Early Childhood Research Network information:

Statement of Independence

Childforum is a fully independent research organization, which incorporates the Early Childhood Research Network. Childforum and the Early Childhood Research Network do not serve the political, professional, religious or other interests of any early childhood group, service, or association. The EC Research Network and Childforum are not dependent upon funding from Government or any other statutory body or organization.

Dr Sarah Farquhar provides overall management for the Network and ensures its smooth running. Any public comment on political and professional matters that Sarah may make as the director of Childforum, reflects her knowledge and substantial experience and not necessarily the views of individual members of the Early Childhood Research Network.

Purpose of the Research Network

The Network was formally established by Sarah Farquhar in 1998 to support early childhood researchers and promote higher standards in research. The Network has a large and continually growing membership of researchers and people interested in research from the full range of early childhood organisations, teacher education, education/social/health policy, education administration, early childhood review, and academic and research institutions.

To date the focus has been on growing the network of early childhood researchers within New Zealand, however, interest from overseas researchers is now seeing the Network encompass Australian and wider international activities and interests.

The observable activities of the Network are the:

• Publication of research, (a) electronically on the website (b) in print in the academic journal NZ Research in Early Childhood Education, and (c) in book or other printed form depending upon the requirements of a particular publication.
  
  
• Annual symposia for the presentation of research, discussion of research methodology and theory, and an opportunity for researchers to meet face-to-face and strengthen professional networks and develop new ones.
  
  
• Beginning Researcher Award to recognise an outstanding new researcher.
  
  
• Postgraduate support group for students enrolled in masterate and doctoral programmes at any tertiary institution.
  
  
• Newsletters and updates of information of interest to researchers and people interested in research, sent electronically to members.

Less observable are the:

• Benefits for participants in making new contacts, having opportunities to gain confidence in presenting and publishing their work, and to strengthen the quality of their research.
  
  
• Ways participants are encouraged to learn about and engage critically with research, to develop their thinking and understanding of research methodology, ethical and political issues.
  
  
• Opportunities created for researchers to share their work outside of their institution, region, or sector group.
  
  
• Supports given to researchers and to the open discussion of research, providing a "personally safe" supportive context for researchers to share their work or to question research.

Membership and Participation

Members can tap into any of the activities of the Network at their choosing. Members are welcome to contribute and assist in any way that helps to meet or further the objectives of the network. New ideas and offers of assistance are always welcomed.

It is FREE to join the Childforum Research Network! And you do not have to live in New Zealand to be a member.

To join, simply send an e-mail to sarah@CHILDforum.com with your details and request to be placed on the mailing list for newsletters and other updates.

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