Current Search: preschool (x)
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Title
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PARAPROFESSIONAL-IMPLEMENTED DIALOGIC READING AND ITS IMPACT ON CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS.
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Creator
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Irvine, Annalise D, Towson, Jacqueline, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of paraprofessional-implemented dialogic reading (DR) strategies on the comprehension, interaction, and attending abilities of a child on the autism spectrum. The secondary purpose was to understand whether the DR strategies assisted the paraprofessional in establishing meaningful interactions and positive behavioral changes with her student on the autism spectrum. A single subject across behaviors design was implemented with one...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of paraprofessional-implemented dialogic reading (DR) strategies on the comprehension, interaction, and attending abilities of a child on the autism spectrum. The secondary purpose was to understand whether the DR strategies assisted the paraprofessional in establishing meaningful interactions and positive behavioral changes with her student on the autism spectrum. A single subject across behaviors design was implemented with one paraprofessional and her student with autism. Judged from visual analysis of the graphical representation of the data, it was determined that there was a medium to strong functional relationship (depending on the individual strategy) between the education of the paraprofessional on DR and the utilization of DR during shared book reading. The child participant did not exhibit overt gains through traditional DR in appropriate verbal responding but did experience a shift towards more consistent correct responding as a result of the DR prompts. These results provide preliminary evidence that paraprofessionals can effectively implement DR strategies in shared book reading with children who are not typically developing. Future research for this population should address certain aspects of traditional DR that could be adapted to more appropriately cater to the needs of children on the autism spectrum.
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Date Issued
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2018
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Identifier
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CFH2000546, ucf:45615
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000546
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Title
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The State of Trauma-Informed Care in the Preschool.
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Creator
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Kolomeyer, Ellen, Renk, Kimberly, Sims, Valerie, Dunn, Michael, Boris, Neil, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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This study aimed to provide a foundational knowledge base from which to begin bridging the gap between research on trauma-informed, relationship-based therapeutic interventions in early childhood preschool classrooms and the practice of such classroom-based interventions. Specifically, this study identified several specific predictors (e.g., funding) and barriers (e.g., lack of knowledge and training in assessment instruments and referral options) to gaining trauma-informed knowledge and...
Show moreThis study aimed to provide a foundational knowledge base from which to begin bridging the gap between research on trauma-informed, relationship-based therapeutic interventions in early childhood preschool classrooms and the practice of such classroom-based interventions. Specifically, this study identified several specific predictors (e.g., funding) and barriers (e.g., lack of knowledge and training in assessment instruments and referral options) to gaining trauma-informed knowledge and engaging in trauma-informed practices in preschool classrooms. Individuals in leadership roles at preschools were sampled anonymously with regard to their current trauma-informed knowledge and program practices. Participants included 98 preschool leaders from Florida, 36 preschool leaders from Maryland, and 34 preschool leaders from Wyoming. Descriptive statistics were calculated for the variables of interest. ANCOVA with bootstrapping was conducted to determine whether there were significant differences between programs based on their state and funding source. There was no effect of state. In contrast, funding source predicted trauma-informed knowledge and practices, with federal/state funding being related to higher levels of knowledge and trauma-informed practices. Additionally, multiple regression analyses with bootstrapping were examined to determine significant predictors of preschool leaders' trauma-informed knowledge and practices. Similarly, results indicated that programs differed significantly in trauma-informed knowledge and screening practices based on their source of funding, with federal/state funding again predicting more trauma-informed knowledge and practices. Researchers may be able to benefit from the unique information found in this study as a launching point to inform program development and disseminate community- and nation-wide models of trauma-informed care in preschool classrooms. Implications for future studies are discussed.
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Date Issued
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2018
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Identifier
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CFE0007341, ucf:52143
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007341
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Title
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Partnering with paraprofessionals: Expanding preschool children's responses through dialogic reading.
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Creator
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Hirn, Juliana, Towson, Jacqueline, Green, Katherine, Kent-Walsh, Jennifer, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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Shared interactive reading is an evidence-based practice where professionals can collaborate to promote literacy and language skills in young children. Providing children with developmental disabilities (DD) the opportunity to gain language and preliteracy skills in early intervention is critical for their development as they are at a higher risk for falling behind in academics compared to their age-matched peers. This study evaluated the effectiveness of dialogic reading (DR) for children...
