Cultivating Healthy Intentional Mindful Educators (CHIME)
Empowering Educators, Enriching Young Lives
CHIME is a transformative program at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln designed to equip educators with the tools to cultivate mindfulness and reflection in their daily work. The CHIME Program is provides education and guidance on how to incorporate mindfulness and reflective practice into your daily routine, teaching, and caregiving.
- Overview: A two-hour overview is followed by seven 1.5-hour sessions
- Topics: Each session focuses on a specific topic, such as journaling, group discussion, and guided meditations
- Facilitators: A trained guiding teacher with early childhood experience and practices mindfulness facilitates each session
- Format: Delivered in person, online, via Zoom, and hybrid options are available
Who We Serve:
- Early Childhood Professionals [all settings]
- Teachers
- Home Visitors
- Families
What We Teach:
- Mindfulness Techniques
- Reflective Practices
- Stress Reduction Strategies
- Emotional Regulation Skills
How We Impact:
By participating in our eight-week program, educators will experience:
- Reduced Stress and Burnout
- Improved Emotional Well-being
- Enhanced Focus and Attention
- Stronger Relationships with Children and Colleagues
- Increased Job Satisfaction
Our Mission: To promote the well-being of educators and the children they serve by fostering a culture of mindfulness and intentional reflection.
Research and Publications
Presentations
2021 Professional Development for All Conference – Buffett Early Childhood Institute Promoting Early Childhood Workforce Well-Being Through Reflection and Connection [Previously Recorded Webinar]
Facilitator Resources and Training
Are you passionate about empowering educators and enriching young lives?
Join our waitlist to become a CHIME trainer and share your expertise with others.
We'll notify you as soon as opportunities arise to lead workshops and train the next generation of mindful educators.
“I will take mindfulness with me in all aspects of my life, remembering to think before I speak, listening more to understand instead of not listening and being ready to fire back. I will be more mindful in my interactions with the children and be more present instead of thinking about what is coming next. —Toddler Teacher
"I use meditation in my life now. It makes me think before reacting to different things going on and working with the infant and toddlers. I use more mindfulness in my daily activities with the infants. Mindful breathing is especially helpful. I have enjoyed this class and it has changed my way of thinking and relaxing myself and my mind.” —Infant Teacher
"During early childhood, children are rapidly developing important social-emotional skills, and they need caring, attuned adults to help them understand adaptive, healthy ways to regulate emotions.” — Holly Hatton, assistant professor, CYAF
"I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed these classes. I enjoyed each and every class. Honestly, the best class I have taken!” —Preschool Teacher
Creators
 | Dr. Holly HattonCHIME Program LeadDr. Holly Hatton-Bowers is an associate professor in Child, Youth, and Family studies and an Early Childhood Extension Specialist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Hatton-Bowers’ aims to support parenting and early care and education, with an emphasis on promoting and enhancing the well-being of caregivers and young children’s social-emotional development. She is active in translating and disseminating current research findings in the areas of caregiving and health in early childhood using an interdisciplinary approach. Contact Holly at hattonb@unl.edu. |
 | Jaclynn FogedExtension EducatorJaci is an Early Childhood Educator and CHIME program coordinator. Jaci holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education/Child Development from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Doane University in Crete, Nebraska. Jaci provides training to childcare providers and families in the Southeast area of Nebraska. Since the fall of 2000, Jaci has been working with child care providers who work with children birth to 8 years of age, including eight years of center-based childcare director experience. |
Collaborators
The development of CHIME would not be possible without the knowledge, time, and dedication of multiple people, especially Nebraska Extension's Early Childhood CHIME team members, community partners, and our external state collaborators.
