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Researchers work to improve communication support for autistic children

For autistic people — especially those with intellectual disabilities, or others with extensive support needs — communicating needs and ideas can be difficult. Many rely on intense individualized support and educational interventions.

When spoken words are not enough, alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) is often needed to meet their daily needs and wants. Common methods include gestures or facial expressions, sign language and speech-generating mobile apps for iPads or phones. While these methods can be helpful, they can also be costly and tricky to use effectively as treatments. Full Article

Welcome to the team, Candy Muñoz

Name: Candy Muñoz

Title: Operations and Finance Manager

Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska

Where did you work prior to joining CYFS? What was your role there, and what did it entail?

“My professional career has given me experience in both high-level financial strategies and direct student support.  Immediately prior to joining CYFS, I served as the Director of Student Financial Services at Creighton University, where I led a specialized team responsible for integrating financial aid, student accounts and billing processes. This team provided streamlined support to students, parents and academic staff. Full Article

University of Nebraska early childhood research featured at NAECR Networking event

A panel of researchers discussed the latest early childhood research from across the University of Nebraska system during the virtual NAECR Networking event Nov. 18.

Presenters included:

View the presentation.

NAECR Networking and NAECR Knowledge are an ongoing series of networking and training events designed to enhance early childhood research across the NU system. Full Article

Nebraska reading development program targets student literacy, educator growth

A student’s ability to read is a key predictor of academic and lifelong success. In Nebraska, the COVID-19 pandemic hit students with reading difficulties especially hard, particularly students attending rural schools.

Since then, Nebraska WORDS project — Workshops on Reading Development Strategies — has been a valuable resource for teachers by promoting effective strategies to deliver high-quality reading instruction and assessment. The research-based professional development program supports Nebraska’s targeted efforts to boost early literacy among K-3 students across the state. Full Article

Enhancing communication, quality of life for children with severe speech and physical challenges

For children with severe speech and physical impairments (SSPI), the inability to share their thoughts and feelings can deeply affect their quality of life and well-being.

Researchers and engineers continue to seek new ways to help these children communicate, including an experimental technology that enables thoughts to control communication devices, known as communication brain-computer interfaces (cBCIs). Full Article

CYFS releases 2024-25 annual report

The Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families and Schools reached a major milestone in 2024: two decades of research, collaboration and impact.

As the center enters its third decade, CYFS faculty, staff, students and research affiliates remain focused on making a positive difference for Nebraskans at every stage of life, through social, behavioral and educational research. Full Article

Getting Ready program continues to engage families, prepare children for life success

For more than two decades, the Getting Ready research program has promoted healthy development for children age 5 and younger by bringing evidence-based parent engagement strategies to early childhood programs throughout Nebraska.

As one of the first projects launched by CYFS in 2004, Getting Ready has focused on cultivating and fortifying relationships in children’s lives, including relationships among parents, children and the early childhood educators connected to the family. Full Article

NAECR Knowledge event focuses on AI in research

With artificial intelligence — AI — becoming increasingly integrated into daily life, researchers have the opportunity to incorporate the fast-evolving, cutting-edge technology into their work.

Early childhood researchers discussed strategies, tools and best practices for incorporating AI into their work during the fall NAECR Knowledge event Oct. 7. Full Article