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Researchers building science confidence, capacity among rural early childhood educators

Research shows children starting kindergarten often know less about science compared to reading and math. Despite this, science activities typically make up the smallest proportion of the preschool day.

The science opportunity gap is even more pronounced in rural communities, where limited educational resources and lower emphasis on science education widen the divide. Full Article

Researchers aim to empower future K-12 teachers with computer science knowledge

As computers become more and more ubiquitous in nearly every aspect of daily life, the demand for teachers who can prepare the next generation of tech leaders is more pressing than ever.

Leen-Kiat Soh, professor of computing, is leading a project to ensure future generations of K-12 teachers are equipped with the skills and knowledge to bring the cutting-edge computer science into the classroom. Full Article

CYFS marks 20th anniversary with special edition annual report

Since its founding in 2004, the Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families and Schools has been dedicated to making positive difference in people’s lives through research in the social, behavioral and educational sciences.

To mark its 20-year anniversary, CYFS has released a special edition of its annual report. The report for the 2023-24 fiscal year provides a look at the center’s growing interdisciplinary community and the variety of life-changing research conducted in partnership with CYFS — not only in Nebraska, but throughout the world. Full Article

Study explores effects of intergenerational family dynamics on child well-being

Family dynamics among caregivers tend to be complicated. They can become even more complex when grandparents take on coparenting roles.

Weiman Xu, graduate research assistant at the Nebraska Academy for Methodology, Analytics and Psychometrics (MAP Academy) and a doctoral student in the Global Family Health and Well-being program within the Department of Child, Youth and Family Studies, is exploring the association between intergenerational coparenting and children’s social-emotional development. Full Article

Research aims to reduce rural child obesity with responsive feeding practices

In early childhood, healthy eating habits lay the foundation for lifelong wellness, helping prevent many chronic health issues.

Promoting these habits is particularly important for children in rural communities, where resources are sometimes limited. Research shows that rural children are 26% more likely to experience obesity than their urban peers. Full Article

NAECR Networking event highlights early childhood social/emotional development

A panel of researchers and community partners explored the latest programming, interventions and resources being used to promote early childhood social/emotional development across Nebraska at the Fall NAECR Networking event Oct. 31.

Panelists included Sami Bradley, Nebraska Association for Infant Mental Health, Nebraska Children and Families Foundation; Amy Colwell, Early Childhood MTSS; Holly Hatton, Child, Youth & Family Studies, University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Lisa Knoche, Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families and Schools, UNL; and Christen Million, Nebraska Children and Families Foundation–Rooted in Relationships. Full Article