Early Childhood Education Commons^™

Closing The Knowledge Gap With Literacy-Infused And Rich Social Studies Content, Jeffrey Leffler, Ksenia Zhbanova

Journal of Research Initiatives

Social studies have been marginalized in early childhood education amid the prevalence of standardized testing and political issues. However, a comprehensive approach to early education, including social studies, is gaining attention. This article emphasizes the significance of incorporating social studies into early childhood curriculum, illuminating its potential to enhance children's cognitive and social-emotional development. The second important aspect of this article focuses on the role of social studies in literacy skill development through building background knowledge, critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills of young children.

Financial Incentives For Adoption And Kin Guardianship Improve Achievement For Foster Children, David Simon, Aaron Sojourner, Jon Pedersen, Heidi Ombisa Skallet

Upjohn Institute Working Papers

Difference-in-differences analysis of linked administrative data estimates effects of a Minnesota policy change that increased the payments to adoptive parents and kin guardians for children ages 6 and older, making them equal to what foster care payments were, but didn’t for younger children. Equalizing payments raised average academic achievement by 31 percent of a standard deviation three years after foster children’s cases started, raised the value of payments by about $2,000 per child during this period, raised the monthly chance of moving from foster care to adoption or kin guardianship by 29 percent, improved school stability, and reduced school suspensions.

Reflections Of Growth As A Reggio Emilia Inspired Arts Integration Educator, Katherine Miriam Briner

Education Honors Theses

The Reggio Emilia Approach is an educational philosophy that puts children at the center of everything involved. The main principles of the Reggio Emilia Approach covered in this paper include the Hundred Languages, which are the idea that children communicate in multiple different ways, the atelier, which is a space that gives opportunities for exploration and social interaction, and documentation, which is a form of representation that shows a child’s thinking and work. The goal of my work was to reflect on my growth as an educator who incorporates arts into the general education classroom and takes inspiration from the …

The Importance Of Nutrition Education In Early Childhood, Alexi Larios

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone project aimed to highlight the importance of nutrition education in early childhood. I chose this topic because studies have shown a steady increase over the years in children’s diet-related illnesses (Baker & Bjerregaard, 2023). Many factors have contributed to this increase such as media and marketing. Companies use their marketing strategies to target the interests of children and persuade them to desire their unhealthy products (Taillie et al., 2019). This strategy leads to children purchasing and consuming processed foods, high in sugar and empty calories. Another important component in childhood nutrition is socioeconomic status. People from lower socioeconomic …

Increasing Social-Emotional Development In Early Childhood, Brianna Navarro

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone project focuses on increasing social-emotional development of 5- to 7-year-old children. Social-emotional learning (SEL) is a methodology that helps students of all ages better comprehend their emotions, feel emotions to the fullest extent, and demonstrate empathy for others. These learned behaviors are then used to help students make positive, responsible decisions, create frameworks to achieve their goals and build positive relationships with others. Researchers indicate that social-emotional learning promotes scholastic achievement, well-being, and positive life outcomes and can be a powerful tool for prevention and resilience when embedded with intentionality in curriculum, instruction, and school climate (Durlak et …

Design And Validation Of A Test For Teachers: Measuring Knowledge Of Trauma, Jennifer B. Bilbrey

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Research and interest in trauma-informed pedagogy have grown substantially. Trauma-informed pedagogy includes knowledge of trauma symptoms, associated behaviors, and environmental and instructional trauma-informed strategies. Various scales measure attitudes and experiences with trauma-informed practices; however, the literature suggests a lack of validated tests measuring teachers' knowledge of trauma. Reliable and valid tests measuring knowledge are critical when determining the professional development needs of both pre-service and in-service teachers. This multi-phase study aimed to fulfill this need by creating the Teachers’ Knowledge of Trauma (TKOT) test. With the guidance of literature and qualitative data from eight early childhood professional peers, a 50-item …

Using Small Groups To Support Mathematics Learning In Preschool, Katelyn Bradfield

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research project was to gather data on the use of small group learning as a setting for increasing number sense skills for preschool students. The researcher met with a classroom of preschool students over the course of 6 weeks, one week for pre-assessment, four weeks for playing math games in the small group setting, and one week for post-assessment, to implement the intervention. The quantitative research gathered was analyzed to determine whether the addition of small group math time was impactful in increasing student number sense in the areas of 1:1 counting and numeral identification. …

