Research Around the World

Research Around the World               

                               

I chose to discuss some of the practices that early childhood researchers and professionals are discussing in Australian.  Some of the trends, issues, and research topics that are listed on the early Early Childhood Australia site are:

Belonging, Being and Becoming

School readiness and children's transitions

Sustainability, global warming and climate change

Baby and toddler sleeping

Child health and childhood obesity

Educators in uncertainty over Early Years Quality Fund

Qualifications matter in Early Childhood

Australia early childhood professionals and advocates seem to be facing the same issue and concerns that we face here in the United States.  Funding for quality early childhood programs is a constant fight.  Australia educational professionals are pushing for inclusion as well.  Reading some of the information provided on this site was just like reading one of the reputable sites here in the United States dealing with early childhood issues, events, and politics.   

There’s a huge push to educate young children on global warming and its huge effects in Australia.  I feel that this is a topic that is not discussed with our young as much here in the United States.  Global warming is going to get worse over the years.  The effects will be greater on the children now who will be adults dealing with this issue then.  If we instill good habits and educate young children then they can become more aware and begin at an early age learning how to preserve the environment.

Early Childhood Australia, (2013). Retrieved from

http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/resource_themes.html

Research that Benefits Children and Families—Uplifting Stories Option 1

Research that Benefits Children and Families—Uplifting Stories

A large population of the scientific community focus on preventive health care that helps improve the ability to treat childhood diabetes and childhood cancer, and the ability to prevent childhood infections through immunization.  The medical community is stating that they “know a lot more about almost all diseases, and armed with this information we have improved the care of children worldwide” (Clements, 2007).

I chose to focus on how research has benefited children with type 1 diabetes.  My goddaughter Samara was diagnosed adolescent diabetes at age 3.  Up until the age 8 she was getting daily shots of insulin.  Samara was very self-conscious about having diabetes.  All the other children would ask her questions, and teachers seemed very uneasy and always on edge.  The OmniPod Insulin Management System has   made Samara’s life so much more enjoyable.  The thing that Samara loves most about the pod is that it lets her be more self-sufficient and it doesn't bring as much attention to her.  Samara is able to be more flexible in what she eats and her daily activities.  This pump has daily dosages pre-programmed, that can also be changed based on what she is going to eat.  Instead of getting pricked in the finger and getting her blood tested the pump is keeping constant tracks of her levels.

The pump was introduced to the medical community in the 1970’s so of course Samara wasn't a part of any huge study.  However Samara and her mother are very thankful and happy for those children who originally tested out the OmniPod.  Samara’s doctor still monitor, and ask Samara detailed information about how the pod makes her feel emotionally, and physically.  I am one to vouch for her being a happier and more confident child in terms of the pod verses the use of the traditional tester, and needles.  I’m thankful too because I felt horrible every time I had to give her a shot.

Reference

National Center for Biotechnology Information, (2010).  The OmniPod Insulin Management System: the

latest innovation in insulin pump therapy.  Retrieved from

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3118276/

Research Simulation General Topic to Subtopics: Part 2

Research Simulation General Topic to Subtopics: Part 2

I would like to learn more about the policy maker’s contribution when it comes to early childhood programs.  On a personal level I am interested in finding out how do policy makers come up with the criteria that would make someone eligible for assistance when it comes to the early educational programs.  I felt that myself and many other middle class citizens fall between the cracks too often.  Middle class families often run into the problem of making too much for assistance and not making enough to pay for quality early childhood programs.  I want to find a way that loosens up the guide lines so that more families will be eligible for assistance, however minimize fraud!!!

I find that the simulation process helps you stay focused on your topic of choice.  It teaches you the building steps and assist you in writing a paper that is based on true facts, and organization.

I am asking and hoping that my classmates will reference anything that is relevant to my topic of choice.  Things that supports a stronger middle class and resources that oppose it.  Most importantly the role that policy makers play in deciding who is eligible for something and who is not.