When the coronavirus broke out in December 2019, the world changed. Phrases such as “sheltering at home,” “social distancing” and “self-quarantining” entered the lexicon and became part of an everyday, far-reaching “new normal.”
For some, life changed in additional ways. In the spring of 2020, reports of racism, hate crimes and even violence directed at Chinese and Asian Americans surged throughout the United States.
The prevalence of children with developmental delays worldwide is estimated to be up to 18 percent. However, fewer than one-third of these children are identified by their health care provider. This is significant because children whose delays are not addressed early on are at risk for adverse outcomes, including emotional, behavioral and health problems later in life.
Tucked away from the busy city streets of São Paulo, Brazil, young learners are exploring a colorful garden with spades, magnifying glasses and other tools. They gather around their preschool teacher who is holding a freshly dug worm in her hands. They observe the wriggling creature together. After the excited shrieks subside, the teacher begins to ask them questions.
In a brightly lit classroom in northeast Brazil, kindergarteners and their teachers gather for their daily circle time on the carpet. However, today is different. The children are joined by a group of visitors from Nebraska, many of whom don’t speak Portuguese.
While there are distinct differences between the U.S. and Brazil, there are even more things the two countries have in common. In particular, a desire to ensure all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential guides the work of early childhood educators, researchers and other professionals in both parts of the world.
Michael Hebert, associate professor of special education and communication disorders, led a May 1 virtual presentation in the Spring 2020 Methodology Applications Series. About 40 people attended his presentation via Zoom video conference.
His presentation, “Seeing the Forest Plot for the Trees: Using Meta-Analysis to Synthesize Research,” is now available on video.
Donna Chen, MAP Academy graduate research assistant, has earned a Dean’s Fellowship for the 2020-21 academic year through the Office of Graduate Studies for her “outstanding academic performance and scholarly potential.”
Chen is a fifth-year doctoral student in the Quantitative, Qualitative and Psychometric Methods program. She is working primarily on the Equity in Engineering and TAPP Latino projects.
Congratulations to CYFS Director Sue Sheridan, who has been named associate dean for research and creative activity for the College of Education and Human Sciences.
Sheridan will continue as CYFS director. Lisa Knoche, research associate professor, is now co-director of the center and will assist in strategic and operational activities.
