High School

Find one source that may yield specific information that directly supports one of the claims in your essay.

1. Provide the name and link to the source.
2. Use the CRAAP analysis questions and/or website analysis questions to evaluate the source.
3. Write answers to the analysis questions.
4. In a few sentences, explain your decision to use or not to use the source and why, based on the outcome of your source evaluation.

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**Example:**

**Title of the Source:** Head Start vs. Private Daycare Centers: Finding the Best Fit for Your Child

**Link to the Source:** [Insert link here]

**Evaluation Using CRAAP:**

- **Currency:** Is the information up-to-date?
- **Relevance:** Does it relate directly to your essay claim?
- **Authority:** Who is the author/publisher, and are they credible?
- **Accuracy:** Is the information supported by evidence?
- **Purpose:** What is the purpose of the information? Is it biased?

**Decision Explanation:**

After evaluating the source using the CRAAP method, I decided to use/not use it because [explain your reasoning based on currency, relevance, authority, accuracy, and purpose].

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**Example of Analysis and Decision:**

In the field of early childhood education, parents frequently face the option of whether to enroll their child in a Head Start program or a private childcare center. Both alternatives provide benefits such as intellectual enrichment and socialization opportunities. The decision is based on criteria including mental health support, educational quality, cost, and accessibility. For instance, Head Start programs are often funded or free, making them accessible to lower-income families, whereas private childcare centers might be costly but offer more convenient locations and hours. The decision depends on a variety of factors, including the child's needs, financial considerations, and parental preferences.

Answer :

Final answer:

A credible source for an essay comparing Head Start programs and private daycare is a study by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, highlighting the impact of daycare quality on child development. As per CRAAP analysis, this source is relevant, authoritative, and accurate, making it an excellent resource for the essay topic.

Explanation:

When considering sources for an essay on the topic of Head Start programs versus private daycare options, a valuable source appears to be the study funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

This research indicates that children in daycare show better cognitive skills but also present a slightly higher tendency for aggression, which is within the normal range. Most importantly, the study emphasizes that the quality of daycare significantly affects children's cognitive and social development, and high-quality daycare can offset potential negative impacts. CRAAP analysis would look at the currency, relevance, authority, accuracy, and purpose of such a source.

Given the association with the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and its publication in a reputable source like The New York Times, the study would likely pass this evaluation with strong marks, indicating a reliable and valuable source for supporting claims regarding the benefits and challenges of daycare options in comparison to stay-at-home parenting or other forms of early childhood education.

The decision to use this source would be evaluated based on its relevancy to the essay topic, the credibility of the research, its publication in a respected outlet, and its utility in confirming the importance of daycare quality over the type. The CRAAP test supports the inclusion of this source in an essay deliberating between Head Start and private daycare centers as a crucial factor for a child's development.