Show moreShared interactive reading is an evidence-based practice where professionals can collaborate to promote literacy and language skills in young children. Providing children with developmental disabilities (DD) the opportunity to gain language and preliteracy skills in early intervention is critical for their development as they are at a higher risk for falling behind in academics compared to their age-matched peers. This study evaluated the effectiveness of dialogic reading (DR) for children with DD. DR has been shown to be an effective strategy to teach typically developing preschool-aged children vocabulary, language, and literacy skills, however research in children with DD is limited. Results related to the different types of questions asked by paraprofessionals before and during a DR intervention showed one singular training of DR positively impacted paraprofessional's implementation of DR strategies and children's responses to prompts. A positive impact was found on children's language use during book readings.
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Date Issued
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2019
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Identifier
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CFE0007891, ucf:52794
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007891
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Title
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Preschool Attendance: A Parental and Teacher Perspective of Barriers, Health Behaviors and Practices using Grounded Theory Research.
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Creator
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Meoli, Anne, Chase, Susan, Anderson, Mindi, Quelly, Susan, Wink, Diane, Sheinberg, Nurit, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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Background: Preschool children from single-parent households with lower socioeconomic status (SES) are absent from preschool at rates higher than any other group. Some children are chronically absent, missing more than 10% of the school year. The phenomenon of preschool attendance related to behaviors, practices, and parental decision making associated with health and illness in lower SES households has not been previously studied using grounded theory methodology.Aim: The purpose of this...
Show moreBackground: Preschool children from single-parent households with lower socioeconomic status (SES) are absent from preschool at rates higher than any other group. Some children are chronically absent, missing more than 10% of the school year. The phenomenon of preschool attendance related to behaviors, practices, and parental decision making associated with health and illness in lower SES households has not been previously studied using grounded theory methodology.Aim: The purpose of this study was to explore decision making related to supporting attendance in a preschool of 67 children (aged 3 to 4 years) with primarily low-income, single parents and preschool teachers in South Florida. The decision making process parents and teachers face every day and the environmental supports of preschool attendance facilitated identification of factors encouraging or impeding attendance.Results and Recommendations: Focus groups and interviews with teachers, parents and administrators were conducted, and direct observation of the school attendance process and health/attendance policies were examined. Data analysis was concurrent with data collection to allow for theoretical sampling. The data analysis revealed an underlying process of (")communicating about health: benefitting children's attendance in a preschool environment.(") Supporting this theory were three themes of (a) empowerment: actions to support health, (b) trusting judgment regarding health, and (c) commitment of organization and parents to health and attendance. Recommendations for implementation of practice, policy changes, and opportunities for future research found in this unique setting were discussed to improve attendance.
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Date Issued
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2016
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Identifier
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CFE0006143, ucf:51186
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006143
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Title
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RECEPTIVE AND EXPRESSIVE SINGLE WORD VOCABULARY ERRORS OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES.
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Creator
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Hirn, Juliana L, Towson, Jacqueline, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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Vocabulary growth during the preschool years is critical for language development. Preschool children with developmental disabilities often have more difficulty with learning and developing language, therefore making more errors in vocabulary. It is important to recognize what type of errors children are demonstrating, especially as it relates to receptive and expressive language abilities. This study explores the error patterns preschool children with developmental disabilities make during...
Show moreVocabulary growth during the preschool years is critical for language development. Preschool children with developmental disabilities often have more difficulty with learning and developing language, therefore making more errors in vocabulary. It is important to recognize what type of errors children are demonstrating, especially as it relates to receptive and expressive language abilities. This study explores the error patterns preschool children with developmental disabilities make during receptive and expressive single word vocabulary tests. A secondary analysis of preexisting data was conducted from a sample of 68 preschool children with developmental disabilities ranging in severity. Based on a coding system developed by the author, errors were classified according to type. The majority of the errors children made were classified as No Response types of errors, with the second most common error being Semantic Perceptual errors of receptive and expressive picture naming tasks. Understanding the types of errors preschool children with disabilities make will help to enhance their language and therapy needed to thrive as a learner, especially as they begin elementary school.
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Date Issued
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2017
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Identifier
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CFH2000261, ucf:46010
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000261
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Title
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EXAMINING THE MORAL DEVELOPMENT OF YOUNG CHILDREN AND THEIR NATURALISTIC DISPLAYS OF EMPATHY THROUGH SERVICE-LEARNING EXPERIENCES IN PRESCHOOL.
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Creator
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Paris, Elizabeth, Szente, Judit, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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Moral development in preschool is a component of social and emotional development, which also includes self-regulation, interpersonal skills, and school readiness. While service-learning has demonstrated significant benefits to the social-emotional development of older students, very little research has examined the effects of service-learning with young children. The purpose of this study was to create an academic curriculum that would provide preschool children (3 to 5 years old) with a...