Play Having Its Place In Early Childhood Education, Emily Streicher

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This literature review and school improvement plan focuses on the power of play for early childhood learners. Play is an innate characteristic in humans and various species alike. Despite the overwhelming evidence supporting play for children, academic demands and pressures felt by teachers and administrators are causing play in early childhood settings to be eliminated or reduced. Teachers, along with administrators, play a key part in this. Early childhood research suggests that teachers' beliefs indicate the likelihood of teachers' intentions to develop a child-centered curriculum and pedagogy that meet children's development and needs (Cheung et al., 2022). Ergo, this school …

Effects Of Inclusive Prekindergarten Programs On Developmental Skills Of Typically Developing Children, Danita Duhart

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 set forth guidelines for inclusionary practices to ensure that students with disabilities were educated with their nondisabled peers. In early childhood education, there was a paucity of information that addressed, in quantifiable terms, the effect of inclusion on the developmental skills of typically developing children. The purpose of this quantitative, quasi-experimental, nonequivalent study was to examine to what extent the prekindergarten program delivery setting, inclusion versus noninclusion, effects the developmental domains of typically developing children. The theoretical framework was based on Arnold Gesell’s maturational theory of development. The developmental domains for typically …

First- And Second-Grade Teachers’ Use Of Data-Driven Decision-Making For Guided Reading, Caroline J. Davis

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem in this study was that first- and second-grade teachers are not using relevant and timely data, specifically running records, analysis of oral reading errors, self-correction rates, and word accuracy, as well as the student zone of proximal development (ZPD) in guided reading instruction. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore how first- and second-grade teachers use data-driven decision-making (DDDM) and ZPD to inform guided reading instruction. The conceptual frameworks in this study were DDDM and ZPD, as they collectively provided a lens for gathering rich data on instructional decision-making processes. Research questions addressed how first- …

Methods Used In Developing Financial Awareness Among Primary School Children As Perceived By Parents, Lina S. Bashatah Ph.D., Afnan M. Alshahrani

International Journal for Research in Education

The study aimed to identify the methods used to developing financial awareness and the obstacles among children in the primary classes as perceived by parents. Besides, it showed the differences among the sample according to the parent's gender, their educational qualifications, the student's gender, and the school type (public, private). Therefore, the study used the descriptive survey method, and the two researchers developed a questionnaire that was applied to a sample of (357) parents of primary pupils in public and private schools at Abha city. The results showed that experiential learning and storytelling were the methods that sample used with …

Effects Of Child Care Vouchers On Price, Quantity, And Provider Turnover In Private Care Markets, Won Fy Lee, Aaron Sojourner, Elizabeth E. Davis, Jonathan Borowsky

Upjohn Institute Working Papers

Harnessing changes in funding for a voucher program that subsidizes consumers’ use of child care services at private providers, this study quantifies effects on local markets’ service capacity and prices. We also estimate how increased funding effects provider entry rate, exit rate, and highly rated provider market share. The evidence shows that an additional $100 in private voucher funding per local young child would 1) raise the number of private-provider slots by 0.026 per local young child, 2) raise average prices by $0.56 per week, mainly driven by a price increase among incumbent providers, and 3) induce new provider entry …

Effects Of Subsidies On The Child Care Market: Large Increases In Capacity, Small Increases In Price, Won Fy Lee, Aaron Sojourner, Elizabeth E. Davis, Jonathan Borowsky

Upjohn Institute Policy and Research Briefs

No abstract provided.

Defining Scribbles: How Do Early Childhood Teachers Perceive Scribbles As A Part Of Emergent Literacy?, Sandy Dellalonga

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative, phenomenological study was to understand early childhood teachers’ perceptions surrounding the topic of childhood scribbles as they relate to emergent literacy. Sociocultural theory provided a foundation for this research because of its focus on relationships between children, other children, and teachers to foster learning experiences (Gee, 2011; Vygotsky, 1978, 1998). Additionally, social semiotic theory also guided this research because childhood scribbles represent children’s “signs” which can also influence communication and literacy skills (Kress, 1997). The participants were nine preschool, transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, and first grade teachers (N=9) who volunteered to complete an open-ended survey, follow-up …

