"With research showing child maltreatment is substantiated for one in eight children in the US, it's clear Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), a broader category of experiences than just maltreatment, are at an epidemic scale in our society ... The authors' main thesis, quite simply, is that protecting all our children is entirely possible, but only when we know the scope of the challenges families face. The book provides a detailed, data-driven analysis of the scope of the problem and how to strengthen systems designed to protect our children"--

Children are already learning at birth, and they develop and learn at a rapid pace in their early years. This provides a critical foundation for lifelong progress, and the adults who provide for the care and the education of young children bear a great responsibility for their health, development, and learning. Despite the fact that they share the same objective - to nurture young children and secure their future success - the various practitioners who contribute to the care and the education of children from birth through age 8 are not acknowledged as a workforce unified by the common knowledge and competencies needed to do their jobs well. Transforming the Workforce for Children Birth Through Age 8 explores the science of child development, particularly looking at implications for the professionals who work with children. This report examines the current capacities and practices of the workforce, the settings in which they work, the policies and infrastructure that set qualifications and provide professional learning, and the government agencies and other funders who support and oversee these systems. This book then makes recommendations to improve the quality of professional practice and the practice environment for care and education professionals. These detailed recommendations create a blueprint for action that builds on a unifying foundation of child development and early learning, shared knowledge and competencies for care and education professionals, and principles for effective professional learning. Young children thrive and learn best when they have secure, positive relationships with adults who are knowledgeable about how to support their development and learning and are responsive to their individual progress. Transforming the Workforce for Children Birth Through Age 8 offers guidance on system changes to improve the quality of professional practice, specific actions to improve professional learning systems and workforce development, and research to continue to build the knowledge base in ways that will directly advance and inform future actions. The recommendations of this book provide an opportunity to improve the quality of the care and the education that children receive, and ultimately improve outcomes for children.

From acclaimed Nigerian storyteller Atinuke, the first in a series of chapter books set in contemporary West Africa introduces a little girl who has enchanted young readers. Anna Hibiscus lives in Africa, amazing Africa, with her mother and father, her twin baby brothers (Double and Trouble), and lots of extended family in a big white house with a beautiful garden in a compound in a city. Anna is never lonely—there are always cousins to play and fight with, aunties and uncles laughing and shouting, and parents and grandparents close by. Readers will happily follow as she goes on a seaside vacation, helps plan a party for Auntie Comfort from Canada (will she remember her Nigerian ways?), learns firsthand what it’s really like to be a child selling oranges outside the gate, and longs to see sweet snow. Nigerian storyteller Atinuke’s debut book for children and its sequels, with their charming (and abundant) gray-scale drawings by Lauren Tobia, are newly published in the US by Candlewick Press, joining other celebrated Atinuke stories in captivating young readers.

Ending the epidemic of childhood trauma starts with you and the radically simple lessons of 100% Community. For many children everyday life is an unacceptably grim reality full of adverse childhood experiences, hopelessness and trauma. They face hostility and chaos in the world in general and in their own homes in particular. We also know that childhood trauma does not end in childhood, diminishing our lives as adults. Trauma is costly, linked to low achievement in school and on campus, lack of job readiness, poor work performance, substance misuse and emotional health challenges impacting one's capacity to have healthy relationships and be an effective parent.We know that we should fix this dire situation--and we know how. By harnessing data, research and technology, the public and private sectors can work together to ensure that ten vital services are accessible to 100% of families in every community. These empowering services, five for surviving and five for thriving, can create trauma-free families, schools and workforces. The authors provide a tested model for ending childhood trauma and social adversity with a step-by-step guide to creating a seamless local system of health, safety, education and economic development. Insights from decades of real-world experience provide context and expertise, and a workbook section lays out the process for innovating in action teams. Guided by 100% Community, all cities and counties can finally address the root causes of trauma to make every child the highest priority of each mayor and city councilor, county commissioner, school board member and state lawmaker. The groundbreaking 100% Community initiative is leading a national movement to ensure safe and successful childhoods.We hope you enjoy the Advance Review Copy of 100% Community. We are asking the nation's lawmakers, stakeholders, and change agents to read, review, and share their insights. The feedback we receive from readers will inform our next edition.

In the midst of the Civil War, Democratic leaders in Indiana developed treasonous plots to overthrow the federal government. At the same time, a Union veteran, Jay Hadley, strugged to overcome post traumatic stress, and Emeline Tanner fled from an unhappy home to find peace, purpose, and love in Indianapolis.

Jackson, a bona fide numbers freak, has never lived outside the city before. But his mother whisked them away to the suburbs after witnessing some after hours "dealing" at the casino she performed in, hoping they could just disappear. Soon, strange phone calls start making his mother nervous, a mysterious car keeps driving by their house, and a crazy driver almost runs him down. His new friend Asim recognizes these threatening tactics from his childhood as an enemy of Sadaam in Iraq. Still, Jackson is hoping to keep the growing danger a secret from his new girlfriend, Esmerelda. Until one night she disappears raising the stakes in a dangerous game where all bets are off. Prepared to be glued to your seat by this character-driven mystery novel filled with math, gangsters, and a just a touch of OCD.