NAECR Networking event explores relationship between early childhood practice, policy

22 Apr 2021     By Chuck Green, CYFS

 The relationship between early childhood research practice and state legislation is a complex one that can sometimes help or hinder research efforts.

Early childhood researchers gathered April 19 to discuss how a better understanding of the policy process can enhance research during a virtual NAECR Networking event, hosted by the Nebraska Academy for Early Childhood Research.

Elizabeth Lopez Everett, deputy director of First Five Nebraska, outlined Nebraska Legislature rules and procedures, and discussed how her organization works with state lawmakers to help ensure early childhood research remains a priority. 

View the discussion. 

NAECR Policy Fellows Soo-Young Hong, associate professor of child, youth and family studies, and associate dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences, and Marc Goodrich, assistant professor of special education and communication disorders, also shared their thoughts and experiences.

Discussion included ways researchers can adapt their research approach to better engage with state policymakers. 

NAECR Networking and NAECR Knowledge are an ongoing series of networking and training events designed to enhance early childhood research across the NU system.

For more information on NAECR activities, contact Sommer Fousek, project coordinator, at sfousek2@unl.edu.