Early Childhood Education Commons^™

Prevalence Of Communication Disorders In Children With Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome On School Speech-Language Pathology Caseloads: A National Survey, Brittany V. Ratliff

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

There is concern about the recently increasing number of infants born with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), yet little is known about its long-term neurodevelopmental effects. School-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are in a unique position to comment on potential long-term consequences of NAS because their caseloads include children with a variety of communication disorders and comorbidities. School-based SLPs across the United States (N = 258) responded to a survey about the presence of children with NAS on their caseloads and their perceptions of the children’s communication disorders and comorbidities. Results revealed that children with NAS currently are being treated by …

Kindergarten Teachers' Perceptions Of Student Readiness For School, James A. Wernke

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The design method for this study was non-experimental quantitative. The survey was distributed via email to Kindergarten teachers in two Northeastern Tennessee school districts. There were 69 Kindergarten teachers who responded to the survey. The study revealed that Kindergarten teachers perceive that gender, socioeconomic status, and preschool experience have a significant impact on student readiness for school. Chronological age was not perceived to have an impact on student readiness for school to a significant extent. Kindergarten teachers perceived that preschool experience has the greatest impact on student readiness for school when asked to rank the order of impact from greatest …

A Quantitative Analysis Of Virginia Public School Special Education Due Process Cases And Their Resolutions From 2004-2016, Valerie Beaudoin-Saunders

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Special education-related lawsuits are a concern to school systems. They are time-consuming, expensive, and contentious. School and parental relationships become strained when litigation is involved. This study analyzed data from the Virginia Department of Education’s due process database over a 12-year period of time to note common disabilities involved in special education litigation. Specific characteristics from each case were noted to determine if there was a trend in the frequency of due process cases: the sex, grade, age, disability, and outcome. The data was obtained from the Virginia Department of Education’s Office of Dispute Resolution and Administrative Services. The purpose …

The Effect Of Technology On Student Achievement With English Language Learners In An Early Childhood Classroom Setting, Tiffany Vasquez-Dewein

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research project was to determine if there was a correlation between the use of iPads to improve student achievement and traditional methods of teaching with four and five-year-old English language learners (ELLs). Two control groups of four ELLs were taught in math three times a week. Control group A was taught using iPad applications to support math teaching in alongside traditional teachings in math. Control group B were taught with age appropriate early childhood materials such as counting cards and manipulatives to support the traditional teachings in math. Data was collected at the end of …

Success Through Intervention, Megan Tonderum

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Physical Activity On Academic Growth, Elizabeth Jane Merritt

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research project was to determine if there is a proven benefit to linking physical activity of the whole student learner and their overall academic growth of students in a kindergarten classroom. Implementation of a well-designed and planned physical activity curriculum was used with fidelity over a period of four months. Data was collected in both formats of quantitative and qualitative from students, teachers, parents and administration. Analysis of the data concludes that student academic growth was increased as a result of the increased physical activity of the students.

Integrating Technology Into Kindergarten Writing Program, Colleen K. Hahn

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research project was to determine if incorporating technology into a kindergarten-writing program could increase their motivation and attitudes, and hence improve their writing abilities. Two types of technology were introduced to the writing program; one being an electronic portfolio to share their work and the second was a digital story writing software. Data was collected by use of attitude surveys, observational notes, and student writing samples. Analysis of the data suggests that students were more engaged during the writing time and were very motivated to write if they could publish it to their online portfolio.

