1. The Preschool to Prison Pipeline Turning off the Flow

2. www.mo.childcareaware.org Where it Begins

3. www.mo.childcareaware.org Baby Brain Development 101 Early experiences – Decisive impact on brain architecture – Directly affect the way the brain is “wired” Genetics are the Interstate Highways; experience develops secondary roads Genetics provide the “trunk” lines; experience connects neighborhoods/homes

4. www.mo.childcareaware.org Making Connections

5. www.mo.childcareaware.org Building and Pruning

6. www.mo.childcareaware.org Relationship Skills Before 3 Years

7. www.mo.childcareaware.org WE MAKE FUTURE CRIMINALS From birth to three...

8. www.mo.childcareaware.org Baby Brain Development 201 Architecture influenced by relationships Positive connections: “to and fro” interactions – Holding, snuggling – Talking and singing – Feeding – Eye gazing – Mutual babbling

9. www.mo.childcareaware.org Early Childhood Mental Health Sensory nourishment (i.e., “food for the brain”) Attachment, bonding Emotional security Trust Social cue competence Body boundaries Self-soothing

10. www.mo.childcareaware.org Toxic Stress – What it Is Constant and prolonged activation of stress response systems – Chronic neglect – Traumatic experiences Absence of protective (i.e., caring, stable, nurturing) relationships Higher impact during sensitive periods

11. www.mo.childcareaware.org Toxic Stress – Causes Strong, frequent and/or prolonged adversity... – Physical or emotional abuse – Chronic neglect – Caregiver substance abuse or mental illness – Exposure to violence – Family economic hardship...Without adequate adult support

12. www.mo.childcareaware.org Toxic Stress – Effects Disrupted development of brain architecture Disrupted development of other organ systems (e.g., digestion, circulatory) Increased risk for stress-related diseases: – Heart disease – Diabetes – Substance abuse – Depression Cumulative toll on physical and mental health... for a lifetime

13. www.mo.childcareaware.org Stress In, Stress Out Nurture In, Nurture Out

14. www.mo.childcareaware.org WE MAKE FUTURE DROPOUTS From three to five...

15. www.mo.childcareaware.org Predictive Validity of ECE Graduation 3 rd Grade Readers School Readiness

16. www.mo.childcareaware.org Where it Began

17. www.mo.childcareaware.org Where it Ends – Our Choice

18. www.mo.childcareaware.org Action: Questions to Ask Are all early care and education programs licensed and monitored? – How well? – How often? Do we objectively and accountably measure quality of programs and share that information with parents? What are our policies for workforce qualifications and continuing education?

19. www.mo.childcareaware.org Thank you! We improve outcomes for children and families, ensuring that children and youth are prepared for success in school and for future participation in a globally competitive economy. L. Carol Scott, PhD Chief Executive Officer 314-754-1605 carol@mo.childcareaware.org