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
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