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Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences

Course Code: CACE
  • Level: 2
  • Qualification: Certificate
  • Awarding body: Northern Council for Further Education (NCFE)
  • Duration: Six weeks
  • Course type: FREE (Eligibility Applies), Part-time, Short course
  • Time of day: Evening
  • When you'll study: Thursdays, 4.00pm - 6.00pm
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What's it all about?

The NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences is a qualification designed to equip you with the knowledge and understanding of the impact that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can have on development, behaviour, and long term outcomes. The course aims to build awareness of how early trauma and toxic stress can affect both individuals and wider society, and how interventions can mitigate these effects.

Course information

The course covers the following topics:

  • overview of ACEs – definitions, types, and statistics
  • the ACEs study – historical context and key findings
  • the ten categories of ACEs – emotional, physical, and sexual abuse; emotional and physical neglect; household challenges such as substance abuse, mental illness, and domestic violence
  • early childhood brain development and the effects of trauma
  • the immediate and long term consequences of ACEs on children’s mental and physical health
  • how ACEs affect learning, behaviour, and emotional regulation
  • impact on future adult health outcomes, including chronic illness, mental health disorders, and substance abuse
  • understanding toxic stress and its distinction from everyday stress
  • the physiological and neurological impact of prolonged stress exposure
  • the relationship between ACEs, toxic stress, and trauma
  • case studies demonstrating the effects of toxic stress on development
  • the importance of early detection and support for children exposed to ACEs
  • intervention strategies, including trauma-informed care and family support services
  • examples of successful early intervention programs and their outcomes.

There are no specific entry requirements for this course. However, you may find it helpful if you’ve already achieved a level 1 qualification in healthcare, social care, childcare or supporting learning.

A workbook will be completed and assessed, followed by an Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) review.  

Upon successful completion, you may progress to a range of courses including the Certificate in Understanding Behaviour That Challenges and Certificate in Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health.  

Please note fees are quoted for one year only.

Download course PDF

Future careers

What you could earn:

Child and Early Years Officers

£31,693.18

Potential salary

£10,310.80

Entry level salary

£22,272.12

Average salary

11

Annual openings in Plymouth

View career details

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