This study investigated 10 mothers' perceptions on the transition process, for their children with disabilities, from early intervention to early childhood special education. The issues of related stressors, supports, and coping skills were further explored. This research was guided by the ecological or systems theory. The issue of transition between the two service programs (early intervention to early childhood special education) is addressed specifically in the legislation (Part C, Section 619, IDEA 1997). Federal law defines several elements that must be included in the transition planning. Each state must ensure a smooth transition for toddlers receiving early intervention services to preschool and other appropriate services. Since transition is such a critical time for young children with disabilities and their families, stress will presumably occur. The parents need to learn new terminology and procedures because each program is unique in which services are provided. Families are to receive information and training during the transition period. This study was guided by the following research questions: (1) What are the mother's perceptions of the transition process? (2) What factors facilitate or inhibit their satisfaction and involvement with the process? (3) What types of stressors and supports do these mothers experience during this process? Qualitative methods were used to secure data. In-depth interviews provided the most information, but document analysis was also utilized. Each participant was interviewed two times. Participants were found from a variety of resources in the local communities. The criterion for this study included mothers whose children had a diagnosed disability or developmental delay, had been in an early intervention program, and had transitioned within the last two years. The mothers from this study had positive transitions for their children. They were involved in this process and became better advocates. They were supported by family members and friends. Much support was provided by the professionals working within the early intervention system. The individuals who work with families of children with disabilities need to be aware of the whole family system. By knowing the family system, professionals will be able to provide services based on the individual needs of the family. Specific recommendations for policy makers in rural areas include the availability, location and cost of services. The medical model versus the education model was also discussed as an issue for these families when transitioning their children from one program to another. / Ed. D.

Thesis (M.ED. (Educational Psychology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2012 / The purpose of this study was to compare the perceptions of three groups of parents; parents with special needs children in regular schools (n=16), parents with special needs children in special schools (n=16) and parents with special needs children not enrolled in either regular or special schools (n =18) towards inclusion in Capricorn District. Their perceptions were sought with regards to inclusion in regular schools, general education teacher’s attitude and sociocultural constraints on inclusion. Causal comparative and quantitative design inclusive of administration of structured questionnaire was adopted for this study. From the basic descriptive and inferential statistics [ANOVA and Tukey (HSD) test], there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in perceptions among the three groups on 59% and 46% of the statements addressing inclusion in regular schools and sociocultural considerations respectively. No significant difference was observed (p > 0.05) on 76% of the statements on teachers’ attitude. Despite certain concerns, the perceptions of parents with SN children in RS (Group 1) were largely in favour of inclusion as opposed to parents with SN children in SS (Group 2) and parents with SN children not enrolled in either RS or SS (Group 3). There was a general consensus by all 3 groups of parents on the negative effects of general education teachers’ attitudes on inclusion. The results further suggested that the sociocultural paradigm as envisaged by parents from Group 3 influenced not only their expectations but also those of others (children without SN, teachers and the community at large) about children with SN. Against this backdrop, a more detailed investigation on the influence of culture on parents’ perception of inclusion is recommended.

