CCF Newsletter, Issue 89, September 2024

Newsletter, September 2024

CCF Unveils 2025-2030 Strategic Plan

The Center for Children and Families has a new strategic plan for the next 5 years, which includes substantial expansion of our research, student training, and outreach programs serving children and parents in North Texas. Our main goals consist of:

Expansion of the reach and efficacy of our outreach programs, including to new underserved populations
To integrate and grow UTD research with outreach
To increase the number of students and value added for students
To increase awareness of CCF internally and externally.

Over the next 5 years, we plan to more than double the number of children, parents, and students served. Read our plan here.

Library Partnership Brings Parenting Books to Life

A partnership with the Plano Public Library is bringing parenting books to life with discussions around child development topics, led by CCF developmental specialists and researchers. Join CCF faculty member Dr. Shayla Holub, associate professor and department head of psychology, for parenting conversations around the book Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy. Virtual sessions take place on October 2nd, November 6th, and December 4th at 1:30pm. Register to attend here.

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. We look forward to introducing all 11 of them over the next few months!

Sara Rebollo Diaz

"The thing that I am most excited about for the REU is meeting new people, learning more about research in psychology, and being able to volunteer in the play with me sessions."

Crystal Mathew

"I'm incredibly excited to be part of the NSF REU program at UT Dallas. This experience offers a rare chance to immerse myself in meaningful research that not only advances academic knowledge but also directly benefits the community. I'm looking forward to growing my skills, working with experienced mentors, and contributing the well-being of children and families in North Texas."

Ayomide Olukosi

"I'm thrilled to gain hands-on research experience for the first time and to combine this with my passion for supporting at-risk children. This opportunity allows me to make meaningful differences and to deepen my understanding of the issues families face, ultimately contributing to improving their lives.”

Bilingualism Facts for National Hispanic Heritage Month

In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, here are some myths and facts about bilingualism in children:

Myth: Speaking two languages will confuse your child.

Fact: No! Kids may mix two or more languages when they speak, which is called 'code switching'.

Myth: Speaking two languages can cause a language disorder.

Fact: Research shows that bilingualism is NEVER a cause for disorder! If a child has a disorder, it will show in both languages.

See more on our new Instagram feed (@ccfutd)!

From the Director

I'm so excited to unveil our strategic plan for the next 5 years, which will be a guidepost for our work and efforts. Doubling the number of children, parents, and students served is a lofty goal but we have a strong foundation on which to build and specific metrics in place to review our progress. I'm confident that we will be able to achieve this. I'm so grateful to Dr. Margaret Owen for her prior leadership of the Center and for making strong community connections which will allow us to grow in our next chapter. We will be introducing our goals to new corporate and community partners this November. Please reach out if you have an interest in working with us!

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

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