The research topic that I think will be beneficial to my future plans of opening a learning center in my hometown is exploring the different types of early childhood curriculum and their effects on preschool age children. Being an elementary certified teacher, I feel that I have great qualities to add to an early childhood program; however, I also feel that I am lacking the knowledge in some areas to be a successful owner and director. There are three subtopics that I have in mind to help expand my knowledge on the different types of curriculum and how each type affects early childhood education.
The first subtopic of interest is to learn the similarities and differences between the three most popular choices of early childhood curriculum. Looking at the different curriculum types and comparing and contrasting the strengths and weaknesses within the curriculum will help me to make the best choice for the children in my future learning center.
The second subtopic of interest is the effects early childhood curriculum has on school readiness for preschool age children. With the prior knowledge that high quality early education is such a significant factor in young children and their success in elementary school, it is extremely important to me that my program prepare these young children for maximum school success. This subtopic will allow me the knowledge to choose a curriculum that will prepare all young children in my program for success at the next level of education.
The third subtopic of interest is the effects these three types of curriculum have on social emotional development in preschool children. Not only do I want the children in my learning center to be academically ready for school, but I also want all children to be socially and emotionally ready for school.
I believe the knowledge we will gain as we complete the research charts will give us the understanding to be future researchers on important early childhood topics. I feel like taking it step by step to learn how to be a good researcher will be so beneficial in our career. As I begin the journey of exploring my research topic, does anyone have any significant insight or knowledge of resources that would help me when searching for types of curriculum? Many of you already work in the early childhood field, so I thought that some of you may be able to give me some guidance as I begin.
Tabitha,
ReplyDeleteYour research area is quite interesting!
High quality preschool programs have long term benefits and strong return on investing. It is a good idea to have some understanding of the types of programs but teachers qualifications do impact on the type of curriculum offered. The HighScope Perry School Study, The Carolina Abecedarian Study and the Chicago Child-Parent Centers Study provide insight into different types of curriculum. The following link should provide some valuable information.
http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=6&hid=13&sid=ecd209e9-9c07-41e8-9319-aac14fe12595%40sessionmgr4
Thank you Evlyn for the insight. I will definitely look at the link you provided and the different types of curriculum you mentioned. I really appreciate you taking the time to assist!
ReplyDeleteIt is awesome that you want to open your own child care program. I wish you much success. It is great that you want to research the best curriculm to use. Young children are absorbing alot, so knowing the effects of the curriclum has on them is very important.
ReplyDeleteHi Tabitha,
ReplyDeleteIt is important for a Director of an early childhood center to understand effective early childhood curriculums. This is an area that I will need to expand my knowledge in as well for my future goal of opening a learning center. I am looking forward to this one day but defiantly feel the same need to prepare my self to ensure success.
Learning how to be a owner and director takes lots of training and expeirence. The small business association has free workshops on running your own business and leadership classes as well. Sometimes working in a facility or taking leadership roles at work helps to build those skills. Most of all the first year is a learning expeirence. I am in month 18 of running and owning my own child care center and if it had not been for being a supervisor many times in my life as well as a classroom teacher I would not be where I am. Also I have taken over 30 hours of training to help.
ReplyDelete