YaeBin Kim

Parenting Education, Child Development Specialist

Office: (702) 222-3130
Fax: (702) 222-3100
Email: yaek@unr.edu
Address: 8050 Paradise Road, Suite 100, Las Vegas, Nevada 89123-1904
Representing: Clark County - Las Vegas, Nevada
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Summary

As Extension Specialist and Professor for Children, Youth and Families in the program area of parenting education including family literacy and school readiness, my role is to conduct needs assessment; develop and implement research-based parenting education programs; assess and report impact; publish Extension publications and journal articles related to parenting education, school readiness, family literacy and child development. Currently, I am overseeing several parenting education programs and parenting workshops (direct education: Little Books and Little Cooks, Fun to Play for Preschoolers, Let's Discover STEM, Exploring Safety, Positive Connections for Parents & Teenagers, Language and Literacy Workshop series, Screen Time Smarts workshop and Safe Parents, Safe Kids) and online parenting resources (online education: Just In TIme Parenting Newsletters, Kinship Families booklet and many parenting fact sheets).

Education

Ph.D. University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2010 (Human Development and Family Studies)

Programs
Teaching
Publications

Programs

Digital Parenting Project

The project provides access to a digital library of parenting messages and supports effective digital communication options. These messages support family friendly approaches that allow parents to engage in their child’s development and learning, as well as a healthy atmosphere to establish positive parenting.

Everyday SEL and YOU

Everyday SEL and YOU is a seven-week family engagement program for families with children ages 3-5. It focuses on enhancing young children's Social-Emotional Learning (SEL).

Exploring Safety: A program for families with young children

This four-week program is designed to improve awareness of important child safety issues and to increase parenting knowledge.

Family Storyteller: Interactive Literacy Workshops

The national award-winning Family Storyteller Program is a literacy workshop aimed at encouraging and training parents to play a vital role in the literacy development of their children. The statewide program creates an opportunity for parents and young children to interact around literacy and language activities.

young kids sitting around a table painting

Fun to Play for Preschoolers

This 6-week program encourages positive parent-child interaction and learning through creative play. It also promotes children’s school readiness skills. Each week emphasizes a Nevada Pre-K standard.

A mother holds her sleeping newborn baby

Just in Time Parenting

Just in Time Parenting is an electronically delivered age-paced parenting newsletter originally developed by a national network of Extension Family Life Specialists in 2008. The program was designed to reach parents at teachable, transitional moments.

Let's Discover STEM

Let’s Discover STEM is a 6-week program that focuses on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) enhancement and parent engagement for families with preschoolers.

Photo collage of parents and children cooking together.

Little Books & Little Cooks

Healthy eating, family literacy and positive parent-child interaction is promoted in this 6-week program for families with preschool aged children. It also promotes children's school readiness skills. An important component of the program is the involvement of both parents and children, especially during the hands-on cooking activities.

Partners in Parenting

Parenting education and support are key to raising successful children, creating confident parents and building strong families and communities. Partners in Parenting offers many educational programs, workshops and resources primarily for parents with preschool-aged children to support healthy child development, school readiness skills, and positive parent-child interaction. Programs, workshops and resources are also available for families with children ages 0-18 y también en Español.

Positive Connections for Parents & Teenagers

Understanding teenage behavior and increasing parenting knowledge and skills is explored in this 4-week program for parents with adolescents.

Raising Your Relative's Kids: How to Find Help

As part of the family support program Kinship Families, Raising Your Relative's Kids: How to Find Help is a resource guide for kinship caregivers caring for children in out-of-home placement. We offer an informational website using the 100+ page resource guide, which is also available in print and on CD, including a Spanish version.

Courses

YaeBin's teaching efforts focused on developing, piloting, implementing, and evaluating the Let's Discover STEM; developing and piloting the Positive Connections for Parents and Teens (parenting education program for parents of teenagers); teaching, implementing, expanding, overseeing and evaluating the Little Books and Little Cooks program; developing and implementing the Smart Parents Safe Kids workshop; implementing and evaluating the Exploring Safety; and updating, overseeing, teaching and evaluating Partners in Parenting programs when necessary. I supervised, trained and provided program support for six staff. My goal is to provide comprehensive parenting education programs that parents or caregivers can easily access. To reach this goal, we provide several parenting education classes and parenting resources to Clark County parents or caregivers. In 2018, our team reached 7,973 unduplicated parents and children in Clark County.

