Research that Benefits Children and Families—Uplifting Stories

What I have learned about research is not all research is centered around medical advances.  There are studies that are developed to help improve policy dictate how policies are implemented and/or evaluate policy and practices' effect on the citizens of our nation.  Most recently I was able to review a research study that evaluated the affect of the QRIS system on young children and their families.  This was intended to be a minimal risk research study to test how the Quality Rating and Improvement System works in each early learning program.

During the research timetable the practitioners introduced the QRIS to early learning programs in low-income areas.  With increased investment in QRIS research and evaluation and greater pressure to demonstrate QRIS effectiveness, it is critical to develop a strategic plan for new QRIS research and evaluation that addresses pressing and vexing questions about QRIS design, connections of QRIS to other early childhood system components, and outcomes (expected and unexpected).  The first step in collaborative research that focused on the outcomes of QRIS was the development of new logic models that specify not only ultimate outcomes for children (e.g., school readiness) but also outcomes for families, programs, practitioners, and systems. Outcomes at these levels will support the ultimate goal of improving children’s outcomes. 

In the aspect of positive research this research study was introduced to promote educational change for the children.  "Our paramount responsibility is to provide care and education in settings that are safe, healthy, nurturing, and responsive for each child"(NAEYC, 2011).  They were participants in they attended a school that was undergoing an improvement of quality and practice.  There was little to no direct harm placed on the children.  We all know that children benefit from attending high-quality early learning programs.  This study transformed into a quality program.