Date of Award

3-19-2025

Document Type

Capstone

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School Name

Donna and Allan Lansing School of Nursing and Health Sciences

Department

Nursing

Major Advisor

Heather Owens

Abstract

Background: Adverse Childhood Experiences can have a significant impact on a person’s future health and wellness. Therefore, it is necessary for healthcare professionals to increase their understanding of possible mediating factors to lessen the impact of these experiences should they occur.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of an evidence-based quality improvement initiative designed to enhance the formal behavioral assessments of pre-school children following the participation of their caregivers in an ACEs and resiliency educational intervention.

Methods: Implementation of a two-armed intervention; a brief educational session aimed at providing an introduction to ACEs and a more in-depth educational session with staff and parents/guardians aimed at providing education regarding ACEs, their long-term impact, and resiliency-based practices.

Findings: The findings show improvements in knowledge of ACEs and resiliency skills and confidence regarding ability to help children become resilient; as well as the positive impact of the intervention and early childhood education programs on the children’s formal behavioral assessments.

Available for download on Thursday, April 02, 2026

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