On Saturday, 7 May, Dr. Stuart Shanker from the Milton and Ethel Harris Research Initiative (MEHRI) at York University in Canada presented cutting edge research developments in Early Childhood Education. The seminar, which was attended by teachers, medical professionals, researchers and students, was organized through members and partners of the Roma Good Start Initiative (RGSI) including REF, the International Step by Step Association (ISSA) and UNICEF.
On Saturday, 7 May, Dr. Stuart Shanker from the Milton and Ethel Harris Research Initiative (MEHRI) at York University in Canada presented cutting edge research developments in Early Childhood Education. The seminar, which was attended by teachers, medical professionals, researchers and students, was organized through members and partners of the Roma Good Start Initiative (RGSI) including REF, the International Step by Step Association (ISSA) and UNICEF. The seminar was also supported and hosted by Central European University’s Department of Cognitive Science Cognitive Development Center.
Dr. Shanker spoke and provided valuable information on the causes of many learning challenges in children, giving evidence that when children demonstrate the symptoms of learning disabilities, a biological explanation can often be found that identifies (and simplifies) both their causes and solutions. Dr. Shanker also emphasized the impact that excessive stressors have on children’s abilities to learn, including poverty and discrimination, stating that many children with perceived learning disabilities are simply overstressed and that their systems can not function efficiently under these conditions. These findings are critical for preventing the misdiagnoses of children with learning disabilities. In addition, having a precise understanding of the true root causes of academic challenges is key to developing and delivering effective interventions to ensure that all children find their way to a positive educational path.
For more information on REF’s work in Early Childhood Education: https://www.romaeducationfund.org/good-start-eu-roma-pilot
For more on Dr. Stuart Shanker’s work: http://www.mehri.ca/
For more on the Roma Good Start Initiative (RGSI): http://www.romachildren.com/?page_id=471