Advertising to children has received regular focus since 1961, yet it remains a controversial topic. When people speak about advertising to children, they are frequently discussing food advertising. Recent concerns about food, nutrition and an increase in childhood obesity have resulted in a resurgence of interest towards advertising to children. Many factors contribute to the rise in childhood obesity; and advertising of unhealthy food to children has been recognised as one such factor. Advertising to children is fraught with ethical concerns. Children are considered to be vulnerable and susceptible to the influence of television advertising, since they do not possess the cognitive ability to comprehend or evaluate the advertisements they enjoy watching. Although there is ample research regarding the advertising of food to children, research on how parents perceive the impact of television food advertising on their children?s food preferences, as well as the overall level of parental concern with regard to this issue is limited. This study, aimed at exploring South African parents' perceptions of television food advertising to children, is in context of the widespread concern about TV food advertising, the increasing incident of obesity among children and a number of initiatives in other countries to limit children?s exposure to food advertising. A literature review was undertaken, which gave rise to the identification of the problem statement and objectives. Following the literature review, an empirical study was conducted with the aid of a questionnaire, as measuring instrument, to identify parents' perceptions of TV food advertising to children, in particular, parents with children aged between 3 and 14 years. The empirical study was conducted at a crèche in Vanderbijlpark, South Africa. The empirical research conducted for this study revealed that parents perceive it to be unacceptable for food to be advertised to children during their TV-viewing hours, in particular unhealthy food, and that advertising does influence their children's food preferences and eating habits. Parents believe that although regulations exist, these are ineffective in protecting children against advertisers. Furthermore, although parents are not in favour of banning all food advertising to children, they would like to see a reduction of food advertising to children and stronger restrictions being applied to TV food advertising during children?s viewing hours. As an outcome of the parents being exposed to the survey questionnaire, their awareness to the topic will be a lot greater than before. It would be interesting to see if those parents' perceptions have changed as a result of the heightened awareness and therefore it is recommended that the survey be repeated on the same parents within the next year. Furthermore, since the results obtained from this study is a representation of the perceptions of the parents from the geographical area of Vanderbijlpark, South Africa; it is recommended that this survey be conducted in other geographical areas around South Africa. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Advertising to children has received regular focus since 1961, yet it remains a controversial topic. When people speak about advertising to children, they are frequently discussing food advertising. Recent concerns about food, nutrition and an increase in childhood obesity have resulted in a resurgence of interest towards advertising to children. Many factors contribute to the rise in childhood obesity; and advertising of unhealthy food to children has been recognised as one such factor. Advertising to children is fraught with ethical concerns. Children are considered to be vulnerable and susceptible to the influence of television advertising, since they do not possess the cognitive ability to comprehend or evaluate the advertisements they enjoy watching. Although there is ample research regarding the advertising of food to children, research on how parents perceive the impact of television food advertising on their children?s food preferences, as well as the overall level of parental concern with regard to this issue is limited. This study, aimed at exploring South African parents' perceptions of television food advertising to children, is in context of the widespread concern about TV food advertising, the increasing incident of obesity among children and a number of initiatives in other countries to limit children?s exposure to food advertising. A literature review was undertaken, which gave rise to the identification of the problem statement and objectives. Following the literature review, an empirical study was conducted with the aid of a questionnaire, as measuring instrument, to identify parents' perceptions of TV food advertising to children, in particular, parents with children aged between 3 and 14 years. The empirical study was conducted at a crèche in Vanderbijlpark, South Africa. The empirical research conducted for this study revealed that parents perceive it to be unacceptable for food to be advertised to children during their TV-viewing hours, in particular unhealthy food, and that advertising does influence their children's food preferences and eating habits. Parents believe that although regulations exist, these are ineffective in protecting children against advertisers. Furthermore, although parents are not in favour of banning all food advertising to children, they would like to see a reduction of food advertising to children and stronger restrictions being applied to TV food advertising during children?s viewing hours. As an outcome of the parents being exposed to the survey questionnaire, their awareness to the topic will be a lot greater than before. It would be interesting to see if those parents' perceptions have changed as a result of the heightened awareness and therefore it is recommended that the survey be repeated on the same parents within the next year. Furthermore, since the results obtained from this study is a representation of the perceptions of the parents from the geographical area of Vanderbijlpark, South Africa; it is recommended that this survey be conducted in other geographical areas around South Africa. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

This paper takes a deeper look into how children's literacy development can be supported at home. Specifically, the paper examines the use of home literacy bags that are directed towards the students' specific needs by exploring their family background and home literacy environment. First, I explored the research on family perceptions of literacy, children's perceptions of literacy, home literacy practices, and home-school literacy partnerships in a literature review. Next, I created a literacy-based curriculum consisting of ten home literacy bags. This paper outlined a home-school literacy intervention in my future classroom. The information was obtained from my junior and senior student teaching internship as well as professional journal articles. I created home literacy bags in order for future teachers to use with their students when working and focusing on phonemic awareness. The bags are designed to fit each student's interests or needs in order to increase their literacy motivation and engagement. My findings consisted of a greater understanding of the specific language needed in order to properly connect with each student. While creating each home literacy bag, I found that dense language was very prevalent and needed to be written in a way that the audience would properly understand the message. This thesis provides ten home literacy bags focusing on a variety of topics, including children's books, backgrounds, and technology. Students are impacted by the materials provided to them as well as their own environment.

