Newsletter, October 2024

CCF Trivia Night Brings Groups Together

CCF recently hosted its first Trivia Night, bringing together students, faculty, and staff for an evening of fun and camaraderie. Attendees formed teams with creative names such as “The Hungry, Hungry Kids,” “The Playful Thinkers,” and “The Lilacs.” The trivia questions spanned three categories: UTD history, child development, and general pop culture. In keeping with the Olympic spirit from this past summer, CCF awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals to the teams with the highest scores across all categories. The event was a success, filled with laughter, food, networking, and a strong sense of community, reminding everyone of how they all play an integral part in this wonderful CCF family!

Grow With Me Screening Fair Held at Casa del Lago

Our Grow With Me team recently partnered with Casa del Lago to provide developmental screenings for young children. Our dedicated students and team conducted screenings, offering families valuable insights into their children's developmental progress. Additionally, some of our partnering CCF research labs were present to share information on their ongoing studies. We are grateful to Casa del Lago and everyone for helping us create a meaningful experience for the families we serve! See more photos on our Instagram feed!

Meet the New REUs!

Our next cohort of students in our National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates program site have begun their year-long experience with us. All 11 of them have been participating in our Play With Me program this Fall and meeting weekly with CCF faculty to discuss developmental science topics.

Sarah Beth Johnson


"I'm most looking forward to learning how to conduct experimental research and making a difference in the lives of children and their families.”

Leinaly Cruz


“In addition to learning how these outreach programs can enhance child development, I am excited to assist and support families.”

CCF Young Professionals Mock Interview Event

Our CCF Young Professionals group is excited to host a free, interactive mock interview session designed to prepare young professionals for future interviews. The event is open to all BBS students and alums! Whether entering the workforce or looking to refine your skills, this group experience will help you stand out and increase your chances of landing your next opportunity.


Event Details:

  • Date: November 16
  • Time: 1 PM - 2 PM
  • Location: CRA 12.110, UT Dallas


Join us for this valuable opportunity and let our young professionals help guide you to interview success.

RSVP here: https://forms.gle/79c8tQLvmdxEA6yq8

We Are Hiring!


CCF is looking for a Mandarin-speaking Coordinator of Special Programs. This person will be supporting the Grow With Me program (community-based developmental screening program) and Play With Me program (dual generation early childhood program) and helping adapt these programs into Mandarin.


To learn more and apply visit: https://jobs.utdallas.edu/postings/27858

From the Director

As we progress through the latter half of the Fall semester, we are pleased to observe the significant advancements our REU students are making, particularly as they assume more prominent roles in the Play With Me program and in their weekly discussions of developmental science. We are also eagerly anticipating our corporate and community partners brunch next month, where we will have the opportunity to welcome both current and prospective community partners. This event will also showcase the developmental science being conducted among our faculty and students. Additionally, we are actively recruiting new students for internships in our spring semester programs. It has been wonderful to see the great interest in our applied work from among our students.


-Mandy Maguire, PhD, Robinson Family Professor, Director, Center for Children and Families, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences

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