Thesis (Ph.D.) in Psychology--University of Maine, 2008. / Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 146-164).

This dissertation was initiated to investigate the preprimary teacher's role in identifying and assisting learning disabled preprimars. The literature section consists of a study of the normal process of child development and the phenomenon of learning disability and its manifestation in preprimars. The philosophy of inclusion and a number of existing programmes for learners with learning disabilities were examined. The empirical research assessed the responses of preprimary teachers from the Eastern Cape to a questionnaire, their experiences in dealing with preprimars with learning disabilities in a typical preprimary group were analyzed and a summary of the findings was made. Recommendations have been given to teachers regarding the identification of learning disabilities in preprimars, the assistance and support needed to enable the teacher to assist the learning disabled preprimar and the need for additional training to equip her to do so. / Educational Studies / M. Ed. (Orthopedagogics)

Fibrose cística é uma doença hereditária, caracterizada por alterações no transporte de cloro nas membranas das células epiteliais, gerando a produção de muco espesso e anormal, o que pode obstruir os ductos de glândulas exócrinas de vários órgãos. As manifestações clínicas principais da doença abrangem os sistemas respiratório (com infecções pulmonares recorrentes e crônicas) e gastrointestinal (com insuficiência pancreática e consequente má-digestão e absorção de nutrientes, levando a desnutrição energético-protéica). Existem evidências de que a constituição da microbiota intestinal pode influenciar a colonização do trato respiratório de indivíduos com fibrose cística. Esta dissertação teve como objetivo realizar revisão sistemática e metanálise das publicações científicas sobre o uso de pré, pró ou simbióticos em fibrose cística, além de avaliar a situação nutricional dos pacientes com fibrose cística acompanhados no Instituto da Criança - HCFMUSP. A revisão sistemática e metanálise seguiu protocolo proposto pela Colaboração Cochrane, com buscas em bases de dados eletrônicas com os termos prebioticos ou probióticos ou simbióticos e fibrose cística. Foram incluídos ensaios clínicos randomizados que abordassem os desfechos de inflamação intestinal e/ou exacerbações pulmonares. O estudo de avaliação nutricional foi realizado através de levantamento de dados antropométricos e clínicos, além de questionários aplicados a pacientes e responsáveis sobre dados de consumo alimentar e características socioeconômicas. Na busca bibliográfica foram encontrados 48 diferentes estudos, e somente 6 atingiram os critérios para integrar a metanálise. Foi observado efeito protetor do uso de probióticos e simbióticos na taxa de exacerbação pulmonar em pacientes com fibrose cística quando comparados com placebo (OR= -1,01 (IC 95% -1,66; -0,37), p = 0,002). Os níveis de calprotectina fecal (indicador de inflamação intestinal) tiveram redução significativa após intervenção (OR= -12,18 (IC 95%: -22,50; -1,86), p = 0,02), e houve diminuição dos pacientes com inflamação intestinal (calprotectina > 50 mcg/g de fezes) com OR= 0,31 (IC 95%: 0,13; 0,79), p = 0,01. Na avaliação do perfil nutricional foram incluídos 101 pacientes (59,4% do gênero masculino, 86,4% caucasianos), e a mediana de idade na inclusão foi de 10 anos. A maioria dos pacientes foi classificada como eutrófica, com consumo alimentar adequado. Valores menores de escore Z de IMC foram observados em escolares e adolescentes, e a proporção de pacientes com peso abaixo do esperado aumenta de 10% entre pré-escolares para 35% na faixa etária escolar. As características socioeconômicas não demostraram relação com consumo alimentar ou estado nutricional. Os valores de função pulmonar foram mais baixos em adolescentes e indivíduos com pior estado nutricional, porém sem diferença significante. Dados da metanálise, apesar da limitação amostral, apontaram o uso de probióticos como fator de proteção para exacerbações respiratórias, bem como para inflamação intestinal. Resultados da avaliação nutricional indicam que a transição das faixas etárias pré-escolar para escolar é um momento crítico, portanto abordagens direcionadas para estas faixas etárias podem ser de grande importância para preservação da saúde nutricional. Sendo assim, recomenda-se que mais estudos de estratégias nutricionais preventivas sejam realizados em faixas etárias precoces, como suplementação de probióticos, visando a melhora do prognóstico de pacientes com fibrose cística. / Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disease characterized by deficiency of chloride transportation in epithelial cell membranes, resulting in thick and abnormal mucus, which may obstruct ducts of exocrine glands in several organs. The main clinical manifestations include the respiratory (recurrent and chronic lung infections) and gastrointestinal systems (pancreatic insufficiency and consequent maldigestion and absorption of nutrients, resulting in malnutrition). There is evidence that intestinal microbiota composition may impact the respiratory tract colonization of individuals with cystic fibrosis. This study aimed to verify current evidence regarding the effects of supplementation of probiotics, prebiotics or both in cystic fibrosis patients, concerning gastrointestinal and respiratory outcomes. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis, and additionally carried out a survey of the nutritional status of patients with cystic fibrosis attending the outpatient clinic of the Instituto da Criança HCFMUSP. The systematic review and meta-analysis was performed according to the protocol proposed by the Cochrane Collaboration, searching electronic databases using the terms \"prebiotics\" or \"probiotics\" or \"symbiotic\", and \"cystic fibrosis\". Randomized clinical trials addressing intestinal inflammation and/or pulmonary exacerbations were included. The assessment of nutritional status was carried out through a cross-sectional survey of medical records concerning clinical and anthropometric data, and also by applying a questionnaire to patients and caregivers concerning food consumption, and socioeconomic characteristics. The bibliographic search identified 48 different studies, but only 6 fulfilled criteria to be included in the meta-analysis. A protective effect of probiotic and symbiotic use was observed in the rate of pulmonary exacerbations when compared to placebo (OR = -1.01 (95%CI -1.66, -0.37), p=0.002). The levels of fecal calprotectin (indicator of intestinal inflammation) had a significant reduction after intervention (OR = -12.18 (95%CI: -22.50, -1.86), p=0.02) and there was a decrease in the proportion of patients with intestinal inflammation (calprotectin> 50 mcg/g feces) with OR = 0.31 (95%CI: 0.13, 0.79), p=0.01. Regarding nutritional assessment, 101 patients were included (59.4% male, 86,4% white race), and median age at inclusion was 10 years old. The majority of patients were considered to be eutrophic and have adequate food intake, but lower values of BMI Z-score were observed in schoolchildren and adolescents. The proportion of underweight patients increased from 10% among preschoolers to 35% of the school age group. The socioeconomic characteristics were not associated to the food consumption or nutritional status. Lung function was lower in adolescents and individuals with poor nutritional status, but without significant difference. Data from the meta-analysis, despite the limitations of sample size, indicated that the use of probiotics may be a protective factor for respiratory exacerbations as well as intestinal inflammation. Results of the nutritional assessment indicate that the transition from the pre-school to the school age groups is a critical period, and therefore approaches directed to these age groups may have a significant impact in the nutritional health. Towards that, further studies using preventive nutritional strategies such as probiotic supplementation, are recommended for younger age groups, aiming to improve the prognosis of patients with cystic fibrosis.

