Background: Scant attention has been paid to the quality of working life of social care workers in Ireland. This study sought to characterise both the quality of working life and the well-being of social care workers in the disability sector. Method: A cross-sectional survey of social care workers (n = 307) was conducted. Measures of work-related…

Early childhood educators play a critical role in the lives of young children, especially through their sensitive interactions. Educators' capacities to engage in high-quality interactions are shaped by their mental health. Studies examining early childhood educators' mental health often focus on psychopathology or negative aspects of mental…

We evaluated the success of a best practice alert (BPA) in recruiting underrepresented families into an autism spectrum disorder research cohort by comparing BPA-response outcomes ("Interested," "Declined," "Enrolled," "Dismissed") in pediatric primary care practices (TCPs) serving diverse communities with…

As teachers, we think that we understand the challenges of educating children and adults when addressing multiculturalism, immigration and racism. But are we getting it right if we do not know the experiences and challenges faced by international students or even know the perspectives of typically white British students learning in an increasingly…

Introduction: Young people face heightened employment pressure, particularly those in the school-to-work transition phase. Although earlier studies have indicated that young people who are not in employment, education, or training (NEET) experience considerable psychological distress, limited attention has been paid to understanding why they are…

Physical activity (PA) engagement in Early Childcare and Education Centers (ECEC) supports preschoolers' ability to meet the national physical activity guidelines. However, the influence of Head Start playground quality, as assessed by the Head Start Body Start Play Space Assessment (PSA), on Head Start preschoolers' school day PA is…

Evidence from rodent studies highlights the mother as a safety cue that regulates fear and biology. However, when infant rats are exposed to rough maternal care (i.e., threat), their brains show atypical patterns of activity in response to maternal cues. In humans, childhood adversity (i.e., international adoption, involvement with Child…

Background: Considerable attention is rightly paid to preventable deaths in adults with intellectual disabilities. The pattern of these deaths and the implications for services have been less considered. Method: This paper forms part of a larger cross-sectional study of deaths in a defined population of adults with intellectual disabilities. Data…

The nature of relationships between service providers and parents of children with disabilities influences the health and wellbeing of parents and ultimately the quality of life of their children. The aim of this study was to explore parents' perceptions of their partnerships with service providers. We explored what was and was not working within…

Background: Service culture refers to the practices, views and values within service organisations. Developing positive cultures has been thought imperative to improving social care, though day services and their cultures remain an under-researched area. For many autistic people with profound learning disabilities, day services are the sites at…

As the United States' first disability-specific leadership academy in state government, the Leadership Academy for Excellence in Disability Services is a year-long competency-based training experience designed for employees who manage programs that impact the lives of Tennesseans with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.…

Since its inception in 1965, Head Start has provided low-income families with wraparound early childhood programming. Serving nearly a million children and families nationwide, Head Start's "Whole Child" philosophy was particularly evident during COVID-19 when families faced unprecedented disruptions at home, school, and work. Utilizing…

Experiences of workplace mistreatment are associated with poor physical and mental health outcomes. Workplace mistreatment among early childhood education workers is underexplored in the United States. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's Worker Well-Being Questionnaire was used to assess the extent and types of workplace…

This qualitative study used an inclusive and participatory research approach to examine the perspectives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) on instrumental supports. Instrumental supports include concrete and direct ways people assist others in solving a problem or accomplishing a task, including helping to access and…

Investing in children during their most formative years is not only one of the smartest financial decisions that can be made as a country, it also ensures that children across the country receive the support they need to thrive. Parents, families, and early childhood educators offer glowing personal testimonies to the enriching experiences,…