Early Childhood Matters

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The First Five Years

Early childhood matters.

It’s WHY we do what we do.

Each and every child and family matters.

They’re WHO we think about when we do our work each day.

Quality child care makes a difference.

We support providers with WHAT they need to provide quality child care.

Brain Development

Children’s brain development is an ongoing process.  Healthy development in the early years provides the building blocks for educational achievement, economic productivity, responsible citizenship, lifelong health, strong communities, and successful parenting of the next generation.
 

Adverse Childhood Experiences

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that can have negative, lasting effects on health and well-being. For children experiencing trauma, the Center for Disease Control reports stable, nurturing relationships and environments as having a positive impact and helping children reach their full potential. Much AFK work aligns with ACES prevention strategies.

Video | Recognizing & Supporting Children Experiencing Trauma

Recognizing Trauma | COACT Colorado Website

Reports | CDC- ACEs Information and Child Trends ACEs Data

The Importance of Quality Child Care

Researchers have found that consistent, developmentally sound, and emotionally supportive care has a positive effect on both children and families. “What happens in the first five years of life absolutely determines a child’s trajectory…school readiness, reading in third grade, graduation from high school, going to college, getting a job after college. They are determined by the quality of the child’s experiences during the first five years,” says L. Carol Scott, PhD.
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How We Do What We Do

Alliance for Kids is a systems building organization, bringing together agencies and individuals to work collaboratively on a seamless system of care for young children and their families in El Paso County.