Ongoing Projects
🧠 Child Development and Learning
- Understanding Child Development Milestones (0–6 years)
- The Science of Early Brain Development
- Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP) in the Preschool Classroom
- Social and Emotional Development in Young Children
- Executive Function and Self-Regulation in the Early Years
🎓 Curriculum and Pedagogy
- Play-Based and Inquiry-Based Learning Strategies
- Designing Integrated and Thematic Curriculum for Preschool
- Emergent Literacy and Early Numeracy Instruction
- STEM for Preschoolers: Hands-on, Minds-on Learning
- Creating Culturally Responsive Classrooms
📖 Assessment and Observation
- Child Observation Techniques for Teachers
- Formative Assessment Tools in Early Childhood Settings
- Using Portfolios and Learning Stories to Track Progress
- Identifying Early Signs of Developmental Delays
🧑🏫 Classroom Management and Environment Design
- Creating Safe, Stimulating, and Inclusive Learning Spaces
- Positive Guidance and Behavior Management Techniques
- Daily Routines and Transitions in Preschool
- Designing Learning Centers and Interest Areas
🏠 Family and Community Engagement
- Building Partnerships with Families and Caregivers
- Effective Parent-Teacher Communication Techniques
- Home Learning Support and School Readiness
- Engaging Fathers and Extended Families in Early Learning
🌍 Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity
- Inclusive Education for Children with Special Needs
- Anti-Bias Education in the Early Years
- Teaching in Multilingual and Multicultural Classrooms
- Supporting Refugee and Migrant Children in Preschool
💻 Technology and Innovation
- Using Digital Tools to Enhance Learning
- Safe and Purposeful Screen Use in the Early Years
- Digital Documentation of Learning and Communication with Parents
- Blended Learning Approaches in Early Childhood Education
🌱 Teacher Well-being and Professionalism
- Reflective Practice and Continuous Professional Development
- Stress Management and Self-Care for Early Childhood Educators
- Building Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)
- Ethics and Professional Conduct in ECE
⚖️ Policy and Advocacy
- Understanding Early Childhood Education Policies and Standards
- The Role of Preschool Teachers in Educational Advocacy
- Child Rights and Protection in Early Childhood Settings
📚 Publications & Reports
📘 Research Methods & Ethics
The International Early Childhood Education Development and Research Institute (IECEDRI) recommends and promotes several research methods and ethical principles for conducting studies in early childhood contexts.
🔬 I. Research Methods Used by IECEDRI
1. Quantitative Research Methods
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Surveys and Questionnaires
- For large-scale data collection from teachers, parents, or administrators.
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Standardized Assessments
- To evaluate cognitive, language, or motor development in children.
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Experimental and Quasi-Experimental Designs
- For impact evaluations of early interventions or teacher training programs.
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Longitudinal Studies
- To track children's development or the impact of early education over time.
2. Qualitative Research Methods
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Ethnographic Fieldwork
- To study natural behavior and cultural practices in preschool settings.
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Interviews and Focus Groups
- With educators, parents, or children to gather in-depth insights.
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Participant Observation
- To capture real-time classroom interactions and dynamics.
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Case Studies
- For deep exploration of particular schools, children, or community programs.
3. Mixed-Methods Approaches
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Triangulation of Data
- Combining survey results, classroom observations, and interviews to strengthen findings.
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Sequential Designs
- Conducting a qualitative study to design a quantitative instrument, or vice versa.
4. Innovative and Participatory Approaches
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Child-Centered Research
- Using drawings, storytelling, or play to understand young children’s perspectives.
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Action Research
- Teachers and researchers co-investigate to improve classroom practices.
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Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR)
- Involving parents and local stakeholders in research design and interpretation.
⚖️ II. Research Ethics Followed by IECEDRI
1. Informed Consent and Assent
- Obtain written informed consent from parents or guardians.
- Seek age-appropriate assent from young children (e.g., through verbal agreement or visual cues).
2. Confidentiality and Privacy
- Ensure data is anonymized or de-identified.
- Use secure data storage systems and respect participants' privacy rights.
3. Voluntary Participation
- Participation must be voluntary, with the right to withdraw at any time without consequences.
4. Child Protection and Safety
- Follow child safeguarding protocols to protect children from harm.
- Researchers should undergo background checks and child protection training.
5. Non-Maleficence and Beneficence
- Avoid physical or psychological harm.
- Ensure research benefits outweigh any risks to participants.
6. Cultural Sensitivity and Respect
- Design and conduct research that is culturally relevant and respectful of local customs and languages.
- Engage local stakeholders in the research process.
7. Ethics Review and Approval
- Submit all research proposals for review by a recognized Ethics Review Board (ERB) or Institutional Review Board (IRB).
- Reassess protocols if methods or participant risks change during the study.
🤝 Collaborate With Us
Are you passionate about advancing early childhood education?
We welcome partnerships with researchers, universities, NGOs, policymakers, and advocates worldwide.
Join IECEDRI to co-create impactful research, drive innovation, and support quality early learning for all children.
Or email us at: info@iecedri.lk