IEL Electronic Newsletter
2009, Issue 2
Ask an Expert—Supporting Resilience in Children Exposed to Domestic Violence
Early childhood professionals care for and teach children who may be exposed to domestic or neighborhood violence. Some children witness violence from the sidelines; others are direct targets of abuse. The aftereffects of violence leave a lasting imprint on children—physically, emotionally, socially, intellectually, and morally. Such experiences undermine children’s feelings of security and optimism, as well as their ability to trust and form meaningful attachments. Violence robs children of energy and emotional resources. It is difficult for children to reach their true potential—in any area of development—if they are chronically sidetracked and undermined by the stress that violence creates.Despite enduring violent episodes, children can be incredibly resilient and can even learn to thrive and flourish. But research shows that key factors must exist if children are to bounce back from the stress induced by intense and unpredictable fright. Early childhood programs, and most importantly those who work in them, can provide a haven away from the crises and chaos that violence creates for children. Karen Stephens, Director of the Illinois State University Child Care Center, will help to identify strategies to counter the effects of violence in children’s lives.
- To view the list of resources related to this event, please go to http://illinoisearlylearning.org/askanexpert/stephens2009/sup.htm.
- To submit your question after February 1, 2009, please go to http://illinoisearlylearning.org/askanexpert/stephens2009/index.htm.
New IEL Tip Sheet in English
- Sing, Play, and Hear: Music’s in the Air
http://illinoisearlylearning.org/tipsheets/sing.htm
New IEL Tip Sheet in Spanish
- Proyectos de jardinería. Cuando las semillas brotan
http://illinoisearlylearning.org/tipsheets-sp/sprouts-sp.htm
New Tip Sheets in Polish
- Natural Illinois: Insects
http://illinoisearlylearning.org/tipsheets-pol/insects-pol.pdf - Natural Illinois: The Trees You See
http://illinoisearlylearning.org/tipsheets-pol/trees-pol.pdf
Revised FAQ
- What's Involved in Starting a Family Child Care Business in Illinois?
http://illinoisearlylearning.org/faqs/startingfccb.htm
Visit Us at a Conference Near You!
- Projects in Practice Training Level II sponsored by the Illinois Resource Center and ISBE will be held in Arlington Heights, Illinois, on February 5, 2009. For additional information, please go to http://www.thecenterweb.org/irc/index.html. (Sallee Beneke and Lilian Katz are the presenters.)
Subscribe or unsubscribe to this newsletter (IELNEWS-L)
For more information, contact Karen Smith (877) 275-3227 or ksmith5@illinois.edu
Disclaimer
The opinions, resources, and referrals provided on the IEL Web site are intended for informational purposes only and are not intended to take the place of medical or legal advice, or of other appropriate services. We encourage you to seek direct local assistance from a qualified professional if necessary before taking action.
The content of the IEL Web site does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Illinois Early Learning Project, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, or the Illinois State Board of Education; nor does the mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the Illinois Early Learning Project, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, or the Illinois State Board of Education.