Honors and Awards

Second place National and 1st Place West Region Educational Curriculum Package Award from the 2021 National Extension Association of Family & Consumer Sciences for the Let's Discover STEM curriculum
Distinguished Service Award from the 2021 National Extension Association of Family & Consumer Sciences
Second place Western Region Communication Newsletters Award from the 2020 National Extension Association of Family & Consumer Sciences for Just In Time Parenting Newsletter
Second place Western Region Program Excellence Through Research Award at the 2019 National Extension Association for Family and Consumer Science Annual Session for Multi-state SWOT Analysis of Literacy Training Program
First place National and the first place Western Region Early Childhood Child Care Training Award at the 2017 National Extension Association for Family and Consumer Science Annual Session for Literacy in the Early Childhood Classroom Training Program
Second place National Human Development/Family Relationship Award at the 2017 National Extension Association for Family and Consumer Science Annual Session for Literacy in the Early Childhood Classroom Training Program
First place National and Western Region Human Development/Family Relationship Program award at the 2014 National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Annual Session of Little Books and Little Cooks Curriculum

News & Journal Articles, Fact Sheets, Reports...

Fact Sheets
Hemp Basics: Anatomy of a Female Hemp Plant This publication provides readers with a thorough introduction to the anatomy of the female hemp plant, which is grown and harvested for many uses. The major parts of female hemp plant are discussed and displayed in a diagram. McGue, L., Morawska, M., Robinson, M.L. and O'Callaghan, A.O. 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-97
Groundcover Plants for Southern Nevada: Viable Alternatives to Turfgrass Groundcover plants are essential for keeping southern Nevada cool. While many desert residents are removing turfgrass to reduce water use, they should consider replacing it with the attractive, drought tolerant alternatives discussed in this publication. McGue, L., Robinson, M.L., O'Callaghan, A.O. and Leas, L. 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-93
Field Bindweed - An Attractive Nuisance, and Worse A pretty plant may still be a weed, and field bindweed is a clear example. This attractive relation of morning glory can invade a landscape, interfering with the growth of desired plants both above and below ground. This fact sheet gives information on avoiding and treating field bindweed. O'Callaghan, A. and Robinson, M. L. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-20-33
Root-Knot Nematode Root knot nematode is a microscopic roundworm that attacks the roots of many garden plants, killing them. They are not easy to control, but this fact sheet gives guidance for the homeowner. O’Callaghan, A., Robinson, M.L., and Haas, S. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-20-24
Growing Hops in Southern Nevada Hops are mainly used for brewing beer. The perceived bitterness in an Indian Pale Ale is derived from the hops themselves. Hops can also impart other flavors into beers, such as fruity, citrusy, or spicy notes. However, hops can serve other purposes as well. Wynne, T., O’Callaghan, A., Robinson, M. L. and Anderson, J. 2017, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-17-05
Growing Sweet Potatoes in the Desert Sweet potatoes easily grow in the desert and provide necessary vitamins and nutrients. By implementing the proper gardening techniques, everyone can enjoy the tasty treat. Sweet potatoes like a hot growing season, making southern Nevada an ideal place for them. Wynne, T., Robinson, M.L., Callaghan, A. 2017, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, Fact Sheet FS-17-02
Green Fountain Grass Too often, attractive plants that we bring into the landscape from other regions turn out to be just too successful. They usually have no natural enemies in the new area, so they are able to thrive. They appear in wild areas and begin to out-compete native plants. One of these is green fountain grass. O'Callaghan, A. M., and Robinson, ML 2014, Extension, University of Nevada Reno, FS-14-11
Turfgrasses for Urban Mojave Desert Landscapes Turfgrass sod in urban areas and communities can aid in the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, mitigating the heat island effect, reducing energy consumption and contributing to efforts to reduce global warming trends. Morris, B., and Devitt, D. 2011, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-11-52
Problemas De Palmeras Que En Realidad No Son Problemas Problemas de palma que no son. Muchas personas no están familiarizadas con el cultivo de palmeras y hacen observaciones que piensan que son anormales en el crecimiento y la apariencia de las palmas. Esta publicación aborda estos síntomas, el problema percibido y la explicación de lo que realmente está ocurriendo en la Robinson, M.L., O'Callaghan, A., Schaerer, M. F. 2011, Extension: University of Nevada, Reno, FS-11-53
