About
About Healthy Children, Healthy Communities
Healthy Children, Healthy Communities is an early childhood research and professional development program at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Our team is dedicated to supporting child care providers and families — especially in rural communities with fewer resources — with practical, research-based tools that promote children’s healthy growth and development. Thanks to strong partnerships with providers and other community stakeholders, the program has grown over the past decade to include a diverse portfolio of research projects aligned with our mission.
Explore current and past research projects, including ways to get involved.
Research shows that healthy habits in early childhood can lead to positive outcomes later in life. Here are some examples of the child behaviors we promote through our work:
- Choosing nutritious foods, including colorful fruits and vegetables.
- Paying attention to their hunger and fullness.
- Enjoying meals with others and participating in conversations at the table.
- Choosing nutritious foods, including colorful fruits and vegetables.
- Paying attention to their hunger and fullness.
- Enjoying meals with others and participating in conversations at the table.
Our Approach
A healthy future depends on all of us. Every adult in a child’s life plays a role in their growth and development. That’s why Healthy Children, Healthy Communities uses a comprehensive approach to research and professional development that includes families and caregivers, both inside and outside the home, while addressing the systems and policies that impact them.
Who is Involved?
Program collaborators include:
- Child care providers in home- and center-based settings.
- Families with children ages 3-5.
- Extension professionals engaged in early care and education.
- Early childhood advocates and policy decisionmakers.
- University researchers and graduate students.
Provider Perspectives
How is Healthy Children, Healthy Communities making a difference? Child care providers share how the being part of research has positively impacted their programs — and the children and families they support.
In the News
Below is a selection of news stories and media highlighting research projects within the Healthy Children, Healthy Communities research program.
UNL project brings free training and resources to rural Nebraska childcare providers
Research aims to reduce rural child obesity with responsive feeding practices
Study finds variety, cost effectiveness can become barriers to children’s vegetable consumption
Child care study examines whether kids eat healthier when mealtimes are positive