Module #1 - Professional Interviews

The teachers that I interviewed have been in the Early Childhood Education field for many years.  One of the teachers works in the four year old classroom at a   private preschool program and the other is the lead teacher in an at-risk Pre-K classroom in one of the public school districts in my town. 

Insights gained from your interviews regarding current advocacy efforts and needs in your areas of interest within the field of early childhood. 

Both teachers agreed that Early Intervention is very important aspect in the health and well being of a child.  It’s every parent’s worst nightmare to find out that your child has been born with a disability.  Feelings of fear, anxiety, depression, isolation and helplessness often surround new parents who don’t know where to go or who to turn to.  Both teachers shared that this can be a very difficult issue to discuss with parent.  However understanding the importance and expressing that to the parents helps with the discussion. 

The Pre-K teacher has been teaching early childhood students for over 30 years.  She explained that early intervention services have come a long way over the years.  With the research on the effectiveness of early intervention more programs have been developed to help children and families.  I asked her how important this issue was to her and the program that she works in.  She explained that the children she works with are in her program because they have been recognized as at risk or in need of intervention services.  She went on to explain that with early intervention, the child will foster with a large support structure and will have the best chance at normal development through special-focused programs, while they get the emotional support they need to make it through the first few difficult years.  Although early intervention within the first few years is important, her program work with young children ages four and five preparing to attend kindergarten in the next few years.

How these interviews may have influenced your decision about which area of interest and topics to choose for your research paper. 

I also shared with these teachers that I was very concerned about childhood obesity and providing education for healthier lifestyles for children. 

One of the teachers explained that this has been an overall concern of hers as well.  She explained that with the children having more technology in their world such as computers, electronic games and television, children are becoming less active than ever before.  Educating families on the importance of daily activity is very important. 

Which area of interest are you thinking of focusing on for your paper as well as the related three specific topics? 

I am interested in the area of Health: related three specific topic: 1. Childhood obesity 2. Early Intervention 3.Healthier options to serve to our children in school / daycare environments.