eNotes
August 17, 2018In this Issue:
- 2018 IDEA Determinations Fact Sheet Source: U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
- Reflections on the Relevance of "Self-Regulation" for Native Communities Source: Office of Planning, Research & Evaluation (OPRE)
- Supporting the Psychological Well-Being of the Early Care and Education (ECE) Workforce Source: Office of Planning, Research & Evaluation (OPRE)
- Defining Highly Effective Offices of Early Learning (OEL) in State Education & Early Learning Agencies Source: Center on Enhancing Early Learning Outcomes (CEELO)
- Parent Education and Family Life Education: A Critical Link in Early Childhood Education Policy Source: National Council on Family Relations (NCFR)
- CDC's Study to Explore Early Development (SEED) - New Collection of Scientific Publications Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
1. 2018 IDEA Determinations Fact Sheet
The 2018 IDEA Determinations Fact Sheet (July 24, 2018) provides information about the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), including the determination category for each state under Part B and Part C, for fiscal year 2016. This document identifies those states that meet the requirements for implementing Parts B and C of IDEA, as well as, those states that need assistance, or need intervention.
2. Reflections on the Relevance of "Self-Regulation" for Native Communities
This brief from OPRE (May 2018) describes how the Euro-American concept of "self-regulation" can be perceived problematic in some cultures, as it entails a self-centered orientation. For example, many Native American cultures believe the primary orientation is community, and that "a more holistic definition of self-regulation would refer to a balance among ones' culture, community and self, with a focus on the whole person..." (Rowan et al., 2014). The brief aims to assist those working with children in Native communities to culturally engage with families by developing an understanding of self-regulation and how it relates to and benefits from Native beliefs, values and practices.
3. Supporting the Psychological Well-Being of the Early Care and Education (ECE) Workforce
A new report from OPRE (April 2018) reveals findings after studying the psychological well-being of ECE workers and data from the National Survey of Early Care and Education (NSECE) gathered in 2012. Some of the findings include:
- Less than 10% of ECE center-based workers experience moderate psychological stress
- Less than 1% experience serious psychological stress
- Teachers felt less psychological distress in workplaces that supported a climate of teamwork, respect, and stability
- Teachers with lower household incomes experienced greater psychological distress
The report further explores the implications of psychological stress for ECE teachers and for the quality of ECE and child development. Data tables, recommendations and references for further research are included.
4. Defining Highly Effective Offices of Early Learning (OEL) in State Education & Early Learning Agencies
A recent brief from CEELO (June 2018) outlines the characteristics of high-performing OEL's in the following 3 areas: 1) Organizational Capacity, 2) Organizational Effectiveness and Efficiency, and 3) Leadership and Staff Capabilities. Early childhood state and national leaders will find this a useful tool while developing their agency's new or existing strategic plan.
5. Parent Education and Family Life Education: A Critical Link in Early Childhood Education Policy
According to this policy brief published by the NCFR (July 2018), research suggests that the most effective initiatives for positive outcomes for early childhood development include a focus on the whole family. By building the capacity of parents, instead of focusing exclusively on children's school readiness and academic success, greater impact is achieved in the child's early development. The brief further examines the research on parent education and Family Life Education and offers policy recommendations for implementing best practice parenting programs. An executive summary is also available.
6. CDC's Study to Explore Early Development (SEED) - New Collection of Scientific Publications
The CDC recently launched a collection of scientific findings from SEED (July 2018), the largest U.S. study aimed at identifying factors that may put children at risk for autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. The new resource offers detailed summaries for each publication and a link to the scientific abstract. The collection will be regularly updated as new publications from SEED researchers become available.