Unit 2: Self-Reflection of experience with ACEs

Unit  2: Self-Reflection on Experiences with ACEs

Lesson 1: Identifying Signs of ACEs and Reflection of Experiences I’ve Had.  

Objectives: -Identify common warning signs of ACEs

-Reflect on types of ACEs they may have personally experienced or ACEs students in their classroom may have experienced.

Introduction: This unit really brings your own experiences to the forefront as you get space to reflect on what you have experienced with ACEs in your classroom and perhaps in your own life. There is not a lot to learn per say in this unit, rather just a lot of reflection. We will begin by learning about the warning signs of identifying someone who may be struggling with ACEs.  

Reading: Signs of ACEs in Children

****For Early Childhood/ Childhood Educators: Please look at this list generated by the Center for Early Childhood Mental Health, of warning signs for each ACE category (abuse, neglect, household dysfunction).  

https://www.ecmhc.org/tutorials/trauma/mod3_1.html

**** For Adolescent/Middle School Educators  

https://thriveteen.com/signs-of-trauma-in-teens/

Video: Please watch these videos on identifying features of childhood trauma or ACEs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TL8o4AL42FU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWSOEhJMCfk

Instructor Thoughts:  

I think one of the most valuable things we can do as educators is to get to know our children and their families. Relationships can help us acknowledge why some of the behaviors a child is demonstrating and can help us form conclusions about the child’s home-life. Although we may never know what is truly happening in a child’s life it is important we look for signs and try to help as much as possible. Knowledge of these warning signs can help us when identifying if a child has experienced trauma and to help us make an informed decision to report suspected issues to local Child Protected Services (CPS).  

**Please remember you are a mandated reporter if you suspect child abuse or maltreatment you are mandated to report it to CPS. New York State’s CPS hotline is 1-800-342-3720.  

Activity (self-reflection): Please write down these answers or discuss them with a trusted adult.  

1. What are some common warning signs of ACEs that you will look out for?  

1. Have you had a child in your classroom you suspected was suffering from 1 or more ACE?

1. Have you suffered from an ACE? How did it affect your life?  

Lesson 2: Interventions I Have Tried.  

Objectives: I will reflect on various strategies I may/may not have tried to support children with ACEs in my classroom.  

Introduction: This lesson is mainly reflective as I want to give you the space to think about interventions you have tried to support children who have experienced ACEs. This is not a space for criticism and judgement, but I want you to be thinking about what you have done so that in the next module we can learn about modern ways to support these children.  

Activity (self-reflection): Please think of one case where you have had a child who you suspected have experienced ACE(s). Feel free to do this with multiple cases, if applicable.  

1. Have you ever had a child in your class who you believe has suffered from one or more ACE?  

1. How did you try to help them?  

1. What did you do inside and outside of the classroom?

1. What worked well?  

1. What could have gone better?  

1. Would you change the way you handled the situation?