Did you know that nearly two thirds of adults in the US report that they experienced at least one adverse childhood experience? (Stevens, 2019). According to Nicholson, et al. (2018), "Research and decades of clinical practice provide ample evidence that trauma experienced in the first five years of life can have a significant negative impact on children's developmental processes and lifelong consequences". The prevalence and significance of trauma in early childhood is why I find it to be an important topic to dive into.

Attachment Trauma Network

https://www.attachmenttraumanetwork.org/attachment/

The Attachment Trauma Network is a wonderful resource for families and educators looking to learn about early childhood trauma and how we as educators and parents can respond. On their website, The Attachment Trauma Network (2020) defines trauma, explains how it relates to attachment, and provides resources to understand the behavior of a child who has experienced trauma and how we can respond.

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Early Childhood Trauma

https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/trauma-types/early-childhood-trauma

According to their website, "The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) was created to raise the standard of care and increase access to services for children and families who experience or witness traumatic events" (2018). This resource addresses the effects of early childhood trauma, the importance of screening and assessments to identify early childhood trauma, and age-appropriate interventions.

Because every child is unique, parents may have questions on when to be concerned about their child's development. Having knowledge about developmental milestones, early childhood screening, and early intervention services can help early childhood professionals navigate these questions as they come up. Minnesota's Follow Along Program and Zero to Three are two of my favorite resources to share with families who would like to know more about their child's development.

Minnesota's Follow Along Program

https://www.health.state.mn.us/mnfap

The Minnesota Department of Health's Follow Along Program is a free resource that allows parents to track their child's development (2022). Parents who sign up receive periodic questionnaires as well as activities they can try with their child (Minnesota Department of Health, 2022).

Pathways: Milestones

https://pathways.org/all-ages/milestones/

According to Pathways (2023), "Milestones mark the month most babies start a certain behavior or ability based on baby's age, but exact timing will vary." The resource outlines motor, sensory, communication, and feeding milestones beginning at 2 months through 2-3 years. Pathways (2023) also talks about what to do if your child misses a developmental milestone and provides additional resources for parents to support their child's development.

After completing my bachelor's in early childhood studies at Walden University, I plan to pursue my Minnesota teaching license for birth-third grade. To reach this goal, I will need to enroll in a licensure program. Becoming a licensed teacher in my state will open up opportunities to teach in a public education setting.

There is a shortage of childcare spots in my community (Samuels, 2019). I believe it is important for local early childhood professionals to be involved in the conversation on how to address this issue in our community. I would like to join one of our local boards to advocate for high quality early childhood education in our community.