Show moreMoral development in preschool is a component of social and emotional development, which also includes self-regulation, interpersonal skills, and school readiness. While service-learning has demonstrated significant benefits to the social-emotional development of older students, very little research has examined the effects of service-learning with young children. The purpose of this study was to create an academic curriculum that would provide preschool children (3 to 5 years old) with a developmentally-appropriate approach to service-learning, and determine if such a curriculum had a measurable effect on naturalistic empathy. Children in two classrooms received a preliminary empathy score based on number of empathetic behaviors relative to time observed. Children in the experimental classroom engaged in a series of lesson plans designed to guide their self-selected service-learning project. Participants in the experimental classroom created an intergenerational project that directly served the residents of a nursing home across the street from their school. A subsequent assessment of empathy measured moral development as a result of the service-learning in comparison to the normal growth and development observed in the control classroom. Results indicate if participation in service-learning increases the number of observed empathetic behaviors. Implications and recommendations for further research are also discussed.
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Date Issued
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2011
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Identifier
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CFH0003851, ucf:44709
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0003851
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Title
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Impact of the Education Level of Voluntary Prekindergarten Teachers upon Kindergarten Student Readiness Rates.
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Creator
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Wright, Teresa, Murray, Barbara, Murray, Kenneth, Doherty, Walter, Williams-Fjeldhe, Karri, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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This study addressed the problem of insufficient information concerning the impact of variability in requirements and credentials for Florida Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) teachers statewide on VPK program quality. This study examined the variance in the professional credentials of VPK lead instructors in Florida school districts and whether or not this variability makes a significant difference in program quality as measured by VPK Provider Kindergarten Readiness Rates.Analysis of variance...
Show moreThis study addressed the problem of insufficient information concerning the impact of variability in requirements and credentials for Florida Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) teachers statewide on VPK program quality. This study examined the variance in the professional credentials of VPK lead instructors in Florida school districts and whether or not this variability makes a significant difference in program quality as measured by VPK Provider Kindergarten Readiness Rates.Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) statistical tests were conducted, as appropriate, for each of four research questions. Research findings indicated there was no statistically significant difference in the mean VPK Provider Kindergarten Readiness Rates based on the professional credentials for VPK lead instructors when controlling for the socio-economic status of the children enrolled at each site.Recommendations were made for future research to replicate the study using a different indicator of program quality, perhaps a measure of student progress throughout the school year. Also, the first groups of students to participate in Florida's voluntary prekindergarten (VPK) program are now enrolled in upper elementary grades making a longitudinal study both feasible and worthwhile in evaluating the effectiveness of a large-scale preschool program. The researcher further recommended that the idea of improving the qualifications of the prekindergarten workforce must persist, supported by continued research and adequate funding.
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Date Issued
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2012
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Identifier
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CFE0004619, ucf:49928
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004619
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Title
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EMERGENT WRITING SKILLS IN PRESCHOOL CHILDREN WITH LANGUAGE IMPAIRMENT.
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Creator
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Pavelko, Stacey, Lieberman, R. Jane, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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Much research demonstrates that alphabet knowledge, phonological awareness, and emergent writing are all significant predictors of later reading and writing outcomes, and that children with language impairments (LI) are particularly at risk for later literacy difficulties. Further, children with LI consistently demonstrate depressed emergent literacy skills in the areas of phonological awareness, print concepts, and alphabet knowledge; however, little is known about their emergent writing...
