ECHD 250G: Teaching Superpowers: The Science of Building Resilience in Early Education & Care Settings

This course explores the profession dispositions (superpowers) that those who care for children need in order to develop healing relationships and environments for children exposed to trauma and toxic stress. The start of the course will provide a context for the importance of each superpower to working with children, review the impact of trauma and toxic stress on children and caregivers, and develop a deep understanding of resilience, play, and optimism for children and adults. The second half of the course examines each superpower (e.g. gratitude, compassion, authenticity) with respect to the scientific and theoretical underpinning of each construct, as well as evidence-based practices for developing these skills professionally and nurturing these in children. The course will also examine social justice and educational policy contexts and systemic approaches to preventing children's exposure to trauma and toxic stress.