ERIC Number: EJ1173587
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018-May
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1082-3301
EISSN: N/A
Understanding and Promoting Resilience in the Context of Adverse Childhood Experiences
Sciaraffa, Mary A.; Zeanah, Paula D.; Zeanah, Charles H.
Early Childhood Education Journal, v46 n3 p343-353 May 2018
Brain development in the early years is especially susceptible to toxic stress caused by adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). According to epigenetics research, toxic stress has the capacity to physically change a child's brain and be hardwired into the child's biology via genes in the DNA. The compelling nature of the impact of early adversity on later health and development has generated interest in protection against the impact of early adversity. Research highlights three interrelated "core protective systems" associated with positive adaptation. Early childhood educators are in a unique position to play a role in early identification of ACEs and to contribute to the development of protective skills. Adults within the early childhood education community can assist in increasing physical health and mental well-being for children who have encountered ACEs. Safe and healthy environments that allow the child to play, explore, and maximize his/her capacities are examples of how individual protective factors can be enhanced. Early childhood educators can support the child's protective system by building the child's personal attributes associated with resiliency, such as self-efficacy and self-regulation. Early childhood educators can provide a secure relationship, which is especially critical for children who have experienced trauma because it can provide extra support in times of stress. Additionally, by working collaboratively with parents, early childhood educators provide an additional layer of protection for children who experience adversity. Lastly, at the community level, early childhood educators can bring awareness to the public and private sectors by informing others of ACEs effect on early brain development and the link to later outcomes on individuals and society. Society is positively impacted when ACEs are reduced and individuals are raised in thriving families and communities.
Descriptors: Early Experience, Anxiety, Stress Variables, Brain, Trauma, Early Childhood Education, Preschool Teachers, Parent Teacher Cooperation, Genetics, Resilience (Psychology), Behavior Problems, Identification, Mental Health, Well Being, Physical Health, Child Safety, Preschool Children, Self Efficacy, Self Control
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A