Consent Form
Participation in a Research Project
South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD 57007
Department of Human Development

Project Directors:
Deanna Gilkerson, 605.688.5708 &
Kay Cutler, 605.688.6797
deanna.gilkerson@sdstate.edu
kay.cutler@sdstate.edu

Dear Early Childhood Educator,

You are invited to participate in a study entitled, “Teacher Perspectives on Nature in Early Childhood Education.” The purpose of this research is to learn about early childhood professionals’ perspectives on nature in the context of early childhood education. You are invited to participate in this study because you are a professional working with young children. The information in this letter is provided so that you can make an informed choice about participating. You must be 19 years of age or older to participate.

If you choose to participate, you will be asked to complete a brief survey about your perceptions of nature in early childhood education. The survey should take no longer than 30 minutes to complete. Your responses to the survey will be kept strictly confidential and will only be accessible to the investigators. Results will be reported as group statistics only. Your survey will be identified by an ID number only and will be stored in a locked file cabinet in the investigator’s office.

Participation is completely voluntary, and may withdraw from the study at any time without adversely affecting your relationship with the investigators or South Dakota State University. Your decision will not result in any loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

There are no known risks or discomforts associated with this research. There are no direct benefits to you as a result of participating in this study. However, the information gained from this study may help us to better understand teachers’ perspectives on nature in the context of early childhood education, and help us to design effective professional development opportunities and resources.

You may ask any questions about this research and have those questions answered before agreeing to participate, or during the study. You can contact the investigators with your questions at the telephone numbers listed below. If you have questions about your rights as a research participant or to report any concerns about the study, you may contact the SDSU Research Compliance Coordinator, Norm Braaten at (605) 688-6975 or SDSU.IRB@sdstate.edu. You are voluntarily making a decision whether or not to participate in this study.

As a research participant, I have read the above, have had any questions answered, and agree to participate in the research project. I will receive a copy of this form for my information.


Date 12-5-08
This project has been approved by the SDSU Institutional Review Board, Approval No.: IRB-0812002-EXM