I samhället värderas extroverta egenskaper högre än de typiska introverta dragen och är något som tidigt ifrågasätts i förskolan och skolan. Detta kan bero på en okunskap hos personalen, att man har attityden och synen av att det extroverta är strävansvärt eftersom skolan speglar samhällets norm. Syftet med studien var att undersöka förskollärares pedagogiska bemötande av och kunskap om introverta barn. Vi har utgått ifrån relationen mellan Vygotskijs sociokulturella teori och Gardners teori om multipla intelligenser i vår analys. Vi genomförde en kvalitativ studie där vi intervjuade 11 förskollärare inom Gävleborgs län. Vi använde oss av en tematisk analys för att analysera resultatet. Resultatet visar att det finns en avsaknad av formell kunskap om ämnet men att samtliga deltagande respondenter uppvisat reell (erfarenhetsbaserad) kunskap om ämnet. Vi kunde utöver det se en koppling mellan våra två forskningsfrågor och resultatet, att förskollärarnas pedagogiska bemötande var kopplat till deras kunskap om ämnet oavsett om det var en formell kunskap eller en personlig förståelse för begreppet introvert. / In society, extrovert qualities are valued higher than the typical introvert traits and are something that is questioned early in preschool and school. This may be due to an ignorance on the part of the staff, that you have the attitude and view that the extrovert is worth striving for, because the school reflects society's norm. The purpose of the study was to investigate preschool teacher's pedagogical approach and knowledge about introverted children. We have started from the complimentary relationship between Vygotsky's sociocultural theory and Gardner's theory of multi-intelligence in our analysis. We conducted a qualitative study where we interviewed 11 preschool teachers in Gävleborg County. We used a thematic analysis to analyze the results. The results show that there is a lack of formal knowledge about the subject, but that all participating respondents have demonstrated real (experience-based) knowledge about the subject. We could see a connection between our two research questions and the result, that the preschool teachers' approach was linked to their knowledge of the subject, regardless of whether it was a formal knowledge or a personal understanding of the concept of being introvert.

