Research that Benefits Children and Families

" Research on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome " 

 

As an early childhood professional I learn on a daily basis how research impacts children and families in a positive way.  Placing an infant on its back to rest was one of the first safety techniques that I learned as an infant teacher.  This simple technique has helped saved thousands of infants from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, (SIDS). SIDS is defined as the sudden death of infant between the ages of birth to 12 months. In the case of SIDS many infants die while sleeping because of unsafe sleeping environments.  The Back to sleep public health campaign has taught families all around the country and world safe techniques to use when putting a baby to sleep. Placing an infant on the back with a firm mattress, and removing blankets and soft toys from the crib are a few of the strategies that researchers have suggested to prevent SIDS. Since the campaign began in the late 90’s the SIDS rate has fallen nearly 50%.  

While the spread of safe sleeping conditions initial reduced the rate of SIDS, the rate has begun to plateau. Researchers are currently working to figure out how to continue to decrease the SIDS rate.  New information has put African American, Native American, and premature infants at particular high risk for falling victim to SIDS.  The information that researchers have done has saved many lives but their work is far from over.  I look forward to learning new insights from the researcher’s information safe that will continue to benefit children and families. 

Rental, Margaret (2014). SIDS and Babies. Retrieved from

http://www.parenting.com/article/sids-and-babies



 

My Personal Research Journey

The subtopic I've chosen for the focus of my research simulations is, "How daily exposure and interaction with infants and their peers enhance social development  during infancy".  This subtopic was chosen for several reasons.   Out of each of the three subtopics I found the  most information on this  social development and infant interaction. It also intrigued me to be able to build upon Vygotsky’s theory on the importance of social interaction and how children learn from their environment. While the internet and other forms of technology has advanced society in several ways, I also feel that it isolates people and decreases the use of positive social skills. Socialization teaches and I believe emergent social skills begin during infancy.

I hope to find  social patterns during my observation that proves the interaction between infants and their peers gives infants a chance to learn from on another,  build positive  bonds and social skills.  I'm both  excited and a little nervous about the information that I will learn from this research. The information from the research chart has given more confidence about my ability to complete a quality research paper because it gives step by step instruction on what to do! I'm open to any resources, insights, or questions that you may have that will help me during this research journey!

Final International Blog Assignment

Establishing an international contact broaden my perspective of the issues and trends that are in the early childhood field. Poverty affects the quality of education all around the world. In developing countries such as area in India and Africa the effects of poverty on education are worst. Malnutrition, diseases, and civil conflict make it difficult for children to go to school. Children often have to sacrifice education to work and help provide for their family.

Learning about these issues made me value the human rights that exists in the United States. As an African American woman I’m more grateful to live in a country where I have a chance to gain from all the as much educational knowledge as I like. As an early childhood professional I’m motivated to enlighten others about foreign issues in an effort to help others gain a better appreciation of rights, education and the quality of life that exists in this country.

It was interesting to see the different standards and value that other countries place on education. Countries such as Japan, China, and even Canada have a more unified and higher standard for education. As a result it’s harder to become a teacher but the benefits and salary are worth the work. This realization has given me a better understanding on why the education system in the United States has fallen in quality and also ideals of hope for reform and improvement in our schools from Pre-K- 12. I look forward to gaining ideals and experiences from other countries that have a strong education system. I will use this information to enhance the quality in my classroom and other centers.

Out of all the information that I learned I was most impacted by the dedication of the different humanitarian groups in other countries. Groups such as UNICEF, or the United Nations Children’s Fund provide resources to help different countries with food, immunizations, shelters, and education. Their advocacy has inspired me to learn more about what I can do to make a difference not only in the United States but in other countries as well.

One of my grandmother’s quotes to me as a child was, “Get outside of your 9 dots”! As a child I didn’t know what that meant, but as an adult I interpret that quote to mean, move outside of your comfort zone of thinking, working, and helping others. Establishing an international contact has allowed me to get outside of my 9 dots and realize the wisdom that can learned from different countries.