Module 1: Theoretical Basis for ACE
Learning Objectives: 1) Participants will be able to comprehend the concept of ACE and provide a framework describing the topic of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) and their impact. 2) Understand scientific findings on the prevalence of ACE in the population and globally, grasp key insights and trends, and engage in discussions about broader implications. 3) Participants will be able to explore brain function and stress response. They will be introduced to the basics of neuroscience to comprehend how stress responses such as fight, flight, and freeze influence brain function, laying the foundation for understanding the neurological impact of ACEs.
Lessons
The Concept of ACE: Impact The Prevalence of ACEs, Trends The Neurological Impact of ACEs Stress Response The Impact of ACEs on Brain and Behavior Evaluation Test Further Readings and ReferencesModule 2: Basics of Neuroscience: Connection with ACE and Stress
This lesson provides an overview of the key objectives related to understanding brain functioning, neuroplasticity, and epigenetics. It explores the effects of different types of stress on brain development and the long-term consequences of early-life stress on brain structures and functions. The lesson aims to equip learners with insights into the mechanisms behind these processes and their implications for mental health and cognitive performance. Learning objectives: 1) Functioning of the Brain and Principles of Neuroplasticity, Epigenetics Objective: Gain an understanding of the fundamental principles of brain functioning and how neuroplasticity and epigenetics influence brain development and individual variability in behavior and cognitive abilities. 2) How stress responses affect the brain, types of stress (toxic, positive, tolerable) Objective: Differentiate between the various types of stress (toxic, positive, tolerable) and understand their specific impacts on brain development and long-term health. 3) Specific changes in brain structures and functions (Consequences of long-term stress in childhood manifest in later periods) Objective: Analyze the long-term consequences of childhood stress on specific brain structures and their functions, including the subsequent impact on emotional regulation and cognitive performance in adulthood.
Lessons
Functioning of the Brain and Principles of Neuroplasticity Benefits of Neuroplasticity The Five Key Principles for Supporting Children With Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): How Stress Responses Affect the Brain, Types of Stress (Toxic, Positive, Tolerable) Recommendations for Teachers Specific Changes in Brain Structures and Functions (Consequences of Long-Term Stress in Childhood Manifest in LaterPeriods) Evaluation Test Further Readings and ReferencesModule 3: Attachment and Early Childhood – Ten Critical Categories of ACE
This lesson explores the fundamental role of attachment in childhood and its different styles (secure, anxious, avoidant, disorganized). It examines how these attachment styles are associated with ten critical categories of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), including abuse and unstable or unsafe home environments. It provides an in-depth look at these ACE categories and examines the long-term impact on mental and physical health, while exploring how these adverse circumstances may impact on children’s attachment style, socialization, and behavior. Learning objectives: 1) Understand early attachment’s role: Recognize how early attachment styles (secure, anxious, avoidant, disorganized) shape child development and lifelong behavior. 2) Explore attachment and ACE connection: Analyze how attachment styles influence the effects of Adverse ChildhoodExperiences (ACEs) on long-term outcomes.
Lessons
Attachment Theory and Attachment Styles The Importance of Attachment Styles in Childhood and Their Impact on Health Indicators of a Secure Attachment Style The Secure Attachment Style and its Manifestation in the School Setting Insecure Attachment Styles and their Manifestation in the School Setting Insecure Attachment Styles Manifesting in 10 ACEs Tips for Developing a Secure Attachment Style and Empathetic Role of Teachers Evaluation Test Further Readings and ReferencesModule 4: The Impact of ACE on the Brain and Behavior, Social Relationships, Education
This module explores the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) on brain development and children’s behavior. It focuses on the effects of ACE on academic achievements and quality of life, as well as the potential of positive childhood experiences to improve educational outcomes and life perspectives. The module provides insights into how early experiences shape social relationships and overall child development. Learning objectives: 1) Understand how Adverse Childhood Experiences affect brain development and children’s behavior. 2) Analyze the impact of ACE on academic achievements and quality of life, and explore how positive experiences can enhance educational and life outcomes.
