Kidsights Data at the University of Nebraska Medical Center

Today is , which provides a perfect opportunity for learning and development for young children! PBS shares some ideas on how to make the most of a favorite summer activity: https://www.pbsnc.org/blogs/education/brenda-millett-on-learning-during-a-picnic/

Beyond leading data collection and analysis, we are committed to making the insights we discover accessible to the public, including policymakers and community leaders. You can find all of our data briefs, reports, and guides here:

https://www.unmc.edu/publichealth/research/multidisciplinary-programs/kidsights/resources.html

As demand for Kidsights Data continues to grow, we have partnered with NORC at the University of Chicago to expand our data collection capabilities. NORC is a nationally recognized, nonpartisan research organization known for delivering rigorous, objective data to inform decision-making and policy. For more than 80 years, they have worked with governments, nonprofits, and institutions to conduct large-scale surveys and develop innovative research methods that strengthen data quality and reliability. This partnership significantly grows our capacity to reach more families and collect data surrounding the development of children birth to five years.

Learn more in our last newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/april-2026-latest-news-from-kidsights-data-kidsightsdata-6ocec/?trackingId=FJSGdJEeQM%2B%2FIaMnuOaPHQ%3D%3D

One thing we're especially proud of is that we follow up. Some parents who complete our survey choose to share their contact information so we can ask additional questions — and we do. We share our findings and ask whether the data reflects their real-world experiences. We also gather and share their stories because data comes to life through the experiences of the Nebraskans behind it.

ICYMI:

Kidsights Data has partnered with the State of Minnesota’s Department of Children, Youth, and Families to implement the Kidsights Data Measurement Tool, expanding efforts to better understand how young children are developing across communities in that state. Through this collaboration, parents of young children, birth to age five, are being surveyed, providing population-level insights into early childhood experiences and outcomes.

The survey is currently in the field, with data actively being collected from Minnesota families. As responses come in, they will help build a clearer picture of the factors shaping early development, providing important insights for decision-makers, including state and local policymakers, child care systems, and community partners. We look forward to sharing research insights with you in the future – stay tuned!

Population-level child development data helps communities and decision makers see patterns that induvial stories alone cannot, guiding policy decisions that strengthen systems for all families. These data help ensure children and families have access to what they need regardless of location and family circumstances.

Survey data from more than 2,500 Nebraska parents of young children shows that social support is strongly associated with parent and child well-being. Our latest brief explores how parental emotional well-being impacts child development:https://www.unmc.edu/publichealth/_documents/research/multi-disciplinary-programs/kidsights/kidsight_mental_health_social_support.pdf

➡️ Parents without emotional support were found to be at a higher risk of experiencing depression symptoms (17.5% vs. 7%) and anxiety symptoms (18% vs. 12%) compared to those with support.

➡️ Parents with social/emotional support report significantly higher rates of child flourishing (77.6% vs. 67.1%) and parent flourishing (82.1% vs. 63.7%) compared to those without support. They are also more likely to report handling the demands of raising children “very well” (58.4% vs. 47.1%).

Our newest brief explores parental mental health is associated with child development and well-being.
One key finding: Social support and parent health outcomes aren’t the same for all parents in all places. For example, rural parents reported higher rates of depression and anxiety than urban parents. Parents from urban areas reported lower rates of social support compared to rural areas.

➡️ Rural parents reported higher rates of depression (15%) and anxiety (17%) than urban parents (7% and 11%, respectively).

➡️ Parents from urban areas reported lower rates of social support compared to rural areas (83% vs 87%). Parents without a college degree reported lower rates of very good or excellent perceived mental health (47%) and physical health (52%) compared with college-educated parents (69% and 72%, respectively).

➡️ Parents with lower annual household income (under $100K annually) reported lower rates of social support compared to higher income households (over $100K annually) (80% vs 88%).

Read the full brief here:https://www.unmc.edu/publichealth/_documents/research/multi-disciplinary-programs/kidsights/kidsight_mental_health_social_support.pdf

Social support plays a critical role in helping parents navigate daily pressures, strengthening both parent well-being and healthy child development outcomes. Our latest brief on Nebraska survey data highlights some important findings:

➡️ Nearly 78% of respondents felt they knew where to go for help in their community when difficulties arise.

➡️ 84% reported having someone they could turn to for day-to-day emotional support.

➡️ Spouses or domestic partners (68%) and other family members or close friends (65%) were the most common sources of emotional support. Fewer parents reported receiving support from health care providers (12%), religious leaders (15%), peer support groups (9%), or mental health professionals (9%).

Read the full brief here:https://www.unmc.edu/publichealth/_documents/research/multi-disciplinary-programs/kidsights/kidsight_mental_health_social_support.pdf

University of Nebraska Medical Center - UNMC
UNMC College of Public Health
UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute

Kidsights Data is a groundbreaking initiative generating population-level insights into how children develop from birth to age five. Using the Kidsights Measurement Tool, the nation’s first population-based tool to measure core early childhood development skills, it provides a comprehensive view of early learning and growth.

Nebraska has led three statewide rounds of parent surveys, creating a unique and powerful dataset. Through direct input from families, the state now holds one of the most innovative sources of early childhood data in the country, offering new opportunities to understand what supports children’s development and to share those insights with parents, educators, funders, and policymakers.

We have now released three data briefs highlighting findings from our 2025 data.

Find them here: https://www.unmc.edu/publichealth/research/multidisciplinary-programs/kidsights/resources.html

University of Nebraska Medical Center - UNMC
UNMC College of Public Health