Problemställning Barns användning av elektroniska skärmar har ökat de senaste åren. Deras skärmanvändning påverkas av deras föräldrars användning och uppfattning till elektroniska skärmar. Distriktssköterskans roll inom elevhälsan är att hjälpa barn och familjer till hälsosamma vanor, även avseende skärmanvändning. Syfte Syftet var att beskriva föräldrars uppfattning om sina barns skärmanvändning. Metod Datainsamling gjordes med kvalitativa frågeformulär med öppna frågor. Materialet analyserades enligt fenomenologisk metod. Resultat Resultatet av studien visar att föräldrars uppfattning kring sina barns skärmanvändning är positiv. Föräldrar upplever att barns skärmanvändning bör begränsas samt att det är svårt. Skärmen kan vara en resurs för att söka kunskap samt sociala kontakter mellan barn via sociala medier. Konklusion Föräldrars uppfattning om sina barns skärmanvändning är både positiv och negativ. Skärmanvändning upplevs som bra när den används i pedagogiskt syfte eller bidrar till ökad fysisk aktivitet. Fortsatta studier Implikationer är studier som undersöker ämnet ur distriktssköterskans perspektiv, både avseende möjlighet till kommunikation med föräldrar samt hur föräldrar och distriktssköterskan kan samverka mot ogynnsam skärmanvändning bland barn. / Problem Children’s use of electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets has increased in recent years. Research shows that children’s screen usage is influenced by their parent’s use and perception of electronic screens. The role of the district nurse in student health is to help children and families with healthy habits, including regarding screen usage. Aim The aim of this study was to describe parent’s perceptions of their children’s screen usage. Method The data collection was done with qualitative open-ended questionnaires. The material was analyzed by phenomenological method. Results The results of the study show that parent’s perception of their children’s screen usage is positive. Parents feel that children’s screen usage should be limited and that it is difficult. The screen can be a resource for seeking knowledge as well as social contacts between children via social media. Conclusion Parents' perceptions of children's screen usage are both positive and negative. Screen usage is perceived as good when it’s used for educational purposes or contributes to increased physical activity. Further studies Implications are studies that investigate the topic from the district nurse's perspective, both regarding the possibility of communication with parents and how parents and the district nurse can work together against unfavorable screen usage among children

Background: Palliative care is a collaboration between several different professions with relatives and patients as a central point. Children need individualized care where the needs are based on the child’s situation. Nursing care includes the person from the time the person is born until they die. Aim: The aim of the study was to describe parents experiences of having a child who recives palliative care. Method: The study was a descriptive literature study where eleven articles were compiled with parents' experiences of having a child who receives palliative care. Result: The results of the 11 articles are presented in four main themes: Parents' perceived feelings of having a child in palliative care, Relationships, Communication and Choice of environmental setting for pediatric palliative care. Four sub-themes are presented: Family relationships, healthcare staff and parent under Relationships and hospital and home health care under Choice of environmental setting for pediatric palliative care. Conclusion: Relatives are different and have different needs. It is therefore important that nurses work person-centred around both the patient and relatives, and listen to parents' wishes and needs. / Introduktion: Palliativ vård är ett samarbete mellan flera yrkesgrupper med närstående och patient som central utgångspunkt. Barn behöver en individanpassad vård där behoven utgår från barnets situation. Omvårdnad inkluderar personen från att personen föds till att de dör. Syfte: Litteraturstudiens syfte var att beskriva föräldrars erfarenheter och upplevelser av att ha ett barn som får palliativ vård. Metod: Studien är en beskrivande litteraturstudie där 11 artiklar har sammanställts med föräldrars erfarenheter och upplevelser av att ha ett barn som får palliativ vård. Resultat: Resultat: De elva artiklarna presenteras i fyra huvudteman: Föräldrars upplevda känslor av att ha ett barn i palliativ vård, relationer, kommunikation och valet av miljö för pediatrisk palliativ vård. Fyra underteman presenteras: Familjerelationer, sjukvårdpersonal och förälder under Relationer och sjukhus och hemsjukvård under Valet av miljö för pediatrisk palliativ vård. Slutsats: Anhöriga är olika och har olika behov. Det är därför av vikt att sjuksköterskor arbetar personcentrerat runt både patienten och anhöriga och lyssnar på föräldrars önskemål och behov.