Lessons
How Do Experiences in Childhood Influence Brain Development? The Affect on Brain Development and Children's Behavior ACE Are Strongly Associated with Developmental Outcomes Such as Educational Achievement What Teachers Should Be Prepared For Space for Inspiration and Creativity Managing Challenging Behavior: Key Strategies Evaluation Test Further Readings and ReferencesModule 5: Long-term Health Impacts of ACE – Ecological Model (Mental and Physical Health)
This module focuses on the long-term impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) on physical health, emotional and psychological well-being, social interactions, and behavior. Special emphasis is placed on the relationship between ACE and accumulation of health issues and risks. The module also explores educational opportunities aimed at breaking the cycle of adversity through preventive strategies, fostering prosocial development, and building skills for adaptive resilience at both individual and school and community levels. Learning objectives: 1) Understanding the health impacts of ACE: Students will identify the physical and psychological effects of adverse childhood experiences on adult health, including symptoms such as depression and anxiety in terms of the ecological model. 2) Implementing preventive strategies: Students will learn strategies to prevent and reduce the effects of ACE, supporting resilience and prosocial behavior at both individual and school and community levels.
Lessons
ACEs and Their Impact, Overview of ACE and Its Effects on Physical and Psychological Well-being ACE and Health: Exploring the Link between Childhood Trauma and Adult Health The Connection Between Trauma and Multiple Health Issues and Quality of Life Breaking the Cycle: Preventive Strategies for Addressing ACE Building Resilience: Strengthening Individuals, Schools, and Communities Supporting Students Affected by ACE: Practical Guidance for Educators Evaluation Test Further Readings and ReferencesModule 6: Practical Strategies in School Setting
This lesson provides inspiration for practical strategies to support children with adverse experiences and trauma. It focuses on prevention, the development of their well-being and social skills. It emphasizes the importance of creating a safe school environment and principles of building resilience. The support provided incorporates the principles of trauma-informed practice. The emphasis is on the system approach to trauma-informed care in schools. Learning objectives: 1) Understanding trauma-informed practice: Students will learn to identify and apply the principles of trauma-informed practice to support children in challenging situations. 2) Prevention strategies: System approach to trauma-informed care in schools and in family environment and the relation to different cultural backgrounds.
Lessons
Trauma Awareness and Approach in School Five Principles of Trauma-Informed Practice to Support Children in Challenging Situations Prevention: System Approach to Trauma-informed Care in Schools Strategic Approach to Engaging Families in ACE Prevention Culturally Sensitive Communication with Refugee Families at Risk of ACEs: Impact of ACE on Children From Different Cultural Backgrounds and Key School Strategies Evaluation Test Further Readings and ReferencesModule 7: Practical Activities
This lesson focuses on practical activities for recognizing signs of stress and anxiety in students, deepening the trauma-informed approach. Participants will learn practical methods to support emotional regulation and stress management. Tips and inspiration for applying these techniques in school practice will be discussed. The program includes practical exercises such as role-playing and interactive learning, with an emphasis on enhancing knowledge about ACE prevention. Learning objectives: 1) Participants will be able to identify signs of stress and anxiety in students and apply trauma-informed strategies to support emotional regulation. 2) Participants will gain practical skills in implementing ACE prevention techniques and applying trauma-informed practices in their school environment.
Lessons
Trauma-Informed Teachers: Key Principles and Practical Examples Recognizing Signs of Stress and Anxiety Mindfulness and Emotional Regulation Techniques Case Studies ACE Myths Evaluation Test Further Readings and ReferencesModule 8: ACE Tools, Reflection, Recommendation and Resources
This lesson focuses on a critical discussion of current approaches to addressing ACE, their application, and potential for further development. ACE information is primarily used in healthcare, offering both advantages and risks of stigmatization. In school environments, alternative approaches are employed, such as trauma-informed education, resilience building, a focus on well-being, and collaboration with professionals. The lesson includes recommendations for future practices and resources that educators and professionals can use to deepen their understanding of ACE and develop appropriate interventions. Learning objectives: 1) Orientation in ACE measurement approaches: Participants will be able to explain the benefits and challenges, limitations of using ACE tools. 2) Using trauma-informed approaches: Participants will learn how to apply trauma-informed approaches, build resilience, and recommendation for practice. Role of trauma-informed teachers.