Skip to main content

News

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

NAECR celebrates 10 years of life-changing research across NU system

For 10 years, the Nebraska Academy for Early Childhood Research (NAECR) has advanced high-quality early childhood research and collaboration at the University of Nebraska.

Moving forward into the next 10 years and beyond, NAECR is focused on continuing to provide the tools, support and programs researchers need to ensure their work has the greatest impact on improving children’s lives. Full Article

NAECR selects 2025-26 Policy Fellows

The Nebraska Academy for Early Childhood Research has selected six faculty members to serve as Policy Fellows for the 2025-26 academic year.

The NAECR Policy Fellows Program is designed to educate early childhood researchers on policy processes, impacts and relationships to research; to provide policymakers with insight into the latest early childhood research at the University of Nebraska; and to generate collaboration among researchers and policymakers to develop effective research agendas that enrich early childhood experiences. Full Article