CYFS Research InFocus

July 2026

We're back with a quick "Research InFocus" summer update!

This newsletter highlights life-changing research conducted in partnership with UNL’s Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families and Schools. Funding from state and federal agencies, local communities and foundations makes this work possible.

In this issue, you'll discover research that:


• Enhances early childhood educator well-being.
• Improves K–12 math instruction and learning outcomes.

Holly Wilhite (left) shares information about CHIME during a visit to Ghana in 2025.

Enhancing Early Childhood Educators' Well-being

Why it matters: High levels of stress, emotional exhaustion and turnover continue to challenge the early childhood workforce in Nebraska and beyond. Supporting educator well-being is key to building a stronger workforce and better outcomes for children, families and communities.

What’s happening: CYFS research affiliate Holly Wilhite, associate professor of child, youth and family studies and early childhood extension specialist, is leading research to support the well-being of educators in Early Head Start and Head Start programs. This work is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families.

• Researchers and extension professionals are addressing the work-related stress and burnout experienced by Head Start educators through the CHIME program.

• Developed in 2017, the CHIME program helps educators reduce stress and build resilience by incorporating mindfulness, self-compassion and reflective practices into their daily work with children and families.

• CHIME-Head Start participants reported less emotional exhaustion, improved well-being and stronger relationships with families, They also noted improvements in their ability to manage challenging child behaviors, which created calmer classrooms.

The CYFS Research Network includes nearly 100 research affiliates working to make a positive difference in people’s lives — in our state and beyond. Here’s a quick look at one of our valued research affiliates and his impact in Nebraska.

Nebraska provides fertile ground for transformational research that supports a prosperous future for children and youth. CYFS is proud to be a catalyst for that research.

The stories in this newsletter offer a snapshot into the center’s high-quality work that drives innovative practices, informs policy and advances interventions to meet the needs of our children, youth, families, schools and communities.

Thanks to your partnership, these efforts are not only improving lives today — they are also an investment in Nebraska’s future, helping to strengthen the workforce and support long-term economic vitality.

We hope you learned something new and feel inspired by the possibilities ahead.

Research InFocus is a bi-monthly newsletter showcasing research conducted in partnership with UNL's Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families and Schools.

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Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families & Schools

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