Resilient Beginnings: Understanding ACEs, Behavior, and Brain Development in Early Childhood

Breakout Session

Resilient Beginnings: Understanding ACEs, Behavior, and Brain Development in Early Childhood

Date, time, and room location:

Breakout Session A
Date & Time:
Tue, Jun 16, 2026 | 10:20 - 11:20am CDT

Session overview

Track:

Trauma and Resiliency of the Developing Child

Audience level: 

Enhanced

Intended audience:

Anyone who interacts directly with young children and/or their families, Anyone who works with young children in early childhood education, Early childhood educators, Early childhood mental health professionals, Early Head Start personnel, EDN providers, School administrators

Session materials: 

This session does not have any session materials currently.

Session Description

This session is specifically designed for early childhood educators and related professionals dedicated to creating supportive and nurturing environments for young children. The presentation will provide a thorough understanding of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their profound effects on a child's mental and physical health, social well-being and behavior patterns.

Ultimately, this training aims to empower educators with practical, evidence-based strategies for building resilience in young children. We will discuss specific techniques to create safe spaces within classrooms, foster a sense of security, and promote healthy development. By the end of this session, attendees will be equipped with the tools to not only manage challenging behaviors but also to support and build positive relationships with children who have experienced adversity. This training will conclude with a discussion on practical wellness strategies for educators.

Learning objectives

  1. Define Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their impacts on mental, physical, and social well-being
  2. Identify the impacts of ACEs and stress on the brain
  3. Develop an understanding of the behaviors related to childhood trauma and how they may present in the classroom
  4. Identify resilience-building strategies