Fifty Palms That Are Grown or Should Be Tried in Southern Nevada Palm trees are an important part of the urban southwest landscape, especially in southern Nevada. Unfortunately, the palm tree landscape palette is limited to under 10 different types of commonly used palms. This publication explores 50 palms that are grown or should be grown in southern Nevada or at least tried. M. L. Robinson 2010, Extension, University of Nevada Reno, FS-10-64
Palm Problems That Aren't Many people are not familiar with growing palm trees and make observations that they think are abnormal in the palms growth and appearance. This publication addresses these symptoms, perceived problem and explanation of what is actually occurring in the Palm. It is also an easy guide for the professional and homeowner. Robinson, M. L., and O'Callaghan, A. 2010, Extension University of Nevada Reno, FS-10-72
Constructed Wetlands for Water Filtration: An Introduction to Constructed Wetlands This publication addresses how to recycle water so it may be used more than once and looks at how both black and gray water can be recycled by applying the same principles that nature uses to clean water. Combination of living plants, good aeration and microorganisms can provide a way to reuse both black and gray water Robinson, M.L., Franzen, H., Williams, F., and Fulton, E. 2008, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-08-45
Checklist of the Non-native Plants of Southern Nevada This fact sheet contains extensive information on non-native plants of southern Nevada by showcasing monocots, dicots, and aquatic plants Latinized binomial, common name, type, and many more. Ryan, M. and M.L., Robinson 2005, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, SP-05-05
Growing Pomegranates in Southern Nevada Pomegranates are a delicious fruit that grows well in the Mojave Desert. This publication gives needed guidance to people who wish to grow their own. Crites, A. M., Robison, G. D. and Mills, L. 2004, Extension University of Nevada, Reno FS-04-76
Date Palm Gardening Guide for Southern Nevada This publication is a companion to the publication, in Southern Nevada publication. It is a month by month guide to fertilization, pruning, irrigation and other cultural practices for the date palm. Robinson, M. L. 2002, Extension University of Nevada Reno, FS-02-99
Using Pesticides Safely Whether one is a commercial pesticide applicator or homeowner safely spraying a few pests in their yard safety is a priority. This publication highlights safety practices that will help the pesticide applicator manage pest problems without contaminating the environment or causing harm to themselves, family or pets. Johnson, W.S., Post, R., Carlos, W., Post, E., and Robinson, M.L. 2000, Extension, University of Nevada Reno, FS-00-19
La Propagacion de las plantas de interior Esta publicación cubre las técnicas básicas de propagación de plantas domésticas. Está dirigido a propietarios que desean cultivar nuevas plantas para ellos y otros. Se puede utilizar para enseñar a adultos y niños la alegría de cultivar las plantas. Robinson, M.L. and Roberts, A 1999, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS 99-60
El Cuidado de las Plantas de Interior Esta breve hoja informativa le da al lector una mejor comprensión de los requisitos básicos para el éxito en el cultivo de plantas domésticas que incluye recomendaciones para plantas de interior que funcionan bien en el desierto suroeste. Robinson, M.L. and Roberts, A. 1999, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno FS 99-59
Siembre Plantas Anuales Para Darle Color Al Paisaje En el sur de Nevada se pueden plantar diferentes anuales durante todo el año para agregar color y variedad al paisaje. Hay anuales de otoño, invierno y primavera que prosperan, y hay algunos anuales de verano que tratan de sobrevivir. Esta documento ofrece consejos para usar y cultivar anualmente en paisajes domésticos Robinson, M.L. and Roberts, A. 1999, Extension: University of Nevada, Reno FS 99-62
Perennes en el Jardín Los perennes son plantas que viven más de una temporada de cultivo. Algunos son llamados perennes de corta duración y sólo sobreviven unos pocos años en el jardín. Otros son más longevos y duran de 5 a 10 años o más. Esta hoja informativa ayuda al jardinero a elegir perennes correctas para sus pat Robinson, M.L., and Roberts, A. 1999, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno FS 99-61
The Plant Death Spiral This short publication can be used as a handy guide to identify what caused your tree or shrub to die in your landscape. Johnson, W.S., Robinson, M.L., and Post, R.L. 1998, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-98-59
Introduction to Houseplants This short fact sheet gives the reader a better understanding of the basic requirements for success in growing houseplants it includes recommendations for indoor plants that perform well in the desert Southwest. Roberts, A., and Robinson, M. L. 1998, Extension, University of Nevada Reno, FS-98-91