The Impact Of See The Sound Visual Phonics Has On Beginning Readers, Kelsey R. Dewes

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This paper takes a deeper look at the impact that See the Sound: Visual Phonics has for beginning reading instruction and early intervention instruction for young students. See the Sound: Visual Phonics is a strategy that incorporates hand cues and written symbols into every sound and letter in the English Language. This paper will compare the growth rates that students, who received the intervention and students who did not receive the intervention, made identifying letter names, letter sounds, and onset sounds. Throughout this paper research completed by Goldin-Meadow (2004) supporting the significance hand gestures have in development and student learning, …

Preschool For Parents: A Website For Parents To Review The Benefits Of A Proper Early Childhood Education, Tahrae L. Bonnes

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Every year many parents of young children face the challenge of deciding when and where they should start their child's educational career. Parents have to decide whether to keep their kids home with themselves or send them to daycare or preschool. These are just some of the many questions that run through their minds. Not to mention, this task has become increasingly difficult because of the many changes to the educational systems. This paper will explain a website created to help parents make informed decisions about their child's early childhood education through review of the various benefits a quality preschool …

The Use Of Visual Schedules, Amber Connelly

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This paper explores the use of visual schedules to support students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder with transitions throughout the school day. Students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder have a tough time interpreting verbal directions throughout the school day; therefore, there is an increase in student behaviors during transitions (Dettmer, Simpson, Brenda, & Ganz, 2000). The students utilized in this study are preschool aged students, which means they are between the ages of three to five. All students are in an integrated preschool classroom. The researcher implemented and created individualized visual schedules for each student in this paper. The researcher …

Searching For Ourselves: African Cultural Representation In Children’S Books In The United States, And Implications For Educational Achievement, Lulama Moyo

Sustainability and Social Justice

Using documentary and discourse analysis of children’s literature I explore the extent to which there is a multicultural gap in children’s literature to reveal the prevailing challenges of the colonized and Eurocentric values embedded in the contemporary education system that supports the monocultural socialization of young children in their early formative years. I translate my research through examining four thematic ways on how the multicultural gap is manifested which are subject matter, the lack of African writers, degree of complexity of diasporic experiences, and confronting whiteness. By focusing more specifically on the gap in African diasporic children literature, I review …

Dynamic School Psychology: Perceptions Between School Psychologists, Teachers, And Administrators On School Psychology And Paradigm Shift Theory, Homero Flores

Education Dissertations

The purpose of this research paper is to gain current perceptions of school psychology services and paradigm shift theory in school psychology by school psychologists, teachers and administrators within public school systems. The paper will focus on the history of school psychology, federal legislation, and IDEA. Surveys were collected from school psychologists, teachers and administrators regarding perceptions of school psychology and paradigm shift theory in school psychology services. Although the results were non-significant, results of the surveys indicate similar results to previous perceptual surveys. While teachers and administrators would like more services in general from school psychologists, school psychologists remained …

Plank's "Discovering The Culture Of Childhood" (Book Review), Cari Ryan

The Christian Librarian

Plank, E. (2016). Discovering the culture of childhood. St. Paul, MN: Redleaf Press. 196 pp. $24.95. ISBN 9781605544625

Will Appropriate Behavior Continue Without Recognition?, Cassondra Lynn Tucker, Daniel Grace

Celebration of Student Scholarship Poster Sessions Archive

No abstract provided.

A Lifetime Of Healthy Living: Increasing Awareness Of Healthy Lifestyles At The Haldeman Community Center, Kyle M. Smith, Joy L. Gritton

Celebration of Student Scholarship Poster Sessions Archive

No abstract provided.

Cross-Curricular Teaching And Children's Literature: Dixie And Burt Hear A "Quack!", Brittany Skiba

Honors Projects

Motivated by research in the field and subject of elementary education, children’s literature, and cross-curricular teaching with the use of children’s literature, this project involved creating a children’s book with interrelated lesson plans in order to encourage teachers to use lessons that are more meaningful, to enhance learning experiences, and also to provide a quick-and-ready resource tool for teachers to use when preparing lessons. I conducted my research on elements that comprise a good children’s book, creating effective lesson plans, and the benefits of cross-curricular learning. According to an article, “Integrated Learning: Greater Than the Sum of Its Parts,” by …

How, When, And Why Early Childhood Educators Address Gender With Young Children?, Flora Farago, Brittany Propoggio

Symposium on Arts and Research

Children develop gender stereotypes between ages 2-5 (Martin & Ruble, 2010). Early childhood classrooms are one of the first settings where children receive messages about gender, partly from teachers (Chapman, 2016; Chick, 2002).

