she taught children's church for many years. Being able to witness my mother in her role as a early childhood educator did spark my interest in field, although my decision to enter the field came at a latter time in my professional career. 

My Licensing Specialist...

The relationship and partnership that I have with my licensing specialist, Ms. Michelle, is only important to me personally it is crucial to my role as a license Family Child Care Provider. The relationship that I have with my licensing specialist is built on respect and trust. She offers me vital information about the various policies and regulations in regards to my home child care facility. I view the partnership that I have with my licensing specialist as special because she can relate to my professional role since she use to be a licensed Family Child Care Provider and she is always encouraging to succeed in my business and professional abilities.

 The Lower Shore Resources Center...

The local Lower Shore Child Care Resource Center is a very important partner with regards to its commitment to offer affordable and diverse child care trainings to local  Family Provider. The resource center is a great resource for me, as it aids in the developing of my weekly educational plans for the children in my care. I believe that the partnership what I have with the resource center is founded on the common interest of providing quality educational resources for early learners.

 My kiddos...

 The relationship with the children I have and their families are so very important to me as a early childhood educator and as a business owner. I value the relationship that I have with my parents and their children. The relationship that I have with my children and their families primary based on trust and respect. I care a great deal for my children who are often in my care between 8 to 10 hours a day. I am very appreciative of the good partnerships that exist between I and my parents. I find that the relationships that I have with my parents are very special and allow me to do things in my program at a higher success rate, ( i.e. field trips, career day, parent night out, etc.). I strongly believe that my parents and their children play a huge role in my ability to maximum my leadership skills and be able to manage a successful business. In order to maintain a great, healthy and appropriate relationship with my children and their families it is so very vital to maintain the lines of communication and respect. A challenge that I have learned overtime with my parents is establishing boundaries. Many of my parents are also friends or good acquaintance or want me to be their friend because I care for their child. I firm a believer of having set boundaries and I find that it is easier to explain to parents that although we are friends and their relationship is important to me, I obligate to be professional and act professional at all times and I required to respond to certain issues/situation professionally and in a business like manner.