Perennials in the Garden Perennials are plants that live longer than one growing season. Some are called short lived perennials and only survive a few years in the garden. Others are longer lived and last 5 to 10 years or longer.This fact sheet helps the gardener choose correct perennials for their yards, and also goes over cultural practices. Roberts, A., and Robinson, M. L. 1998, Extension University of Nevada Reno, FS-98-93
Plant Annuals for Color In southern Nevada different annuals can be planted throughout the year to add color and variety to the landscape. There are fall, winter and spring annuals that thrive, and there are a few summer annuals that try to survive the summer heat. This fact sheet gives tips for using and growing annuals in home landscapes. Roberts, A., and Robinson, M. L. 1998, Extension, University of Nevada Reno, FS-98-94
Propagating Houseplants This publication covers the basic techniques of propagating houseplants. It is geared toward homeowners who would like to grow new plants for themselves and others. It can be used to teach adults and children the joy of cultivating the plants. Robinson, M.L. and Roberts, A. 1998, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS 98 -92
Informational Publications
Irises year-round in the desert southwest Irises are surprisingly easy to grow, but advice online must be modified for the Mojave Desert and southern Nevada. Tasks to start and maintain irises in a home garden in southern Nevada are presented for each month. Robinson, M.L., Ochoa, C., and Lloyd, S. 2025, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
Volunteer Handbook for Extension Master Gardeners This document is intended to be an operational guide and reference tool for Extension professionals and volunteers involved in the Extension Master Gardener program to help accomplish the mission and values of the program and Extension through the outreach within our Nevada communities. Brinkerhoff, K. 2024, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
Special Publications
Sustainable Gardening in Arid Climates: Efficient Strategies for Plant Selection, Water Management and Soil Treatment in Las Vegas, Nevada Las Vegas gardeners can thrive in arid conditions by using drought-tolerant plants, drip irrigation, and weather-based controllers. Soil improvement, mulching, shading, and interplanting boost moisture retention, reduce stress, and support sustainable urban agriculture. Alizadeh, A., Robinson, M.L., 2025, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, SP-25-03
Venomous Reptiles of Nevada (2020) Venomous Reptiles of Nevada - This is an updated and expanded publication based on previous extension publications. It is intended to be used as reference material in the classroom, as well as in the field. Photographs and other materials have been upgraded to make identification more precise. Jones, J., Robinson, M. L., McKeever, B., and O'Callaghan, A. 2020, University of Nevada, Reno Extension, SP-20-13
Research Orchard Fruit Evaluations & Recommendations for Southern Nevada - 2020 This publication is for both the homeowner and small commercial grower. The information contained has been gathered over years of research trials and observations of various types of fruit trees and vines growing at the University of Nevada, Reno Research Orchard. It is a handy guide for buying fruit trees and vines. Robinson, M.L., O'Callaghan, A., and Ruskamp, L. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, SP-20-07
Pruning Cacti And Other Desert Succulents Pruning is an important part of any landscape maintenance program, including Southwestern desert landscapes. Pruning plants such as cacti, yuccas, agaves and other succulents is simple, but requires some basic plant knowledge. Robinson, M. L., O’Callaghan, A., and Anderson, J. 2016, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, SP-16-01
Pruning Desert Shrubs in Southern Nevada-Type Climates This publication is a guide to correct pruning of desert and desert adapted shrubs in the landscape. It details how to prune and why correct pruning is important to the health and beauty of the plants. Robinson, M.L., O'Callaghan, A., and Anderson, J. 2014, Extension, University of Nevada Reno, SP-14-13
Creating a Community Garden People who are concerned about food accessibility, variety and safety often consider growing their own vegetables and fruits. Community gardens can provide spaces for growing food and for contact with others living nearby. This publication provides guidance for creating and maintaining community gardens. O'Callaghan, A. M., Fagin, E., and Robinson, M. L. 2013, Extension University of Nevada Reno, SP-13-07
Introduction to Pruning Pruning is an important part of landscape maintenance. Although pruning may be straightforward and quite simple, poor or incorrect pruning will often lead to serious problems, including premature death of the plant. Robinson, M. L., O'Callaghan, A., and Anderson, J. 2013, Extension, University of Nevada Reno, SP-13-13