Investigating Early Childhood Education Through A Systemic Lens: What Impact Does Early Childhood Education Have On District Level Leadership, Edward John Manuszak Ii

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Public School educational leaders from around the United States are confronted with choices inhow to invest resources that can create the greatest impact for students. An often-overlooked area of investment is early childhood education. As defined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), this is the period of development between birth through age 8 for any child. If a district were allowed to self-assess their own early learning readiness, will the leadership of that district be equipped and prepared to deliberate and make appropriately measured decisions based on current practices and utilized resources? This study seeks …

Investigating Problem-Solving Skills Practices In An Inclusive Early Childhood School: A Case Of One Primary School In Koboko Municipality Uganda, Aziku Dan Silvanus

Master of Education

Inclusive education, aligned with the SDGs and the UNCRPD, advocates for quality education regardless of personal differences. The study adopts a broader definition that includes children from diverse backgrounds for inclusive education. Early childhood teachers play a crucial role in nurturing problem-solving skills. But challenges within inclusive settings, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, underscore the need for effective practices. Problem-solving skills are crucial throughout life, fostering the ability to independently address challenges. Nurturing these abilities in early childhood children is vital to navigate social issues. Moreso, limited research on problem-solving skills in inclusive education, in Uganda, necessitates an investigation into …

How Important Is Parental Involvement And Engagement In Preschool, Emilee M. Dixon

Theses and Dissertations--Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education

The purpose of this study was to evaluate preschool classrooms’ parental engagement throughout the school year. Specifically, the study aims to assess if parents felt they received information to support their child's development, if the school offered engagement opportunities, and if the parents believed that engagement impacted their child. Research studies have shown or indicated that parental engagement is a key component to a child’s success. This study highlights the importance of parental involvement and engagement for children in preschool. The study involves reviewing a survey to gain a better understanding of when, how, and why parental involvement and engagement …

Trauma And Parenting: Are There Unintentional Effects?, A'Tora Hill

Theses and Dissertations--Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education

The goal in conducting this study was to explore the effects of trauma across generations, if any were to be confirmed. This study, specifically, aimed to investigate whether parents reported having dealt with trauma and if their trauma had any impact on the way they parent their children. Research has shown that parents who have endured trauma take on different parenting styles and techniques than those who have not endured trauma. This study highlights the effects of trauma on those who encounter it as well as how it may transcend through generations through a survey. A key outcome of this …

Infusing Universal Design For Learning With Trauma-Informed Educational Practice: What Early Childhood Personnel Think And How They'll Pull It Off, Marlena L. Jenkins

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This research recruited ten early childhood personnel within a public elementary school and attempted to gain insight into their beliefs and attitudes directly related to the principles of universal design for learning and the tenets of trauma-informed educational practice. Through this qualitative study, the researcher posited the importance of explicit professional learning and a supportive and openly communicative school environment to support the implementation of a combined trauma-informed universal design for learning (Ti-UDL) framework. Such a model has implications not only impacting personnel and student relationships, but those occurring amongst school-wide personnel of all levels. This research employed multiple phases, …

Executive Functioning And Self-Regulation Learning In The Early Childhood Years, A Calming Safe Space To Support The Emotional Development Of Young Children., Amy Strunc

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Early childhood special education (ECSE) teachers often serve as a resource for classroom teachers, assistants, parents, paraprofessionals, and administration seeking behavioral guidance. Children need to be equipped with strategies to regulate their emotions before they reach the point of outbursts, elopement, shutdowns, or aggressive behavior. Classroom calm-down spaces are essential for all children to take a break and practice self-regulation, initially learning through co-regulation with teachers. This project aims to provide a framework for providing explicit instruction to children to manage their emotions at the earliest signs of dysregulation, enabling them to remain in the learning zone. The project also …

Gender Gaps In Employment And Earnings After Job Loss, Ria Ivandić, Anne Sophie Lassen

Employment Research Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Interdisciplinary Collaborative Practice In Early Childhood, Sara Kupzyk, Brenda Bassingthwaite, Adam D. Weaver, Philip D. Nordness Dr.

