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Study reveals mental health challenges of Zika-affected caregivers

Germany Gracy Maia, pictured with her daughter Giovanna, shared her experience caring for a child affected by congenital Zika virus syndrome..
Germany Gracy Maia, pictured with her daughter Giovanna, shared her experience raising a child affected by congenital Zika syndrome. See gallery.

In a brightly lit classroom in northeast Brazil, kindergarteners and their teachers gather for their daily circle time on the carpet. However, today is different. The children are joined by a group of visitors from Nebraska, many of whom don’t speak Portuguese. Full Article

Nebraska-Brazil early childhood research partnership continues to thrive

Children explore their school garden in São Paulo, Brazil.
Children and their teacher, Elizinete Natália Queiroz de Araújo Souza, second from left, examine the garden at EMEI Ignacio in São Paulo, one of the preschools engaged in PreSTAR. See gallery.

While there are distinct differences between the U.S. and Brazil, there are even more things the two countries have in common. In particular, a desire to ensure all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential guides the work of early childhood educators, researchers and other professionals in both parts of the world. Full Article

Interdisciplinary study leverages technology to assess preschool teachers’ resilience

Nebraska researchers are working on ways to better understand the processes that enable preschool teachers to remain healthy and resilient — and to contribute to the positive development of children in their care. Learn more in the CYFS Research Network.

In a typical preschool classroom with as many as two-dozen children, there are bound to be times of elevated stress for the teacher — and sometimes the students.

Along with meeting the needs of several children, teachers juggle many emotional and physical demands in their daily work, often with limited resources. Following an early childhood curriculum or philosophy, engaging families, maintaining a safe environment and dealing with interpersonal conflicts are just some of their daily classroom tasks. Full Article

Research suggests family mealtimes essential to lifelong health

Dipti Dev, principal investigator, shares some healthy eating ideas with children.
Dipti Dev, principal investigator, shares some healthy eating ideas with children. Learn more in the CYFS Research Network.

For centuries, families have served up good conversation around the dinner table.

Sharing advice, planning events and recounting the day’s highs and lows are key mealtime ingredients to connecting families and building support systems — all while cooking up valuable learning opportunities for the youngest family members. Full Article

Interpersonal Violence Research Lab works with communities to drive change

The new Interpersonal Violence Research Laboratory strives to reduce interpersonal violence and to promote recovery among survivors.
The new Interpersonal Violence Research Laboratory strives to reduce interpersonal violence and to promote recovery among survivors, particularly among adolescents and young adults.

Interpersonal violence affects an untold number of Nebraskans. Too often, victims of physical, sexual and psychological violence, especially among youth and minority populations, do not have adequate support. And communities may lack appropriate training to safely intervene when those they care about are at risk for intimate partner abuse. Full Article

Closing the preschool skill gap for disadvantaged children

Rachel Schumacher, fifth-year doctoral student in school psychology, is examining children’s responses to their transitions into school.
Rachel Schumacher, fifth-year doctoral student in school psychology, is examining children’s responses to their transitions into school.

Many children growing up in disadvantage enter school without the requisite social, emotional and behavioral skills to be successful. When those children start off behind, they have a difficult time catching up to more successful students.

Because a child’s early school experiences are predictive of their long-term educational trajectory, starting school socially and behaviorally ready is crucial. Otherwise, long-term detrimental outcomes and widening gaps in academic and social success may follow. Full Article

Children take the reins over ADHD challenges with help from horses

Michelle Howell Smith, CYFS research assistant professor, is exploring the effects of equine-assisted activities on children diagnosed with ADHD.
Michelle Howell Smith, CYFS research assistant professor, is exploring the effects of equine-assisted activities on children diagnosed with ADHD. See photo gallery.

As 12-year-old Joe rides a horse named Indy, his mother watches from the far end of the arena. She smiles as her son interacts with the gentle, giant animal.

Michelle Howell Smith, CYFS research assistant professor, can relate. She has seen the positive effects of equine-assisted therapy with her own daughter, MaKenna, who has autism. Full Article

Partnership approach supports ADHD-diagnosed students one grade at a time

A recent research project explores whether teacher-to-teacher consultation can maintain gains in positive behavior from students with ADHD during their transition from one grade to the next.
A recent research project explores whether teacher-to-teacher consultation can maintain gains in positive behavior from students with ADHD during their transition from one grade to the next.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is not limited to certain hours of the day. For diagnosed children, the condition is with them every hour of every day, year-round.

And their needs will evolve as they grow older.

Given the chronic and changing nature of ADHD — a neurodevelopmental disorder that makes it difficult to focus and control impulsive behavior — effective treatment must be flexible and consistent throughout the child’s life span, both at home and school. Full Article