September 12, 2017

Dear Chesterbrook Families,

As you may already know, I am a graduate student in the Department of Early Education and
Program Administrating at West Chester University of Pennsylvania, working towards my M.Ed.
in Early Childhood. As part of my Masters degree program, I will be conducting a classroom
research assignment to understand the behavioral monitoring method of redirection.

For the next six weeks, I would like to include your child (and all of my students in the Toddler
B classroom) in my research project on the effects of redirection for behavioral monitoring and
self-regulation as a toddler.

During a six-week period, your child will be observed as she/he engages in small group play.
The first two weeks of my observations will consist of conscientious observations and note
taking regarding behaviors. After the two weeks, I will apply the redirecting method as I see
challenging behavior occur. I will observe and record childrens responses to redirection to
understand the outcome of redirection when used with various children and in various situations.
During this time, I will also be directing a focus group consisting of other teachers at
Chesterbrook Academy. This will allow me to gain insight on how other teachers use redirection
and in which ways it affects children of different ages.

All of the data that I collect will be kept confidential and no references to childrens name or
family members names with be used in my work. I do not anticipate any risk for participants,
greater than normal school life. Your childs participation in this project is completely voluntary.
Your childs participation in this project is completely voluntary. All children in this room will
be monitored using this same method. For the children who are allowed participate will be
observed in small play group settings during not only inside the classroom, but on the
playground as well. If you choose for your child to not participate, she or he will simply not have
their actions logged. The choice to participate or not will not impact your childs daily routine or
status in school in any way. If you choose for your child to participate, you may withdrawal your
consent for your child to participate at any time, with no penalty.

All information that is obtained during this research project will be kept strictly secure and will
not become part of your childs school record. Your childs name and any other information
concerning his/her identity will be deleted from the research information. Your childs
confidentiality is most important and every effort will be made to ensure that this research
remains confidential at all times.

The results of this study will be used for an online website that is required in my course, Early
Childhood Researcher, in the College of Education and Social Work at West Chester University.
Pseudonyms or codes will be substituted for the names of the children and the school. This helps
protect confidentiality. The website is a private site, viewable by myself, my classmates, and my
professor only. I will be constructing summary of my research project that will be available to
all, however, children/family names and the name of our school will be included in the summary
of my research.
Please sign and return this letter by Wednesday October 4, 2017.

Thank you for your consideration,

Sara Connor

________ I agree to allow my child to be a participant in this study. I understand that my child
will be observed during play time in order for Ms. Sara to examine the effects of redirection on
toddler behavioral patterns. I understand there is no risk to me or my child and that I may
withdraw my consent at any time, without penalty.

________ I would rather my child NOT participate in this study. I understand that this decision
will not negatively impact my or my childs status or participation in school experiences in any
way.

Parents signature and date:

____________________________________________________________________

If you have any questions about your or your childs participation or this research project, please
contact me at our school phone or email address: (610) 353-7583 or sara.connor@nlcinc.com