Show moreMuch research demonstrates that alphabet knowledge, phonological awareness, and emergent writing are all significant predictors of later reading and writing outcomes, and that children with language impairments (LI) are particularly at risk for later literacy difficulties. Further, children with LI consistently demonstrate depressed emergent literacy skills in the areas of phonological awareness, print concepts, and alphabet knowledge; however, little is known about their emergent writing skills. Therefore, the purposes of this study were twofold: (1) to compare the emergent writing skills of preschool children with language impairment to their typically developing peers using a range of writing tasks and a detailed, consistent scoring rubric for each task; and, (2) to explore the relationships among emergent writing skills and alphabet knowledge, phonological awareness, and oral language. The participants included four groups of preschool children: 11 4-year-old children with LI; 11 4-year-old language typical (LT) children, age-matched to children with LI; 20 4-year-old children with typical language; and, 21 5-year-old children with typical language. Children with language impairment scored between 70 and 84 on the Language Index of Assessment of Literacy and Language (ALL) (Lombardino, Lieberman, & Brown, 2005), and children with typical language scored between 85 and 115. All children passed a bilateral hearing screen, scored within the normal range on a non-verbal intelligence screen, demonstrated an unremarkable developmental history relative to sensory, neurological, and motor performance, spoke English as their primary language, and had mothers with at least a high school education or equivalent. During two sessions, children were administered the ALL and five emergent writing tasks: Write Letters, Write Name, Write CVC Words, Picture Description, and Sentence Retell. The writing tasks and accompanying scoring rubrics were adopted from a previous study by Puranik and Lonigan (2009). Results indicated that children with LI demonstrated significantly less advanced letter and word writing skills than their language typical, age-matched peers. In addition, significant relationships between all emergent writing tasks and alphabet knowledge were observed for all children as well as significant relationships between oral language and phonological awareness for children with typical language. No significant relationships between any of the emergent writing tasks and phonological awareness or between oral language and alphabet knowledge were found. Further, results indicated the same developmental patterns exist in written as well as oral language for children with LI. This study has therapeutic implications for speech-language pathologists. In particular, emergent writing tasks need to be included in comprehensive assessment and intervention approaches for children with LI. Assessments need to yield accurate descriptions of emergent writing skills relevant to later literacy outcomes. Finally, integrated intervention approaches that combine initial sound awareness tasks with alphabet knowledge and emergent writing tasks may achieve the best learning outcomes.
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Date Issued
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2011
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Identifier
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CFE0004067, ucf:49138
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004067
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Title
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A Quasi-Experiment Examining Expressive and Receptive Vocabulary Knowledge of Preschool Head Start Children Using Mobile Media Apps.
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Creator
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Vatalaro, Angela, Culp, Anne, Szente, Judit, Hahs-Vaughn, Debbie, Levin, Judith, Goodman, Jill, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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The American Academy of Pediatrics (1999, 2011) recommends no screen time for children under two years and limited screen time for three- and four-year-olds. Despite these recommendations, most young children have easy access to various types of screens. In particular, children's use of mobile media, including tablets and other touch screen devices, is increasing (Common Sense Media, 2013). Even though scholars have highlighted positive uses for mobile media (Christakis, 2014; Radesky,...
Show moreThe American Academy of Pediatrics (1999, 2011) recommends no screen time for children under two years and limited screen time for three- and four-year-olds. Despite these recommendations, most young children have easy access to various types of screens. In particular, children's use of mobile media, including tablets and other touch screen devices, is increasing (Common Sense Media, 2013). Even though scholars have highlighted positive uses for mobile media (Christakis, 2014; Radesky, Schumacher, (&) Zuckerman, 2015) and there are recommendations in place for using mobile media with young children in active, open-ended ways (NAEYC (&) Fred Rogers Center, 2012), there has been very limited research conducted on the impact of mobile media on young children's development. What is more, as early childhood professionals are beginning to incorporate mobile media into their classrooms, they are struggling with the ability to use these devices in developmentally appropriate ways (Marklund, 2015; Nuttall, Edwards, Mantilla, Grieshaber, (&) Wood, 2015). The primary purpose of the present study was to examine the efficacy of using different types of mobile media apps to increase the receptive and expressive vocabulary development of preschool children living in economically disadvantaged communities. Children and teachers in four Head Start classrooms participated in the quasi-experimental study, which included an eight-week intervention in which the children interacted with one of two types of apps: one classroom used direct instruction vocabulary apps (n = 16) and one classroom used open-ended vocabulary apps (n = 15). Two classrooms served as control groups (n = 18; n = 14) which used apps that were chosen by the Head Start program with no specific instructional method. Children's vocabulary was assessed pre- and post-intervention. To assess receptive vocabulary, the PPVT-4 (Dunn (&) Dunn, 2007) and an iPad Receptive Vocabulary Assessment (Vatalaro, 2015a) were used. To assess expressive vocabulary, the EVT-2 (Williams, 2007) and an iPad Expressive Vocabulary Assessment (Vatalaro, 2015b) were used. Using a repeated measures analysis of variance with split plot analysis, children who used direct instruction apps performed statistically significantly higher on the PPVT-4 than children who used open-ended apps. Children in the direct instruction app group also performed statistically significantly higher than both control groups on the iPad Receptive Vocabulary Assessment. There were no statistically significant differences between groups for receptive vocabulary as measured by the EVT-2. However, when children were credited for describing a function instead of the iPad vocabulary word, the analysis of the iPad Expressive Vocabulary Assessment revealed that the children using direct instruction apps performed statistically significantly higher than children using open-ended apps and the children in one of the control groups. A secondary purpose of the present study was to examine the use of apps in mobile media by Head Start teachers. The teachers in the two intervention classrooms participated in weekly meetings with the primary researcher for support in using mobile media in their classrooms in order to ensure that the child intervention was carried out with fidelity. After analyzing data from teachers' self-report daily logs across the eight-week intervention, it was determined that the children received instruction on the assigned apps in both intervention classrooms. Although caution is given to the findings due to some limitations such as the quasi-experimental choice of a research design and the number of participants, the present study contributed to the early childhood research literature with the findings that interactive, animated apps which provide the meanings of vocabulary words in a direct instruction manner may have the ability to increase a child's receptive vocabulary, and to increase a child's descriptive definitions of iPad functions. This information increases the chance that teachers in Head Start will begin using direct instruction apps, in the hope of increasing a child's vocabulary knowledge.
