Early Childhood Collaborative hosts symposium for educators

Our DuPage Center’s Wheaton/Warrenville and Addison Early Childhood Collaboratives brought educators together for its annual Early Childhood Symposium, a morning of learning and discussion. The sold-out symposium focused on building knowledge about Adverse Childhood Experiences and how to build resilience in early childhood care and education.

The day’s program featured a keynote on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Trauma, “Stressed Brains Don’t Work,” from Juanona Brewster, Mdiv, MTS, MJ, Senior Director of Child Development Initiatives for American Academy of Pediatrics’s Illinois Chapter.

During breakout sessions, children’s mental and behavioral health experts shared tools and resources on early learning topics, including:

• Family Communication: Erikson Institute’s Nadia Spencer, LCPC, and Metropolitan’s own Director of Program Development, Josette Heredia-Carmona, LCSW
• Self-Care for Educators: Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant Susan Mrazek, PhD
• Tools for Educators: YWCA Chicago’s Cheryl Hazek, LCSW

Thanks to all who contributed to the success of the event!