For the past decade, Sweden has been reinforced as a multicultural society, and immigrant integration policy has been a hotly debated topic. During the election campaigns in 2022, preschool was an important political issue, the government arguing that early interventions can be the key to the successful integration of immigrants. Subsequent amendments to the Education Act, which entered into force on 1 July 2023, require all municipalities to actively promote increased participation in preschool by means of different methods. The municipalities must provide information to parents and legal guardians and offer preschool enrollment to children who need learning Swedish, without the parents or legal guardians applying for it. The outreach activities are aimed at children who are not currently enrolled in preschool but who are entitled to be. The purpose of the present thesis is to investigate the experiences among preschool staff of the requirement to take active measures to offer preschool enrollment to the children of foreign-born parents. Through a qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews and a street level bureaucrats theoretical perspective, the study has focused on two municipalities which have charged preschool staff with the aforementioned task. With the analytical terms street level bureaucrats and discretion, it has been possible to investigate how the policy is implemented and how the preschool staff feels about being a fellow human being as well as an agent for a government authority. The results of the study indicate a consensus among preschool staff that they understand the purpose of, and need for, active measures, and their good intentions and ambitions are visible, despite being insufficiently prepared for the task by their employers.

An increased focus on school readiness exists as students enter public school for the first time. Given unique challenges for students who are blind and use braille, school readiness in the transition to and preparation for kindergarten is even more critical to their future academic success. If children who are blind and use braille as their primary learning medium have the necessary school readiness skills entering kindergarten, they will be better prepared to participate in the academic classroom. There is a need for additional research to illuminate the skills needed for school readiness for children who are blind and use braille so programs can tailor their resources to provide appropriate instruction and intervention. The purpose of this research is to describe and explain how Teachers of the Visually Impaired (TVI) and primary caregivers construct the idea of school readiness for children who are blind and use braille as their primary learning medium. This research will examine current practice in relation to the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework and the Expanded Core Curriculum. Grounded in the Ecological and Dynamic Model of Transition the research will situate the whole child within natural contexts to identify supports for successful transition to public school. Qualitative research design will use permanent product review, including Individual Family Service Plans and Individual Education Plans to identify themes of current practice. Identified themes will be verified through semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders to better understand school readiness for children who are blind.

Thesis (M. Ed.)--University of Hong Kong, 1987.

This study investigated what constitutes a moral development program in Buddhist temple preschools in Thailand. The researcher employed three qualitative methods: structured, in-depth interviews, observations of teachers' instruction, and document analysis of curriculum guides. Four Buddhist temple preschools were selected as the sites. Participants for interview included three abbots and one head nun, four principals, and twelve teachers. Participants for observations included four teachers of third year classes in each preschool. The study concentrated on four research questions: (a) what are the elements of the character education curriculum? (b) How do teachers teach moral development concepts and skills? (c) What are the teachers' perceptions of the moral development of third year preschoolers? (d) How do teachers assess their pupils' moral development? Key findings for the research questions were: character education was not a subject in the National Preschool Curriculum which was implemented in the Buddhist temple preschools. Core morality was integrated into every topic. The moral behaviors emphasized in the curriculum and the lesson plans included discipline, mindfulness, kindness, helpfulness, patience, honesty, respect, thriftiness, and politeness. The Buddhist concept of the process of moral development includes character education and meditation. The preschoolers were trained to pay respect to teachers and parents as an obedience approach to character education. Preparation of teachers included screening for their values and pre-service training. The instruction of meditation was approached gradually and aroused the children's interest. After three years of schooling, the third year preschoolers were well-behaved, helpful, and kind; no aggressive behaviors were reported. The assessment of moral development of preschoolers was based on observation of the teachers throughout the school year. Implications for practice are discussed, including procedures for gathering information on beliefs, attitudes, and culture of the parents before implementation of different models of moral development. Finally, future research directions are proposed.