Förskolan och hemmet har ett ömsesidigt ansvar för förskolebarnet, den gemensamma nämnaren som förenar de två uppfostringsarenorna. Tidigare forskning visar att samverkan kan beskrivas på olika vis och kommer med förutsättningar för en fungerande samverkan. Dock har samverkan en central plats i förskolan för att bejaka barnets behov. Syftet med studien är att öka kunskapen om vårdnadshavares uppfattningar om samverkan mellan hemmet och förskolan. Studien bygger på kvalitativa intervjuer med 14 vårdnadshavare. Studiens tillämpade teoretiska begrepp är isärhållandets princip och partnerskapsprincipen. Resultatet i studien visar att vårdnadshavarna beskriver en samverkan i likhet med partnerskapsprincipen. Dock redovisar resultatet att vårdnadshavarna önskade samverkan ligger i linje med både partnerskapsprincipen och isärhållandets princip. Vårdnadshavarnas prioritet inomsamverkan är daglig och muntlig information om det egna barnet vid hämtning eller lämning. Resultatet redovisar vidare att vårdnadshavarna inte önskar samverka i frågor berörande förskolans organisation. Vårdnadshavarna beskriver även upplevda önskade och oönskade gränssättningar inom samverkan mellan hemmet och förskolan. Studiens slutsats är att samverkan kan beskrivas olika och innefattar individuella förväntningar, därför är det nödvändig att diskutera samverkan gemensamt med alla individuella parter. Vidare är studiens slutsats även att vårdnadshavarna önskar en samverkan dels i linje med partnerskapsprincipen men även i linje med isärhållandets princip

Aim: The aim of this comprehensive thesis is to explore different perceptions of public health nursing practice. The intention being to contribute to developing the service, theoretically and practically, in throe with current and future public health needs. Methods: The thesis comprises five studies. Public health nurses, young people, parents and decision makers are interviewed and share their perceptions of public health nursing practice (studies I, II, III and IV). Consultations at local child health clinics, clinics for young people and at school health services are observed (study III). A cross sectional study amongst a sample of doctors, public health nurses, midwives and child protection workers is carried out (study V). The first four studies have an explorative, descriptive design. Study V, with its focus on interprofessional collaboration, is based on the results of studies I, II, and IV. Findings: Study I, a case study, provides a backdrop for the remaining four studies. It focuses on changes the nurses have faced during the period 1984-2005. The results point to issues of visibility and that respect is more important for the nurses than authority or status. Study II is a philosophical study based on interviews with public health nurses. It gives an introduction to the philosophy of Emmanuel Levinas and develops a novel theoretical and practical understanding of aspects of responsibility in public health nursing. Study III shows the importance of relationships with service users in public health nursing practice; and that not only pleasantness but also honesty and openness are important. This study has contributed to further developing models of public health nursing interventions. Decision makers in study IV point to the challenges public health nurses face regarding collaboration, visibility and boundaries. Study V is a cross sectional questionnaire study that focuses on interprofessional collaboration. The results show that size of municipality can influence frequency of meeting points and views on issues relating to collaboration; and that mental health services are those most missed in collaborative relationships. The findings warrant further research and should be of interest when organising municipal health- and social services in Norway. Conclusions: The thesis concludes that service users and decision makers are satisfied with public health nursing services, but that public health nurses face challenges related to collaboration, to boundaries for knowledge and involvement, and in making their health promotive function visible / Denne doktorgradsavhandling: Perceptions of public health nursing practice - on borders and boundaries, visibility and voice, fokuserer på ulike oppfatninger av helsesøsters praksis. Helsesøstre, ungdom, foreldre, samt lokale