Research begins with identifying a need or asking a question.  As we are learning about research conducted locally, we must also reflect upon our international research communities. 

 

Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA): Developed and maintained by the University of Victoria,  in British Columbia, this virtual university is the international gateway for early childhood research worldwide ( Walden University, 2013)

ECDVU Sub-Saharan Africa: Mission Statement

To further develop African ECD leadership capacity as a key strategy in support of child, family and community well-being and broader social and economic development (The Early Childhood Development University (ECDVU),  2005). 

ECDVU Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) Program Overview

The Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) is an innovative and multifaceted approach to addressing ECD capacity building and leadership development in Africa. The ECDVU is supported by a range of international, regional and local organizations, including the employers of participants. It is a unique training and results-oriented program that uses face-to-face and distributed learning methods including: residential seminars, web-based instruction, CD-Rom and print material support, and a 'community of learners' strategy within and among cohort countries. Typically, ECDVU participants are nominated by ECD country committees; these committees' nominations are based on achieving inter-sectoral, multi-organizational representation and evidence of individual commitment to child well-being and broader social development within the country. Nominees accept responsibility for promoting ECD capacity within their country, their region and internationally.

Here is link to the University:

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

It was interesting to learn how local supports can promote global endeavours.  As I reviewed the website, I was enlightening to see the wide range of topics that were researched.   Topics included developmentally appropriate practices, ways to improve family capacity and child health as well as strategies to address poverty and toxic stress.  I was curious and wanted to learn more about the research that was conducted so the following link was accessed:  http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/major_reports.php. 

 

One interesting article written by Hua (2004), addresses ways to engage fathers in the care of their children.  The issues of segregated roles and responsibilities remain challenges within the community.  However, one conclusion that I found surprising was that fathers were reluctant to support opposite sex children because they felt that nurturing interactions with the opposite sex would impact the child’s survival skills.  For example, a father may be more willing to teach a son how to tend to the livestock than the daughter.  Alternatively, the father believed that interacting with the daughter would reduce her ability to be a good caregiver.

 

References

The Early Childhood Development University (ECDVU) ( 2005).  About ECDVU in Sub-Saharan Africa.  School of Child and Youth Care at the University of Victoria.  Retrieved from http://www.ecdvu.org/index.php

Father and daughter. Retrieved on Nobmer 26, 2013 from http://www.usaid.gov/crisis/horn-africa

Father and son.  Retrieved on November 26, 2013 from http://kwekudee-tripdownmemorylane.blogspot.ca/2013/03/tswana-are-niger-congo-or-bantu.htm

Hua, R. (2004). Involving fathers in early childhood care and development (Doctoral dissertation, University of Victoria). Retrieved from http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/documents/major_projects/Hua%20-%20MP%20Final%20-%20UVic%20LP.pd

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2010).  Blog Assignment: Research Around the World.  Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&
Mother holding daughter.  retrieved November 26, 2013, from http://www.slate.com/articles/business/moneybox/2013/05/unconditional_cash_transfers_giving_money_to_the_poor_may_be_the_best_tool.html

Research that Benefits Children and Families

 

We are looking towards evidence based practises to facilitate supports to support children and their families. For some children, supports can entail learning through play which enhances language, social skills, creativity, and cognitive processes. There are children who require more intensive supports, to maximise upon the development and training during the early years. Children with a diagnosis of pervasive development delay such an Autism benefit from specialised intervention that is offered by professionals and parents to maximise the impact.

According to the Autism Canada foundation, person with Autism may present with a variety of atypical communication and social skills. These individuals may also experience impacted sleep, eating and cognitive functioning. Although every child is different, research has supported the importance of early intervention in developing and sustaining improvement in developmental domains beyond the early years (Lopez, 2013).

The extensive research that has been conducted with children with Autism has demonstrated that, with specialised supports, children can increase levels of independence. To many families this can mean the difference of being able to meet their child’s needs within the family home. Rutter (1995) has studied the impact that disabilities can have upon the family unit. Research supports strategies that help to develop competency and improve family capacity. Assessment can be lengthy requiring the child and family to meet with medical professionals over a series of days.

Families may be devastated to learn that their child has a special need. when searching for a "cure", families may do desperate things.  It is important to employ evidence based practises as well as common sense. as they know their child the best.   As may families may see their children cry or temper tantrum when expected to follow through on routine requests, families must understand that this is part of the process to enhance capacity.  the child who is left on their own to play on the computer or watch television, will not improve on their own ( Autism Speaks, 2013). 