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Date Issued
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2015
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Identifier
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CFE0005896, ucf:50859
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005896
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Title
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THE EFFECTS OF THE ATTAINMENT OF FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT SKILLS BY PRESCHOOL TEACHERS AND THEIR ASSISTANTS ON STUDENTS' CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR.
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Creator
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Wagner, Karen, Cross, Lee, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of teaching functional assessment skills to three Prekindergarten teachers and their teaching assistants. The effects were measured by examining the behavior of the teachers and assistants, as well as the behaviors of the students; before, during and after the delivery of three, two-hour functional assessment classes. The teaching staff videotaped themselves and their students during a regular class time, predetermined by the researcher and...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to examine the effects of teaching functional assessment skills to three Prekindergarten teachers and their teaching assistants. The effects were measured by examining the behavior of the teachers and assistants, as well as the behaviors of the students; before, during and after the delivery of three, two-hour functional assessment classes. The teaching staff videotaped themselves and their students during a regular class time, predetermined by the researcher and each teacher prior to the onset of baseline data collection, over an approximate nine-week period. The video was taken in twelve-minute segments every day. Later, the video was coded for specific behaviors. Although there were gains in appropriate intervention strategies from teachers and assistants during the intervention phase, the interventions generally peaked a week or two after the classes ended and gradually declined. Teacher skills were retained however, as most ratios of appropriate interventions maintained at higher rates than baseline. Relationships between student behavior and correct teacher interventions were established and maintained. The intervention resulted in changes in staff behavior, but results did not sustain at high levels over time. The realization that escape maintained some student behavior, and teaching skills to "test" for function, were likely the most important concepts for many of the participants. Further research should include adding a behavior coach to assist in shaping the teaching staffs' emerging skills and to provide a sounding board when developing specific student interventions.
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Date Issued
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2008
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Identifier
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CFE0002088, ucf:47575
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002088
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Title
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An Examination of Movement between Preschool and Kindergarten Classrooms for Young Children with Developmental Disabilities.
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Creator
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Ezekiel-Wilder, Faith, Dieker, Lisa, Little, Mary, Marino, Matthew, Levin, Judith, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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The researcher in this investigation describes the similarities and differences of movement in preschool and kindergarten classrooms for young children with developmental delay. Through the use of a mixed method research design, the researcher examined how movement is integrated throughout a school day and integrated into teacher-directed mathematics activities. This study used a multiple case study method that included observations of preschool (n= 3) and kindergarten (n= 3) classrooms to...
Show moreThe researcher in this investigation describes the similarities and differences of movement in preschool and kindergarten classrooms for young children with developmental delay. Through the use of a mixed method research design, the researcher examined how movement is integrated throughout a school day and integrated into teacher-directed mathematics activities. This study used a multiple case study method that included observations of preschool (n= 3) and kindergarten (n= 3) classrooms to determine similarities and differences in movement. In addition, a quantitative measure was embedded within the multiple case study design to compare movement of children with developmental delay. A thematic analysis resulted in themes connected to movement and teachers' perceptions in preschool and kindergarten. Preschool case themes included the use of videos with music for movement, literacy movement, physical transitions, fine motor activities, free play and fine motor manipulatives. Kindergarten case themes included: physical transitions, special areas, fine motor activities, and fine motor workbook activities. The researcher determined that while young children with disabilities in kindergarten classrooms exhibited higher levels of physical activity, as measured by steps taken, than young children with disabilities in preschool classrooms, preschool teachers consistently integrated a variety of movement activities at a higher rate. The results of this study exposed the need for a shared community interest of developing a scaffolding structure between preschool and kindergarten to ensure an effective transition between settings for children with DD.
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Date Issued
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2018
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Identifier
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CFE0007177, ucf:52257
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007177