politikere og administratorer er intervjuet om deres syn på helsesøstertjenesten. Konsultasjoner på helsestasjon for barn, ungdom og i skolehelsetjenesten er observert. Et utvalg av samarbeidspartnere har svart på et spørreskjema om samarbeidsforhold. Avhandlingen består av fem studier. De første fire studier har eksplorativ, deskriptiv design. Studie V er en tverrsnittsstudie som bygger på resultatene fra studiene I,II, og IV. Avhandlingen har til hensikt å løfte frem områder som respondentene mener fortjener oppmerksomhet og som kan ha praktiske og teoretiske implikasjoner for utvikling av tjenesten. Studie I, en case studie danner et bakteppe for de andre studiene. Den fokuserer på endringer i helsesøstertjenesten i perioden 1984-2005. Resultatene fra denne studien peker på helsesøstrenes opplevelse av usynlighet og at respekt er mer viktig for helsesøstrene i studien enn autoritet og status. Studie II er en filosofisk studie basert på intervjuer med helsesøstre. Den gir en introduksjon til Levinas’ filosofi og utvikler en dypere forståelse for teoretiske og praktiske aspekter av etisk ansvar i helsesøsters praksis. Studie III peker på betydningen av relasjoner i helsesøsters praksis. Det var viktig at konsultasjonene var hyggelige for helsesøstrene og brukerne, men ærlighet og åpenhet var også vesentlig for gode relasjoner. Beslutningstakere i studie IV peker på utfordringer helsesøstre har når det gjelder samarbeid, usynlighet, samt grenser for deres kunnskap og involvering. Studie V er en spørreskjemaundersøkelse som fokuserer på samarbeid. Resultatene viser at kommunestørrelse har betydning for hyppighet av møtepunkter og syn på samarbeid og at psykiske helsetjenester er savnet mest i samarbeidsrelasjoner. Disse funn burde være av interesse i fremtidig organisering av helse- og sosialtjenester. Avhandlingen konkluderer med at foreldre, ungdom og beslutningstakere er fornøyde med helsesøstertjenesten, men at helsesøstre står overfor viktige utfordringer i samarbeidsrelasjoner, i forhold til grenser for involvering og i å synliggjøre deres helsefremmende funksjon

Syftet med studien är att öka kunskapen om vårdnadshavares uppfattningar och förväntningar på barns användande av digitala verktyg, i hemmen och i förskolan. Detta gjordes genom semistrukturerade intervjuer med sju vårdnadshavare från en landsbygdskommun i Mellansverige. Studien utgick från ett fenomenografiskt perspektiv och analysmodell. Resultatet visar att vårdnadshavare har en positiv attityd till digitala verktyg samtidigt som de värdesätter en variation mellan digitala och analoga verktyg i förskolans undervisning. De betonar att barnen behöver få kunskap om användandet av och med digitala verktyg. De menar att vuxna inte kan skydda barnen från alla risker som finns med digitalt användande, men att barnen kan ges förutsättningar som kan öka deras säkerhet. Exempelvis ett kritiskt förhållningssätt. Detta menar vårdnadshavarna att barnen kan erbjudas i förskolan med hjälp av digitala verktyg och kompetenta pedagoger. Vårdnadshavarna menar att eftersom barnen växer upp i ett digitaliserat samhälle så behöver de ges möjlighet att utveckla den digitala kompetens som behövs för att klara vardagen. / The aim with this study is to increase the knowledge of legal guardians' perceptions and expectations of children's use of digital tools at preschool and at home. This was done through semi-structured interviews with seven guardians from a rural municipality in central Sweden. The study was based on a phenomenographic perspective and analysis model. The results show that guardians' have a positive attitude towards digital tools while also valuing a variation between digital and analogue tools in preschool teaching. They emphasize that the children need to gain knowledge about the use of and with digital tools. They believe that adults cannot protect children from all the risks that exist with digital use, but that children can be given conditions that can increase their safety. For example, a critical approach. The guardians believe that this can be offered to the children in preschool with the help of digital tools and competent pedagogues. The guardians believe that because the children are growing up in a digitalized society, they need to be given the opportunity to develop the digital skills needed to cope with everyday life.