I know families, who have seen tremendous improvements in their child ability to make eye contact, communicate and participate in routine family activities such a supper.  There is nothing more exciting than to hear a parent report that their child has hugged them spontaneously or is choosing to engage in play rather self-stimulating behaviours.


In Edmonton, Alberta, we have the Glenrose Hospital with a team of professionals who specialise in the early detection of Autism within individual age 2 and up. Members of this team are also working with families, and children.  they employ interview, observations and technology to assess developmental milestones,  social communication, behaviour and family history to establish ways to detect the conditions before age two (Zwaigenbaum, Bryson, Lord, Rogers, Carter, Carver, and Yirmiya, 2009).

 

 

Sources

 Autism Canada Foundation (2011) Characteristics.  Retrieved November 14, 2013 from http://www.autismcanada.org/aboutautism/characteristics.htm

Autism Speaks and Autism Speaks It's Time To Listen (2013). 100 Day Kit.  Retrieved from http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/tool-kits/100-day-kit

López, B. (2013). Beyond modularisation: the need of a socio-neuro-constructionist model of autism. Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 1-11.doi: 10.1177/1362361303007001005

Parent and Baby with Book Retrieved November 15, 2013 from http://blogs.rch.org.au/ccch/2011/08/19/parents-and-children-can-bond-over-a-book/

Parent and Child.  Retrieved November 15, 2013 from  http://www.indianexpress.com/news/matrimonial-dispute-harms-childrens-mind-body-court/401906/

Rutter, M. (1995). Clinical Implications of Attachment Concepts: Retrospect and Prospect*. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 36(4), 549-571.

Zwaigenbaum, L., Bryson, S., Lord, C., Rogers, S., Carter, A., Carver, L, .... & Yirmiya, N. (2009). Clinical assessment and management of toddlers with suspected autism spectrum disorder: insights from studies of high-risk infants. Pediatrics, 123(5), 1383-1391.

 

 

 

 

 

Understanding Research

 

As we are learning about the complex topic of research, it brings awareness relative to how

research impacts our everyday lives. Research informs business people how to place items

to appeal to consumers. Internet site gathers information by tracking the habits and interest of users. To understand the process of conducting and sharing research, I will be simulating a research project related to the topic of interest associated with early childhood. There are so many things that I want learn about yet are so many things to know before one can begin. I need to reduce my scope of focus creating sub areas of focus. It is not easy to develop a clear statement of the research issue entails narrowing my wide range of interests to one topic area.

I am very interested in the social emotional development of children.  As my expertise is in the support of children with special needs, I see challenges in this area.  I will be targeting intersubjectivity between children with FASD and adults with the objective of determining how to use this information to support parents or caregivers of infants with FASD.

 

Prior to developing this statement a literature review must be completed. This means reviewing the findings of others and identifying what themes, consistent findings and key arguments. I have learned that the research process is a process of small discoveries that will inform us or others. Research is not an independent endeavour we learn from the discoveries of peer and colleague, extrapolating

information of support our topic or methodology. One of the most important things to consider is

whether results can be replicated without duplicating the work of another. As we study the work of

researchers and apply this information to inform ourselves.

The research of others supports our research questions. The research design considers the skill of the researcher, time available to complete research, and resources need to support an inductive or deductive research methodology.  Deductive research establishes methodology that  entails establishing a hypothesis and consistent methodology. Inductive research methodology entails engaging with the subject, adapting the questions to gather further insight. Initially, I perceived the latter to be easier. However, I now believe that it would be more difficult for the novice researcher to complete and avoid bias.

The creation of research design/methodology includes protocols, questions, and ethical practices. The acquiring informed consent and respecting the confidentiality of the participants is paramount when completing research. Data can be gathered through various means including but not limited to video/audio taping, surveys, observations or interviews. In some cases, technology can support the data collection and review processes. When deductive process is used, we must ensure that there is time allocated to the management and transcription of the information. Researcher may underestimate the amount of time required to complete this process. The researcher must then analyze the data and compile the information into a document that follows standardized formats. Currently, I am completing the literature review and working towards establish my research title.

This is not happening easily as I must constantly refine the scope of my research question.  I wonder how my colleagues are managing this phase?
 

Resources

Conducting Literature Reviews retrieved on November 07, 2013 from http://www.sagepub.com/books/Book227957/toc

Mac Naughton, G., Rolfe, S.A., & Siraj-Blatchford, I. (2010). Doing early childhood research: International perspectives on theory and practice (2nd ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.