Venomous Reptiles of Nevada (2007) Nevada is home to six venomous snakes and one venomous lizard. This publication is designed to be used in the classroom and in the field and explores each rattlesnake species and the one lizard species in depth. Included is information about habits, features, size and where in the state they live. Robinson, M.L., Conrad, P.M., and Ryan M.M. 2007, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, SP-07-07
Pruning Palm Trees Palm trees are one of the most dominant plant materials found in the landscapes of southern Nevada and the desert Southwest. Unfortunately, most palm trees are incorrectly pruned by homeowners and commercial landscape maintenance companies. This publication explains why and how palm trees should be correctly pruned. Robinson, M. L. 2004, Extension, University of Nevada Reno, SP-04-16
Water Conservation by Calibration of Irrigation Systems Water conservation is one of the most important aspects of gardening in the desert. This publication helps people determine how much water it they are using so that landscape plants can be watered efficiently. Implementing the best cultural practices helps gardeners save money and conserve water. Robinson, M. L. 2004, University of Nevada Reno, Extension SP-04-10
A Guide to Desert Bioscape This publication will help the reader understand how to garden more efficiently in the Mojave Desert and in other dry areas. Beautiful yards and landscapes can be created while applying environmentally friendly principles. Putting these principles into use will help conserve water in one of the driest spots on earth. Robinson, M.L., Johnson, W.S., Post, R.L., and Carlos, W.J. 2004, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, SP-04-12
Non-Chemical Rodent Control Rodents are one of the main pests in urban areas, and can cause various problems in homes and businesses.This publication focuses on ways to manage rodent populations in the urban setting without using common chemical products. It explores aspects of exclusion, trapping and other environmentally friendly practices. Kerns, W. A., Robinson, M. L., and Ryan, M. 2002, Extension, University of Nevada Reno, SP-02-10
Pigeons Pigeons are one of the biggest avian pest problems in any urban setting, including the desert southwest. They can carry disease and insects that can affect humans that live nearby. The special publication helps better understand pigeons and alternative forms of management. Kerns, W. A., Robinson, M. L., and Ryan, M. 2002, Extension, University of Nevada Reno, SP-02-11
The Date Palm in Southern Nevada The true date palm, Phoenix dactylifera grows in the desert region and is one of the most popular landscape plants for homes and is uniquely adapted for fruit production and ornamental purposes. This publication focuses on growing the date palm in home and commercial landscapes as well as how to produce edible dates. Robinson, M. L., Brown, B., and Williams, C. F. 2002, Extension, University of Nevada Reno, SP-02-12
Cultivated Palm Seed Germination This publication identifies ways to germinate palm seeds, for both homeowner and commercial grower. Palms come from various climates including tropical, subtropical, warm temperate and desert areas. They have different germination requirements and the rates vary. This is about best practices for seed germination. Robinson, M.L. 2002, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Special Publication SP-02-09
Allergenic Plants in Southern Nevada (Landscaping for an allergy free yard) Many people who move to the Southern Nevada area either come with allergies or develop them after moving here. This publication helps people understand what plants can be allergenic and how to deal with them in the yard or community. The major portion of the publication is a list of common plants found in landscapes. Robinson, M. L. 2000, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno SP-00-28
Starting A Worm Farm Worms are one of the most helpful insects in our gardens. They aerate the soil, add to the soil nutrition, and they can help recycle vegetable and other green waste as part of the composting process. This informative fact sheet will help the reader set up a worm farm in the backyard. Robinson, M. L., and Rider, M. 2000, Extension, University of Nevada Reno, SP-00-26
Scouting the Landscape Good pest management in the landscape begins with a good scouting program. Scouting what is actually happening to the plants in the landscape. Rather just spraying pesticides, scouting allows the gardener to properly identify problems first. Appropriate solutions can be determined before action is taken. Robinson, M.L., Johnson, W. S., Post, R. L., Carlos, B. 2000, Extension: University of Nevada, Reno, SP-00-02
White Paper
Industrial Hemp White Paper Growing Hemp in the American Southwest Publication provides horticultural, historical, and legal information on hemp; it is intended to educate the public and those interested in growing legal hemp in the American southwest. Proper growing practices, laws, fees, and hemp uses are discussed to provide readers with a solid introduction to the hemp industry. McGue, L., Lane, K., Robinson, M.L., McCoy, J., Morawska, M., Anderson, J., Lombard, K., Leas, L., Masson, R. and O'Callaghan, A.O. 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno