RESPECT Updates: October 2024

Community Engagement

The community engagement workgroup has been diligently collaborating with our community researcher partners and university research partners to organize and conduct interviews across various communities, including Omaha, Winnebago, Santee and central Nebraska. Insights gathered from these interviews will be analyzed by our team to enhance the development of our pilot program, specifically to ensure teacher education pathways are contextually grounded and culturally relevant.

Student Experiences & Supports

Data collection is complete with 131 surveys and 11 interviews. Participants represent diverse education levels, geographic locations, early childhood education program types, race and ethnicities. The student experiences and supports workgroup is qualitatively analyzing interviews to identify themes. This analysis will help the team better understand supports and barriers faced by individuals pursuing higher education degrees in early childhood, ensuring RESPECT initiatives are tailored to address the unique needs and challenges of each community.

View the report

Apprenticeships

The Nebraska Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship Program is officially live, and the apprenticeship workgroup is currently in the promotion and recruitment process. To help promote the program, the team held two virtual sessions in August to provide information about the program and answer questions. A promotional flier was shared on social media and sent to various partners, child care programs, early childhood educators. The application deadline was Sept.30, with interviews with potential apprentices to join the program in October. Next steps include identifying and selecting journey workers/mentors, creating an onboarding opportunity for both apprentices and journey workers/mentors, developing a journey worker/mentor training and supporting new apprentices as they navigate entry into higher education. Additionally, the apprenticeship program has been approved by the TEACH National Center as an official TEACH model for the Nebraska AEYC TEACH Early Childhood Scholarship program.

Assessments

The assessment workgroup is designing procedures for student demonstration of competencies through a prior learning assessment (PLA) system. The team has studied processes, policies and research on PLA published by the Council on Adult and Experiential Learning, the American Council on Education, the Western Interstate Commission for Education and others. Members met with colleagues from the University of Colorado and the University of Hawaii at Manoa to learn about their models for assessment and awarding credit for prior learning. The NU campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, which has a process to apply for competency-based program accreditation. The team is meeting with campus certification officers and key administrators to review campus policies and procedures regarding prior learning assessment and will recommend revisions as needed. Selected courses and assignments will be aligned with the RESPECT Competency Framework in preparation for piloting components of a PLA system in spring semester 2025 at UNO, UNL and UNK.

Competencies

The competency work group is no longer meeting regularly but may schedule meetings as needed to review any recommended revisions to the framework. With support from the assessment workgroup, instructors are aligning courses, assignments and assessments to the RESPECT competencies.

Meet the RESPECT Scholars

Meet the passionate RESPECT Scholars who are shaping the future of early childhood education across Nebraska.
 

University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Tamara Houghton

Tamara Houghton initially started her studies in nursing but realized her passion for working with young children while working part-time at a daycare during her senior year of high school. She has been a teacher at Educare Winnebago for nine years and aspires to lead her own class there, with a long-term goal of expanding to a kindergarten classroom in her community. As a proud mother of three, Tamara hopes to make an impact by helping young preschoolers learn the skills necessary for success in their early years at school. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys taking walks with her kids, watching “Dexter” on Netflix and has recently developed an interest in budgeting. One of her favorite movies is “A Walk to Remember,” which she finds authentic and relatable due to its main characters and plot.

Nyjel Miller

Nyjel Miller has always had a passion for working with children. He initially started his academic journey majoring in social work but decided it wasn’t the right fit and switched to early childhood education — a decision he considers one of the best he’s made, along with continuing his academic career. He currently works at Educare Winnebago, where his long-term goal is to pursue a master’s degree, as he enjoys working directly with children in the classroom. Though he was recommended for several office positions at his workplace, he declined, preferring to stay in the field and learn alongside the children. Nyjel hopes to make an impact on Native American children and believes there is a need for more Native American male teachers. Outside of work and school, he enjoys playing games and basketball and spends his free time with his son and soon-to-be wife. His favorite podcast is “Soft White Underbelly,” which he finds eye opening and enjoyable.

Annalyse Niles

Annalyse Niles has always been drawn to helping young children grow, stemming from her childhood experiences of playing teacher. She currently works at Educare Lincoln. Annalyse aims to use her degree to provide high-quality learning opportunities to young children, and hopes to make a positive impact in her community by helping children regardless of their backgrounds. Outside of school, Annalyse enjoys singing, watching movies, spending time with friends and family, and watching football. She also enjoys a podcast about “Full House,” which was her favorite show growing up.

University of Nebraska at Kearney

Katherine Brown

Katherine Brown discovered her love for teaching at a young age, often coming home from school to act out her day with her brother and stuffed animals. Her enthusiasm for education grew as she watched her mother’s love for her students and began babysitting the neighbor girls. Katherine is a preschool teacher at Sandpipers Early Learning Center and previously worked as a camp counselor and nanny. Her long-term goal is to become an elementary school teacher, preferably in first or second grade, as she is excited about the opportunities that age group offers. She hopes to create a safe and inclusive environment in her classroom where every student feels loved and part of a family. Outside of her professional life, Katherine enjoys reading, particularly science fiction, with favorites like “Dune” and “Divergent.” She also loves writing stories inspired by her dreams and hopes to create a short book about each class she teaches, involving her students in the writing process. Katherine enjoys going on walks, especially with her cat, Leo, and appreciates nature and sunsets. A favorite movie of hers is “Fall Guy,” which she enjoys for its comedic action.

Stoney Straatmann

Stoney Straatmann has loved watching children grow and learn since she was young. Her dream was to open and run her own licensed home child care, which she achieved in July 2007 after graduating with her associate’s degree in early childhood education. Stoney is still operating her home child care and aims to help more children build a strong foundation for their lives, as she believes the early years are crucial. Her long-term goal is to educate teachers, parents, guardians and providers about the importance of early childhood, as she hopes to support and empower those working with children to provide the best care and education possible. Outside of work and school, she enjoys spending time with her family, boating, watching sports and relaxing whenever she can. Stoney also likes scrapbooking and deep cleaning/organizing things. She considers herself an “early childhood nerd,” always eager to learn more. One of her favorite books is “A Child Called It” by Dave Pelzer, which she found eye opening, while her favorite podcast is “Childcare Bar and Grill” with Jeff Johnson, who she appreciates for his relatable storytelling and honest discussions.

Natalie Hanna

Natalie Hanna grew up as an only child in a single-parent home and admired her family child care provider, which initially inspired her to work with children. However, by the time she reached high school, her aspirations shifted toward human resources. She earned a business degree, entered the corporate world and eventually started a family. During this time, Natalie felt called to leave her corporate job to stay home with her child. While searching for child care, she realized she couldn’t find the nurturing, personalized care she had experienced as a child, so she decided to create that environment herself and now runs her own home child care. Nearly 20 years later, her passion for early childhood has grown, and she is deeply committed to advocacy, mentorship and education in the field. Natalie’s long-term goals include achieving her degree, continuously learning and embracing new opportunities. She hopes to make a positive impact by being a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves and building nurturing relationships with the children in her care. Outside of work and school, Natalie enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and biking. Her favorite book is “Corduroy,” and she loves rom-coms for their feel-good themes.

Jenna Hansen

Jenna Hansen grew up wanting to be a teacher. After watching her mom work at Head Start, she fell in love with working with young children and decided to pursue a career in early childhood education. She currently works as the assistant director of the Hampton Learning Center. Her long-term goal is to become a teacher in a school. Jenna hopes to make a positive impact on the next generation. Outside of work and school, she enjoys reading and hammocking. Her favorite book is “A Court of Mist and Fury,” which she loves for its deeper meaning.

Theresa Dodds

Theresa Dodds has more than 20 years of experience working with preschoolers and enjoys watching them learn through play. After completing her degree, she plans to continue working in a preschool setting, transitioning from an associate teacher to a lead teacher at Educare Omaha where she currently works. She hopes her students will remember her classroom as a fun and safe space where learning was enjoyable and exciting. Outside of work and school, Theresa loves spending time with family and friends, especially over good food. One of her favorite movies is “Blindside” because of its message that every family is unique, love knows no color and family is not defined by birth.

Kasandra Richards

Kasandra Richards has more than 14 years of experience in early childhood education, working with infants, toddlers and pre-k children. She has served as assistant director of Sonshine World Daycare for the past 6.5 years. Her long-term goal is to become the director of her current center or pursue a coaching role. Her hope is to make even one child feel loved and accepted, while fostering a love for learning. Outside of work and school, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, sewing and crafting. A proud “Harry Potter” fan, she always recommends the series to others.

Kristyn Dandeneau-Jones

Kristyn Dandeneau-Jones was inspired to pursue a career in early childhood because her own teachers doubted her potential, motivating her to become a better teacher and show children they can achieve anything. She currently works at Omaha Public Schools as a paraprofessional, and her long-term goal is to have her own classroom in a school district. Kristyn aims to help children reach their full potential. Outside of work and school, she enjoys crafting, watching the New England Patriots and spending time with her family. She enjoyed the movie “Wonka” and found it entertaining.

University of Nebraska at Omaha

Alanea Riffle

Alanea Riffle has a background in long-term care but discovered her passion for early childhood education after becoming a preschool para at Gretna Public Schools, where she is currently employed. This experience inspired her to pursue a teaching license. Her long-term goal is to become a preschool teacher with hopes of potentially opening her own business one day. Alanea’s aim is for every child in her classroom to feel special and loved. Outside of work and school, she enjoys sharing good food and conversations with her best friend. One of her favorite podcasts is “Podcrushed,” where celebrities share stories about their middle school years.

Samuel Foster

Samuel Foster has always enjoyed working with children and finds it incredibly rewarding to watch them grow. He is currently employed at Educare Omaha as an associate teacher and his long-term goal is to use the skills he gains through his education to become a better teacher for his students. Samuel hopes to make an impact by being a positive role model in his classroom. Outside of work and school, he enjoys reading and hiking. His favorite book is “East of Eden” by John Steinbeck.

Holly Daemon

Holly Daemon discovered her passion for early childhood education after transitioning from teaching 2nd, 4th and 5th grades to preschool at the suggestion of a former principal. Now in her fourth year of preschool teaching at Educare Omaha, she is working toward her ECE endorsement and master’s degree through the RESPECT program. Holly’s long-term goal is to continue at Indian Hill Educare, aiming to become a master teacher supervisor and eventually a site director. She hopes to create a safe and loving environment that fosters joy for learning in children. Outside of work and school, Holly enjoys sewing, quilting, reading and making diamond art. Her favorite book and movie is “Where the Heart Is,” for its message that great achievements can come from humble beginnings.

• Visit our website regularly for the latest news and updates on the RESPECT project.
• Access meeting recordings, notes and other resources from the workgroups through the RESPECT Teams channel.
• View the project personnel directory.

Contact

If you have any questions, are interested in joining the project or one of our workgroups, email our project coordinator at respectnebraska@unl.edu.