Everyday Gestures Help a Child Heal

Stress and challenging experiences are a normal part of life for all families. Sometimes these experiences can feel overwhelming or challenge the child's ability to see the world as a safe and predictable place. 

Research shows that witnessing or experiencing traumatic events in childhood can impact the physical development of a child’s brain. You can help reverse the effects. In fact, as a caring adult, you could be the most important factor in helping children heal. Click here for information and resources regarding trauma and toxic stress in young children.

Follow our Facebook and Twitter as we share Your Everyday Gestures Can Help Children Heal materials, created in partnership of the Defending Childhood Initiative, the Ad Council, and Futures without Violence. Through social media, we'll be sharing examples of how all caring adults can practice these gestures with children: Celebrate, Comfort, Listen, Collaborate, and Inspire.

Study Counters Pre-K Fadeout

"Duke University released research showing that North Carolina's investment in public pre-K programs led to better outcomes for its students. Its researchers found that the positive effects -- including higher test scores, less grade retention, and fewer special education placements -- grew or heald steady over the years." Read the report here.

Racial Bias Among Preschool Teachers

"Why are black preschoolers in America more than three times as likely to be suspended than their white classmates?" Perhaps because teachers are more likely to expect young black children -- especially young black boys -- to misbehave, according to a new Yale study. Read more in this Washington Post article.