Research That Benefits Children and Families-Uplifting Stories

If I had the means and authorization to conduct a research topic, the topic would be parent/teacher partnerships and continuity of care. Years ago I operated a family home day care and seen the positive affects the children had by having one childcare provider. The children’s parents and I had a very positive relationship with one another and worked together as a team to provide the best child care and education services for their children. Most of the children I provided care for where enrolled in my program for up to 5-6 years. They were provided care in a family like setting. They attended my family celebrations and were considered as a part of my family. I believe that the benefits of continuity of care are the fact that children continue their education and provider care with the same provider. The children are comfortable and less stressed about changing providers. Children who have one provider over a period of time have a strong bond with their provider. Young children develop a secure sense of identity through consistent care practices, and an effective partnership between parents and early childhood teachers is imperative for achieving consistency (McBride, 1999).  

 A benefit that the parents had where the fact that I complied with the way they wanted their children to be cared for. If a parent wanted homework completed before play, which is exactly what was done. If a parent wanted their child to rest before play, which is exactly what I made sure happened. Parent and care providers are the driving force that helps to educate and care for the well-being of children. Successful partnerships have been shown to have a positive impact on the care and education of young children (Owen et al., 2000; Pelo & Davidson, 2003). Excitingly to say, the majority of the children that I provided care for are successful college students. One student is studying to be a fireman, another student is in the air force, and another student received a full scholarship to play college football. I believe that these are the positive effects of continuity of care and great partnerships between the parent and child care provider.  

Reference

De Gioia, K. (2009). Parent and Staff Expectations for Continuity of Home Practices in the Child Care Setting for Families with Diverse Cultural Backgrounds. Australasian Journal Of Early Childhood, 34(3), 9-17.