Celebrating 10 years of Research, Collaboration and Positive Impacts
NAECR at 10
For 10 years, the Nebraska Academy for Early Childhood Research has advanced high-quality early childhood research and collaboration at the University of Nebraska.
Founded in 2015 and housed within the Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families and Schools, NAECR engages in, generates and supports interdisciplinary research to benefit young children and enhance the environments within which they learn and grow.
We are deeply grateful to our many colleagues and partners who contribute to NAECR’s mission. Together, our efforts are making a real difference for Nebraska’s children, families, communities and early childhood workforce — not only today, but for generations to come.
NAECR Breakfast Celebration
Join us for an informal, open house-style celebration for NAECR’s 10th anniversary. Light breakfast food and coffee will be available. There will be no formal program — drop in anytime!
Event Details
Tuesday, Oct. 28, 20258:30 – 10 a.m.
227 Carolyn Pope Edwards Hall
Register now
History of NAECR
In September 2015, CYFS faculty established the Nebraska Academy for Early Childhood Research. Over the past decade, NAECR has played a vital role in supporting research and collaboration across the University of Nebraska system, while strengthening connections among the state’s practice, policy and research communities. Below is a brief history of NAECR, highlighting key programs and resources that have helped researchers extend their impact.
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NAECR Founded
Fall 2015Faculty in the Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families and Schools (CYFS) establish the Nebraska Academy for Early Childhood Research. The academy formalizes a collaborative network of researchers across the University of Nebraska System dedicated to improving the lives of young children and their caregivers.
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CYFS Early Childhood Research Summit
Spring 2016NAECR becomes a key partner in supporting the Early Childhood Research Summit, which is hosted by CYFS. The biennial summit is an opportunity for faculty across the University of Nebraska System to share cutting-edge research findings and connect Nebraska’s research, practice and policy communities.
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Steering committee
Fall 2016NAECR establishes a steering committee, bringing together representatives from various departments at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln to provide input and guide the academy’s direction.
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Find a Researcher Database
Spring 2018NAECR introduces its Find a Researcher database, a searchable online tool to showcase early childhood researchers from across the University of Nebraska System. The tool also helps researchers identify potential collaborators and build connections.
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Advisory Board
Spring 2018NAECR establishes an advisory board with representatives from all University of Nebraska campuses to provide ongoing guidance and feedback on NAECR resources and activities.
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NAECR News
March 2018NAECR sends its first NAECR News email newsletter to faculty, staff and community stakeholders. The twice-monthly update highlights funding opportunities, calls for proposals, conferences and events, publications by NAECR researchers and more.
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NAECR Knowledge and Networking Events
Fall 2018The academy launches two event series for early childhood researchers: NAECR Knowledge and NAECR Networking. Knowledge events are opportunities to explore training and tools, and Networking events are opportunities for researchers and stakeholders to connect and share the latest early childhood research.
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Student Research Opportunities Resource
Fall 2018NAECR develops an online resource to connect UNL students with early childhood research opportunities. The web page is a hub for faculty to share research positions and assistantships with undergraduate and graduate students seeking hands-on work experiences.
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NAECR Student Researcher Group and Early Childhood Courses Website
Spring 2019NAECR forms a student researcher group for those engaged in early childhood research within the University of Nebraska System, providing hands-on experiences and access to NAECR resources. A website is created to compile UNL early childhood course offerings for faculty mentors and students.
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Policy Fellows Program
Fall 2019NAECR launches its Policy Fellows Program with First Five Nebraska. Each year, a select cohort of faculty meets with First Five Nebraska colleagues to learn about state policy processes, impacts, and their relationship to research. Policy fellows also share their work with First Five, strengthening collaboration between the research and policy communities.
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NAECR Measures Exchange
Spring 2020NAECR introduces an online resource to help early childhood researchers identify and access early childhood assessments and measures shared by other researchers.
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NAECR turns 10
Fall 2025NAECR celebrates 10 years of research, collaboration and positive impacts, reflecting on the countless individuals who have contributed to its journey of growth and success. Milestones include more than $52.9 million in cumulative grant dollars and 130 funded projects.
Impacts
In the past decade, NAECR has grown and strengthened its reach to include:
77
NAECR-affiliated researchers across all University of Nebraska campuses.
25
NU faculty have participated in the Policy Fellows Program.
40
More than 40 graduate and undergraduate students have engaged in NAECR research and other scholarly activities.
56
NAECR has hosted more than 56 conferences, events and workshops.
$52.9M
CYFS early childhood research programs have generated approximately $52,915,197 in grant support.
170
NAECR has disseminateed over 170 newsletters that feature important updates and opportunities for NU faculty.