Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Course

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) – Online Course

Course overview
This online course introduces adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and how childhood adversity can affect health, wellbeing, behaviour and life opportunities. It explores the causes and prevalence of adversity, the role of early brain development and toxic stress, and the protective factors that support resilience. It also introduces trauma-informed practice. The course is CPD accredited and is worth 1 CPD point.

Please note: This is an introductory, Level 1 awareness course. It does not replace specialist trauma, therapeutic or role-specific training an employer may require.

What the course covers
– Introduction to childhood adversity, including defining adverse experiences and adversity beyond the household
– The 10 markers of adverse childhood experiences
– The prevalence of adversity
– Toxic stress, early brain development and the first 1000 days
– The cumulative effect of adversity
– Physical health outcomes, mental health and emotional wellbeing
– Behavioural responses to adversity, and education and life opportunities
– Risk factors, including parenting and family dynamics
– The role of biology and environment
– Resilience and protective factors
– A public health approach
– Trauma-informed practice and trauma-informed services, including their key components

Who is it for?
The course is written at an introductory level for professionals who work with people affected by childhood trauma. It is appropriate for:
– Healthcare professionals and managers
– Social workers and child welfare practitioners
– Educational staff and early years practitioners
– Mental health and wellbeing practitioners
– Youth workers and community support staff
– Care home workers and residential support staff
– Police and justice professionals
– Public health professionals and policymakers
– HR professionals and workplace managers
– Parents, carers and guardians

It can be used as awareness training, professional development, induction or refresher training.

Practical benefits
– Understand what adverse childhood experiences are and how common they can be
– Recognise how adversity can affect health, behaviour, education and life opportunities
– Understand the role of toxic stress and early brain development
– Identify risk factors and protective factors
– Understand the principles of trauma-informed practice
– Gain evidence of awareness and knowledge for inductions and refresher training
– Receive a free CPD-accredited certificate for your records

What learners will be able to do
– Explain key principles and terminology relating to adverse childhood experiences
– Recognise why the subject matters in day-to-day practice
– Identify common risks, concerns and situations linked to childhood adversity
– Understand individual responsibilities and role boundaries
– Apply good-practice principles in workplace situations
– Communicate effectively with relevant people when issues arise
– Recognise when advice, reporting or escalation is required

Assessment and certificate
Learners complete a final assessment quiz and can retake it as many times as they like. On successful completion, they receive a CPD-accredited certificate, which can be downloaded or printed at home for free. A hard copy can also be requested for delivery to a home or work address. The course is allocated instantly after purchase and can be studied at any time on any device. A complimentary learner management system lets organisations view course progress and results, and a compliance matrix is available to support audits and inspections.