Perspectives on Early Childhood Psychology and Education

Young children often present with challenging behaviors such as tantrums, aggression, and noncompliance. Rates of expulsion for behavior concerns in early childhood are alarming and can have long-term negative implications for children and their families (Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center, 2022). Implementation of a systematic multi-tiered system of supports framework can improve behavioral outcomes of young children. To effectively meet child and family needs within these frameworks, it is integral for members of the team to collaborate. Interdisciplinary teams within early childhood might include families, teachers, school psychologists, behavior analysts, speech language pathologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists and other …

From Stimulus To Sustainability: Reckoning With Community Prosperity Post-Arpa, Kathleen Bolter, Timothy J. Bartik, Brad J. Hershbein, Michelle Miller-Adams, Bridget Timmeney, Kyle Huisman, Alfonso Hernandez

Reports

No abstract provided.

Gender Gaps In Employment And Earnings After Job Loss, Ria Ivandić, Anne Sophie Lassen

Upjohn Institute Policy and Research Briefs

No abstract provided.

Gender Gaps From Labor Market Shocks, Ria Ivandić, Anne Sophie Lassen

Upjohn Institute Working Papers

Job loss leads to persistent adverse labor market outcomes, but assessments of gender differences in labor market recovery are lacking. We utilize plant closures in Denmark to estimate gender gaps in labor market outcomes and document that women face an increased risk of unemployment and lose a larger share of their earnings in the two years following job displacement. When accounting for observable differences in human Capital across men and women, half of the gender gap in unemployment remains. In a standard decomposition framework, we document that child care imposes an important barrier to women’s labor market recovery regardless of …

Universal Design For Learning (Udl) In Inclusive Preschool Science Classrooms, Marla J. Lohmann, Katrina A. Hovey, Ariane N. Gauvreau

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

Science instruction is a critical aspect of early learning. Teachers can support young children’s learning about scientific concepts through the use of the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, which is a proactive approach to instructional planning that helps ensure success for all learners. This teaching techniques article offers preschool teachers practical solutions for implementing in the UDL framework for science instruction in their classrooms.

A Program Evaluation Of Prekindergarten Program In One School District, Alicia Eubank

Dissertations

I explored the potential impact of position and salary change on prekindergarten teachers in a public-school district in a southern state. I provided an educational, economic, political and moral/ethical analysis in partial support of this change for the district.

The current policy in the district is that the school year prekindergarten teaching positions are considered non-instructional. However, the summer prekindergarten program teachers are certified teachers as per state requirements. The new policy will make all prekindergarten teaching positions require state certification. This change would give them the financial pay and benefits included with the position change and keep them in …

Connections Between Mathematics And Computational Thinking: Kindergarten Students' Demonstration Of Mathematics Knowledge In A Computational Thinking Assessment, Lise E. Welch Bond

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Research shows that computational thinking can be used with kindergarten mathematics instruction, however we still do not know much about how specific math knowledge is related to computational thinking and if (and if so, how) children's mathematical knowledge is related to students' performance on computational thinking assessments. This student fills this knowledge gap by examining the following research questions: (1) How are kindergarten students' mathematical knowledge (MK) and computational thinking (CT)MK and CT operationalized during a CT assessment? In what ways, if any, do MK and CT co-occur, and (2) How do students' mathematical knowledge and co-occurring mathematical knowledge and …

Exclusionary Discipline In Early Childhood, Courtney O'Grady, Michaelene M. Ostrosky

Journal of Catholic Education

The purpose of this exploratory qualitative study was to examine how the perceptions and experiences of teachers relate to the suspension and expulsion of preschoolers in Catholic schools.Results indicated that teachers have a range of experiences with suspension, from children being removed from the classroom temporarily to out-of-school suspensions lasting up to a week. Most participants also had experienced expelling a student because of behavior. Patterns that emerged from the data included a frequency of extreme behavior from some children, the application of various strategies in response to challenging behavior, the use of exclusionary discipline when other strategies did not …

How Prepared Are Educators To Work With Students Of Color, Ja're Thorn

Dissertations

From what I have experienced, there has been a lack of preparation when it comes to preparing educators to work with students of color. This research aimed to explore the importance of early childhood teachers’ cultural preparation programs when it comes to working effectively with students of color. Most of the time, teachers teach to the common core standards set in place by the state. They also implement a curriculum that is considered “best practices” for students instead of paying attention to and considering the individual student’s specific culture, family, and community values and ways of life before planning (Spies, …