This week’s blog assignment was to find and share a positive
example of the effects of research on children and/or families. I found an
article about Early Head Start Research and Evaluation Project. “The national
evaluation conducted by Mathematica Policy Research, Inc., and Columbia
University’s Center for Children and Families, in collaboration with the Early
Head Start Research Consortium, found that 3-year-old Early Head Start children
performed significantly better on a range of measures of cognitive, language,
and social-emotional development than a randomly assigned control group” (Administration for Children and Families
[ACF], 2006, p. 1). The research shows that through early intervention
programs like Early Head Start children can thrive despite the negative obstacles
that may impact their family’s and/or their lives.
“The Early Head Start Research and Evaluation Project involved
3,001 children and families in 17 sites; half received Early Head Start
services, while the other half were randomly assigned to a control group that
did not receive Early Head Start, although they were free to use other services
in the community. Parents and children were assessed when the children were 14,
24, and 36 months old. Families were also interviewed about their use of a wide
range of services at 6, 15, and 26 months after enrollment and when they exited
the program. The 17 sites were selected to reflect the array of all Early Head
Start programs according to geographic region, racial-ethnic status,
urban-rural location, program auspice, and program experience in serving
infants and toddlers”(ACF, 2006,
p. 2). This research will have a positive impact on many children’s lives. It
proves the importance of early intervention.
Brandie
References
Brandie,
ReplyDeleteI think this was a great article that you chose. It not only shows that early intervention has positive effects on children's development, but it also shows that programs such as Head Start are consistent in nurturing the development of children, regardless of location or other social statuses. This was definitely a great read!
Junell
I really enjoyed reading your blog Brandie, I think as ECD professionals, we all agree that children definitely do benefit from going to a program like Head Start. And now, with this research we can actually say with certainty it is so. We don't have "Head Starts" as such, but have similar programs and I am always telling parents that children need to be going to these schools just to learn social skills, if nothing else.
ReplyDeleteBrandie,
ReplyDeleteGreat information, however this does not surprise me that the children that are enrolled in some type of child development program or early head start has a more positive effect towards all of the development facts rather than those who are not enrolled in any programs. I would like to think that there are maybe a few that still may have very little positive development skills without being enrolled in early head start programs moreover those of fairly educated families who work with their child themselves. I enjoyed reading your post, it explains why it is important for children to attend early childhood programs and we as professionals enjoy working with children; to see and make a difference in families.
-Kim
Brandie,
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I worked for the 3 year old Head Start program and saw the benefits that it worked in the lives of the children and their families! Head Start really is an amazing program and reaches so many people.
Shannon