Model Fit and Interpretation of Non-Linear Latent Growth Curve Models

This dissertation investigated the use of various techniques in modeling non-linear change in the context of latent growth modeling. A simulation study was conducted utilizing four between subjects factors: sample size (50, 75, 100, 150, 200, 300 and 500), slope variance (.15, .45 and .75), factor correlation (.15, .45 and .75) and growth curve (exponential, logarithmic and logistic). There was also a single within subjects factor: fit technique (quadratic, unspecified and spline). The outcomes of interest were the ÷2 model fit statistic and the following goodness-of-fit indices: CFI, GFI, AGFI, SRMR and RMSEA. Results indicated the unspecified technique provided the best statistical estimates of model fit while the quadratic technique provided the worst. This result was consistent across all of the between subject factor conditions. The spline technique performed very similarly to the quadratic technique. These results suggest applied researchers should pay very close attention when utilizing polynomial techniques and should also strongly consider the unspecified technique as either the model of choice or as a comparison to results obtained for another model

Typically Developing Preschoolers’ Behavior Toward Peers with Disabilities in Inclusive Classroom Contexts

This study aimed to investigate typically developing preschoolers’ behavior toward peers with disabilities in inclusive classrooms, focusing on the co-occurrence of the interactions between children with and without disabilities with various classroom contexts. Behaviors of 22 typically developing preschoolers were observed and coded on two different days in both indoor and outdoor classrooms during free play, small group activities, transitions, and meals/snack. Typically developing children interacted with peers with disabilities for a small amount of time; the interactions were significantly more likely in the outdoor classroom, in either child- or teacher-directed activities, and in play activities. There was a lack of adults’ intentional scaffolding for social interactions between children with and without disabilities even when they were near the children. Activity contexts contribute to children’s social behavior, and teachers need more support and training with inclusive and collaborative practices

08231 Abstracts Collection -- Virtual Realities

From 1st to 6th June 2008, the Dagstuhl Seminar 08231 ``Virtual Realities\u27\u27 was held in the International Conference and Research Center (IBFI), Schloss Dagstuhl. Virtual Reality (VR) is a multidisciplinary area of research aimed at interactive human-computer mediated simulations of artificial environments. Typical applications include simulation, training, scientific visualization, and entertainment. An important aspect of VR-based systems is the stimulation of the human senses -- typically sight, sound, and touch -- such that a user feels a sense of presence (or immersion) in the virtual environment. Different applications require different levels of presence, with corresponding levels of realism, sensory immersion, and spatiotemporal interactive fidelity. During the seminar, several participants presented their current research, and ongoing work and open problems were discussed. Abstracts of the presentations given during the seminar as well as abstracts of seminar results and ideas are put together in this paper. Links to extended abstracts or full papers are provided, if available

Nebraska Child Care Market Rate Survey Report 2023

The Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) Act of 2014 was reauthorized with renewed emphasis on the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) program, which seeks to provide equal access to quality child care for families. The CCDF program is necessary to ensure children from families with lower income have the opportunity to experience stable, high-quality early experiences while their parents experience a pathway to economic stability. A primary goal of the CCDF program is to ensure that families with lower income receive CCDF funds to help them access quality child care in the same manner as families that pay the full rate for child care services (Davis et al., 2017). The CCDBG Act requires lead agencies to inform families receiving CCDF assistance, the general public, and child care providers of various aspects of the new law. Lead agencies are required to conduct a market rate survey or alternative methodology to establish provider payment rates. Various factors should be considered when provider payment rates are established to ensure children from families with lower income have equal access to high-quality child care. Federal regulations indicate that the 75th percentile payment rate is a benchmark for gauging equal access for families receiving subsidy. However, states/ territories are given the freedom to determine their own rates and eligibility requirements for families and programs. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is the CCDF lead agency in Nebraska. While the reauthorized CCDBG allows states to conduct a market rate survey every three years, state legislation requires that DHHS adjust the reimbursement rate for child care every odd-numbered year. For 2023, DHHS contracted with the Buffett Early Childhood Institute (referred to as the Institute throughout the remainder of this report) at the University of Nebraska to conduct a market rate survey (MRS) for child care in Nebraska. The 2023 MRS was designed to meet the following federal benchmarks: (a) includes the priced child care market; (b) provides complete and current data; (c) represents geographic variations; (d) uses rigorous data collection procedures; and (e) analyzes data in a manner that captures market differences as a function of age group, provider type, and geographic location (45 CFR § 98.4)

HuSIS: A Dedicated Space for Studying Human Interactions

To support the study of effective human-surrogate interaction techniques and modalities, the Office of Naval Research awarded an equipment grant to support the development of a Human-Surrogate Interaction Space (HuSIS) at the University of Central Florida in the Institute for Simulation & Training. The HuSIS consists of a dedicated physical space, structures, and components designed specifically for carrying out controlled studies related to human-surrogate interactions. This article describes the motivation, design, and realization of the HuSIS and the benefits of the common data-collection and analysis framework developed for HuSIS research

Walking a High Beam: The Balance Between Employment Stability, Workplace Flexibility, and Nonresident Father Involvement

Compared with resident fathers, nonresident fathers are more likely to be unemployed or underemployed and less likely, when they are employed, to have access to flexible work arrangements. Although lack of employment stability is associated with lower levels of father involvement, some research shows that increased stability at work without increased flexibility is negatively related to involvement. Using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (N = 895), the authors examined the relationship between nonresident fathers’ employment stability, workplace flexibility, and father involvement. Results indicate that workplace flexibility, but not employment stability, is associated with higher levels of involvement. Policy and practice implications are discussed