Healthy Children, Healthy Communities
Exciting opportunity for rural Family Child
Care Home providers!
Complete this sign-up form and a member of our team will follow up with you!
Complete this sign-up form and a member of our team will follow up with you!
Who can join?
You qualify to participate if you are a licensed home-based child care provider in rural Nebraska and Kansas who:
- Participates in the food program.
- Cares for at least two children ages 3-5.
- Serves meals and snacks in your program.
Provider compensation and resources.
- Up to $595 Amazon gift card for personal use.
- 19 in-service hours of professional development credit at no cost to you.
- Resources for parents.
- Toolkit with interactive activities for children.
How does it work?
Providers will be randomly chosen to join one of these 16-week training programs: EAT Family Style or Better Kid Care.
Requirements:
- Fill out three 30-40 minute online surveys about mealtime environment.
- Fill out up to five 10 minute online surveys about participating childrens’ eating habits.
- Complete online lessons (1 hour per week).
- Coordinate six visits with UNL research assistants who will:
- Observe children eating meals and snacks, and video record lunch.
- Measure children’s height, weight, and colorful fruit and vegetable intake.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Healthy Children, Healthy Communities?
Healthy Children, Healthy Communities is a free University of Nebraska–Lincoln research study that includes professional development programs which supports home-based childcare providers in promoting healthy eating and healthy development in young children.
Who can participate?
The study is for licensed home-based child care providers who participate in CACFP and care for eligible preschool-age children. Providers in selected rural counties in Nebraska and Kansas may be eligible.
The study successfully enrolled 31 rural family child care home providers in Nebraska during Year 1. In Year 2, the study will expand to Kansas through a partnership with Child Care Aware of Kansas, introducing the program to family child care home providers in Kansas.
How do I know if I am in a rural county?
Rural counties are identified using established classifications, such as the Rural–Urban Continuum Codes (2023) and Department of Education rural classifications.
If you are not sure whether your program is located in a rural county, you are still encouraged to complete the Sign-up form. The study team will review your information and let you know if you are eligible.
Does completing the sign-up form mean I am joining the study?
No. The sign-up form only helps the study team learn whether you may be eligible. If you are eligible, the team will contact you to share more details and answer your questions before you decide whether to participate.
How many children in my program need to participate?
Not all children in your program need to participate. A minimum of two children must be enrolled in the study, and up to five children may participate.
Eligible children should:
- Be within the age range of 3–5 years.
- Eat at least one meal and one snack in your program for at least 2 days a week.
- Not have any developmental delays or dietary restrictions/ feeding disorders.
How much time would participation take?
Most providers can expect about 1–2 hours per week during the main program period. Some weeks may take less time, and the study team will work with you to fit activities into your schedule as much as possible.
What would I be asked to do if I participate?
Providers may be asked to complete online training activities, surveys, and child care visits during regular meal and snack times. You would continue your usual routines and meals.
What happens during child care visits?
Trained UNL research staff visit during regular meal and snack times to observe meals and collect child health and eating-related information. Visits are scheduled with you in advance and are designed to be as low-disruption as possible.
Do parents need to be involved?
Yes. Parents of eligible children must give permission for their child to participate. The study team will provide materials and support to help with parent communication.
Does it cost anything? Are incentives provided?
There is no cost to participate. Training materials are free, and providers receive incentives after completing study activities.
Is my information private?
Yes. Study information is kept confidential and stored securely. Identifying information is not shared in reports or publications.
How do I learn more?
Scan the QR code on the flyer to complete a short sign-up form. The form takes about 5–10 minutes to complete. If you may be eligible, a member of the study team will contact you to schedule a virtual meeting, share more details, and answer any questions you may have.
Completing the sign-up form does not commit you to the study. It simply helps the research team determine whether you may be eligible and gives you a chance to learn more.