Teachers’ use of gender labels and gender to organize classrooms increases children’s gender stereotyping and decreases preference for other-gender peers (Hilliard & Liben, 2010).

However, work is largely missing about early childhood educators’ “gendered” beliefs and classroom practices. These topics are examined using an online survey.

Innovation And Controversy In Children’S Literature, Sean Ferrier-Watson, Madeline Keck, Danielle Sullivan, Hannah Hightower, Kathryn Forshee

Collin College Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Student Research Conference

Student presenters: Madeline Keck, Danielle Sullivan, Hannah Hightower, and Kathrun Foshee

Our panel will focus on various issues related to children’s literature and will use research from reputable literary, education, and psychology journals. We will examine issues dealing with fairy tales, YA novels, and comic books and will explore a wide range of social issues. The panelists each have a different topic and focus on different primary sources and secondary research.

Politics And Red Tape, John Frick, Christian Alonso Hernandez, Caroline Dillard

Collin College Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Student Research Conference

Panel Chair: Scott Cheney

Papers Presented:

"The Echo Chamber" by John Frick

Abstract: Political polarization seems to be rising in America and indeed across the world, and there does not seem to be a clear explanation of the reason behind it. Some attribute it to international events such as 9/11, while others blame the millennial generation; yet what if it is something else entirely? What if our ever increasing dependence on social media for news can have adverse effects on the political climate? The “echo chamber” in this case refers to the idea that social media users will often delete …

Infographic: Cyberbullying And Other Digital Dangers, Rebecca Vukovic

Teacher infographics

In 2016 the Office of the Children's eSafety Commissioner undertook a national survey of kids, teens and parents, to ask them about their internet use and online practices. Here are some of the findings.

Self-Regulated Learning And Self-Efficacy In Prekindergarten Students, Leonard Wayne Long

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to understand prekindergarten teacher perceptions of self-regulation and to investigate how prekindergarten students regulate their learning.

Research entailed video recorded observations of prekindergarten students engaged in social-cognitive behaviors during centers. The Creative Curriculum - one of several State recommended programs for prekindergarten - provided the foundational guidelines for teachers to incorporate into daily lessons - one of which is for students to play in organized centers. Naturalistic observations were conducted in five-minute intervals per student and coded according to The Play Observation Scale. During play, students' activities were coded according to interaction with …

'You Become A Rock': Conceptions Of Motherhood And Lessons Of Race As Told And Photographed By Four Mothers From Cape Town, South Africa, Kaitlin Abrams

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This study will discuss conceptions of motherhood and lessons of racial identity through the lens of four women from Cape Town, South Africa. Utilizing both semi-structured interviews and photovoice, stories of motherhood are told as a journey from childhood to adulthood, in which one’s experience of being mothered influences decisions in current motherhood. In interviews, mothers pinpoint conceptions of good motherhood that encompass both financial support for one’s children and attentiveness, informed mostly by one’s race and class background. Additionally, experiences surrounding discrimination and silencing in childhood differ between races, later informing the way that mothers chose to share lessons …

Abc Or Aei: A Comparison Of Approaches To Early Childhood Education In Samoa, Sofia Valbuena

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Due to discussion about the importance of early childhood education (ECE), the scene in Samoa has shifted. The present study compares and analyzes approaches to ECE in Samoa from three schools: Brilliant Star Montessori Preschool, Divine Mercy Preschool, and Saoluafata Preschool. Data was collected through participatory observation over the course of two and three days at each school. Results showed both similarities and differences within the preschools in themes such as play, academic curriculum, and classroom management. Analysis found ECE in Samoa is developing and potential tools to further improve the schools were presented. This study will provide a report …

