Description - Early experiences shape brain development. While supportive relationships promote healthy development, exposure to chronic stress and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can alter how the brain develops and functions. These changes can influence attention, behavior, emotional regulation, and learning in the classroom. This session will provide an overview of how trauma and adverse childhood experiences affect the developing brain and how these impacts may appear in school settings. Participants will explore how trauma can influence students’ stress responses, executive functioning, and relationships with adults and peers.
Objectives - By the end of this session, participants will be able to: Describe how chronic stress and adverse childhood experiences can impact brain development. Recognize common classroom behaviors that may be linked to trauma-related stress responses. Explain how trauma can affect attention, emotional regulation, executive functioning, and learning.
