It Is Easier to Build Strong Children Than to Repair Broken Men
Contributed by Jennifer Burkmire, CCS Early Learning Article
In the late 1800s Frederick Douglass said “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” Mr. Douglass was right. Over one hundred years later, we know this statement to be especially true. Scientists and health care professionals for years have studied the concepts of providing stable, nurturing environments, early education, and a sense of community in order for children to build strong internal foundations and resilience skills that will last their lifetimes. Frederick Douglass did not have the gift of research we know as the Adverse Childhood Experiences Study (ACES)* to guide him in his statement and belief.
However, his instincts told him that investing in the health and well-being of children would lead to healthier, safer, stronger, and hopefully, happier adults. ACES teaches us something that many may have guessed without reading a study: Childhood trauma and adverse experiences frequently lead to problems later in life. These problems can appear in many forms such as significant physical and mental health issues, social problems, risky behaviors, employment challenges, homelessness, incarceration, negative impacts on future generations, and the list goes on. But the Study also teaches about resilience and its potential to mitigate some of adversity’s effects. Resilience, the capacity to withstand or recover from difficulties, is an extremely important life skill that can be taught, and CCS Early Learning is in the business of doing just that for young children in our community who most need the boost to their foundational core.
CCS Early Learning is a leader in early childhood education for children ages 0 – 5, including Early Head Start for infants and toddlers ages 0 – 3 (and their pregnant moms) and Head Start for ages 3 – 5. In addition to CCS Early Learning focusing on school readiness, teaching social skills, and providing nutritious meals, the well-trained staff visits family homes and collaborates with parents and caregivers to model healthy attachments and relationships, teach resilience building and parenting skills, and offer support. In addition, CCS Early Learning does routine developmental health screening and makes medical referrals as needed.
Approximately fifty percent of the students at CCS Early Learning are either homeless or in foster care. All of the students need and deserve a supportive, nurturing community around them not only to prepare them for kindergarten and years of school ahead, but also to learn how to build resilience skills and confidence as they navigate relationships and adversity that life brings their way. This is where CCS Early Learning and its Head Start and Early Head Start programs truly stand apart from day care centers and other preschools: Making a difference in the lives of families of young children within our communities.
There are four facilities serving the Mat-Su Valley in Palmer, Wasilla, and Knik-Fairview area. Enrollment is open now. Please visit www.ccsalaska.org for more information about Head Start and Early Head Start programs and enrollment eligibility. CCS Early Learning can be reached at 907-373-7000.
*For more information about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) see: https://www.cdc.gov/aces/about/index.html
About the author: Jennifer Burkmire is volunteer member of CCS Early Learning’s Board of Directors. She is a 47-year resident of the Mat-Su Valley and retired from the non-profit sector, with specific focus on advocating for victims and survivors of child abuse and neglect. The programs offered by CCS Early Learning are especially important to her, as they work to prevent child maltreatment.