Research That Benefits Children and Families

For this week’s blog post we are to share a positive example of the effects of research on children and/or families, the piece of research I chose to share about is the research done on the Perry Preschool Project.

This piece of research was conducted over 40 years. Participants were identified between 1962-1967 when they were 3-4 years old some of the research participants received a high scope preschool, participatory learning approach and the comparison group received no preschool. The research showed that of the adults still living (97%) the 40 year old that received the high scope preschool education had higher earnings, were more likely to hold a job, committed fewer crimes and were more likely to graduate from High School.

The cost of this research was right around $15,000 the return on investment through public benefit was over $195,000. What a return on investment!! These children, now adults are more likely to be functioning and contributing members of our society.

The men from the group that received preschool are raising their own children and have a lower divorce rate than the men from the group that did not receive preschool. Fewer of the participants that received preschool through High Scope have been incarcerated and they are earning more money to support their families.

The impact this research has had for children and their families is reflected in the research itself. It has illustrated the importance of early childhood education that is child-initiated and how our public schools should move away from education that is narrowly focused and requires externally imposed curriculum. This research can be used to advocate for ECE programs that are high quality by being presented to policy makers and economists who have the power to implement funding to support Universal Preschool.  

References:

Schweinhart, L. J., Montie, J., Xiang, Z., Barnett, W. S., Belfield, C. R., & Nores, M. (2005). Lifetime effects: The HighScope Perry Preschool study through age 40. (Monographs of the HighScope Educational Research Foundation, 14). Ypsilanti, MI: HighScope Press.

Barnett, W. S. (1996). Lives in the balance: Age-27 benefit-cost analysis of the HighScope Perry Preschool Program (Monographs of the HighScope Educational Research Foundation, 11). Ypsilanti, MI: HighScope Press.

Schweinhart, L. J., Barnes, H. V., & Weikart, D. P. (1993). Significant benefits: The HighScope Perry Preschool study through age 27 (Monographs of the HighScope Educational Research Foundation, 10). Ypsilanti: HighScope Press.

My chosen research topic for my building research competencies simulation is: Eliminating inequities of accessibility to high quality preschool programs. So far my personal experience with the simulation process has been a positive one. Constructing a research chart has been helpful with organizing information and I have learned a lot about finding credible on line resources and what makes a credible resource.

From previous classes and research I have learned what a valuable resource professional connections can be. I am compiling a list of professional resources that I can access to assist me with this particular subject. Having access to other early childhood professionals with knowledge and experience is an invaluable resource.

The three related subtopics I would like to explore further are; 1. What does high quality early childhood education look like. 2.  Who currently has access to affordable high quality early childhood education. 3. How do we make high quality early childhood education affordable for all?  Any input or experience you have with these three sub topics would be greatly appreciated.

I chose this subject because it is very personal for me. As a child coming from a middle class working family I did not receive early childhood education. When my children were old enough for preschool they did not qualify for preschool because we made too much money but we couldn’t afford to pay, so they couldn’t go. That is when I decided as a parent to educate myself so that I could teach my children and give them the head start every child deserves; not just the wealthy children or the low income children but every child.

I looked at the free programs like head start and saw that they offered a well-rounded program that encompassed early learning, social emotional skills, family services and health and nutrition. I also looked at programs through private entities like churches and for profit child care. I found that the highest quality programs that offered the most comprehensive services were crafted for low-income children to level the playing field. In the process of leveling the playing field the powers to be were creating an unacceptable inequity of accessibility for working families who did not qualify for welfare.

As my professional career has advanced this inequity has not disappeared but there are strides being made. By researching this subject I think that I can bring this topic to the forefront of discussions that are already being had about accessibility of early childhood education, my research can be used by politicians and change agents in the early childhood field to express the importance of high quality early childhood education for all and I can use my research to give my career direction  so that I can continue in my efforts to bring affordable universal preschool to every 4-5 year old’s family that wants it.

I have found a few valuable resources besides professional connections that can help me with my research. The High Scope web page has a research link that has a lot of resources that can assist researchers. www.highscope.org Also, the NAEYC is a great resource for researchers. www.naeyc.org

I wouldn’t suggest using personal blogs or social media unless you can validate credentials and authenticity.