Early Childhood Educators' Perspectives Of Play In Preschool Classrooms, Michelle Lois Edwards

Dissertations

This study examines early childhood educators’ perceptions of play as a developmentally appropriate practice in preschool classrooms. Through selective sampling, 10 preschool teachers were chosen. These teachers were identified because of their experience, education, and the lead they take on various projects, as well as the author’s personal knowledge of their work ethic and dedication to the education profession. The teachers were interviewed using an extempore, semi-structured configuration about their beliefs relating to play, how they implement play in their classrooms, and their viewpoint on hurdles to play. They identified the supports required to implement play as a developmentally appropriate …

Nebline, April 2017

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Feature: Emerald Ash Borer — Next Steps

Food & Health

Farm & Acreage

Pests & Wildlife

Horticulture

Early Childhood

4-H & Youth

and other extension news and events

Special Pullout Section: Weed Awareness

Brain-Based Learning And Whole Brain Teaching Methods, Aleen S. Wolken

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Whole Brain Teaching is a teaching strategy that combines cooperative learning and direct instruction. It is a strategy that has been implemented within many K-12 classrooms throughout the nation. In this article, the researcher defines Whole Brain Teaching, describes its impact on student learning, and highlights conflicts and myths. The researcher also presents ideas on future research. The purpose of this literature review was to find information regarding implementation of Whole Brain Teaching in an inclusive early childhood classroom.

Outdoor Learning In Early Childhood, Holly Hooven

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Play is a skill that comes naturally to every child. Children love to explore and investigate. They do this to find answers to the questions they have and obtain through other experiences such as talking with parents, other children, as well as reading through books. Play is important for many developmental skills such as building on fine motor, cognitive development, and more. While many parents and teachers observe their children, or students, play within the indoors, many children are not getting a lot of outdoor time. Outdoor play is as important as indoor play. Outdoor play allows a child to …

Neighbors Link's Parent-Child Together Program: Supporting Immigrant Parents' Integration To Promote School Readiness Among Their Emergent Bilingual Children, Carola Otero Bracco, Judith Eisenberg

Publications and Research

The authors of this article describe Neighbors Link, a multi-service community and worker center in suburban Westchester County, NY. This organization created Parent-Child Together in the belief that supporting immigrant parents' integration and social inclusion, in activities that also engage long-term community residents, would improve school readiness outcomes for preschool children. A key assumption in the program design is that immigrant parents are best supported when teaching respects their home language and incorporates their home culture and customs. Among the program's positive results has been greater acceptance of the assets and strengths that immigrants bring to the community. The community, …

Parent-Teacher Relationships And Communication In Early Childhood: A Comparative, Mixed Methods Study Of White And Ethnic-Racial Minority Parents, Kimberly A. Blitch

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This explanatory sequential mixed methods study compared parents’ and teachers’ perceptions and experiences regarding (a) parent-teacher relationships and (b) parent-teacher communication according to parents’ ethnicities and races. Non-matched, quantitative data about parent-teacher relationships were collected from parents (White and ethnic-racial minority) and teachers (those reporting on their relationships with either White or ethnic-racial minority parents) at two early childhood programs (N = 72). Twenty-four participants were observed during morning and afternoon transitions (child drop-off and pick-up). Thirteen participants were then interviewed, as well as each early childhood program director. Analyses of co/variance were used to analyze the quantitative data. …

Home Literacy Environment As A Predictor For Letter Identification Skills For Preschool-Aged Children, Jillian Kennen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Research clearly states that quality home literacy environments and overall literacy development are related; however, there is limited research exploring the effect on home literacy environments as a predictor for letter identification scores for preschool-aged children. Understanding this relationship will help care givers and early educators create quality literacy environments for young children. The purpose of this study was to examine if the home literacy environment for preschool-aged children is a predictor for letter identification scores. The current research examined parent/care giver responses to the Get Ready to Read Home Literacy Environment checklist and students’ scores on the curriculum-based measure …