The purpose of this study was to examine the provision of physical, occupational and speech therapy services and restrictiveness of settings for programs for children, 3-5 years old, with disabilities by North Carolina school districts. Public and federal school systems in North Carolina were participants in the study. A survey research design was utilized to collect information from school districts. In addition to examining implementation of related service and least restrictive environment requirements in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), possible effects of district size was also explored relative to the provision of preschool services. Also examined was whether differences existed between the public and Department of Defense federal school systems. Data from surveys received from North Carolina Exceptional Children Program Administrators were used to illustrate that not all school districts provided all necessary therapy services to preschoolers with disabilities. Occupational therapy was the most reported therapy not provided to children identified as requiring the service. The primary reason for not providing therapy was a shortage of appropriate personnel. / Ed. D.

Bakgrund: Forskning visar att barn upplever oro och rädsla i samband med anestesi. Anestesisjuksköterskan är en av de som behöver möta barnets känslor. Genom att belysa anestesisjuksköterskans erfarenheter kan förståelse skapas samt ge möjlighet till fördjupad kunskap inom barnanestesi. Syfte: Studiens syfte var att belysa anestesisjuksköterskans erfarenheter av mötet med barn i förskoleåldern i samband med anestesiinduktion. Metod: En kvalitativ metod med induktiv ansats genomfördes. Datainsamlingen bestod av semistrukturerade intervjuer där totalt tolv anestesisjuksköterskor intervjuades. Dataanalys genomfördes enligt Graneheim och Lundmans (2004) kvalitativa latenta innehållsanalys. Resultat: Två övergripande teman identifierades, med fyra kategorier och sju subkategorier. Det första temat, goda förutsättningar för ett vårdande möte, innefattar handlingar, strategier och faktorer som ger goda förutsättningar för att mötet med barn i förskoleåldern i samband med anestesiinduktionen ska bli vårdande. I det andra temat, hindrande faktorer för ett vårdande möte,lyfts anestesisjuksköterskans erfarenheter av vad som hindrar förutsättningarna för ett bra och vårdande möte.   Slutsats: Mötet med barn i samband med anestesiinduktionen är både utmanande och roligt. Anestesisjuksköterskan behöver anpassa sig efter det unika barnet, involvera föräldrar, tillämpa sina tidigare erfarenheter och inneha en handlingsberedskap för att kunna främja ett vårdande möte. Preoperativa förberedelser spelar en avgörande roll för såväl anestesisjuksköterskan, som för barn och föräldrar. Mötet kan dock ge upphov till känslomässig påfrestning då anestesisjuksköterskan kan behöva utföra tvingande handlingar vilka kan hindra förutsättningar för ett vårdande möte. / Background: Research shows that children experience worries, and fear associated with anesthesia. The nurse anesthetist’s is one of those who needs to meet the child’s feelings. By highlighting the nurse anesthetist’s experiences, understanding can be created and allow in-depth knowledge regarding pediatric anesthesia.  Aim: The study aimed to highlight the nurse anesthetist’s experiences of meeting with children of preschool age in connection with anesthesia induction  Method: A qualitative method with an inductive approach was used. The data collection consisted of semi-structured interviews where twelve nurse anesthetists were interviewed. The data analysis was carried out according to Graneheim and Lundmans (2004) qualitative latent content analysis. Results: Two overall themes were identified, with four categories and seven subcategories. The first theme, good presumptions for a caring meeting, includes actions, strategies and factors which gives good presumptions for the meeting with children of preschool age in connection with the anesthesia induction to turn out caring. In the second theme, obstructive factors for a caring meeting, the nurse anesthetist’s experiences of what obstructs the presumptions for a good and caring meeting are highlighted. Conclusion: The meeting with children in connection with the anesthesia induction is both challenging and fun. The nurse anesthetist needs to adapt to the unique child, involve the parent, apply their experiences, and have an action plan to promote a caring meeting. Preoperative preparations play a crucial role for the nurse anesthetist as well as for the child and parents. The meeting can give rise to emotional stress when the nurse anesthetist needs to perform coercive actions that obstruct the presumptions of a caring meeting.