Prevention in Early Childhood (PEC) Initiative

Prevention in Early Childhood (PEC) Initiative is sponsored by Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS). The Prevention in Early Childhood (PEC) initiative aims to reduce risk factors faced by young children and increase protective factors to decrease the likelihood of future substance use disorders.

Early Childhood Prevention — Stoughton OASIS Coalition Early Childhood Prevention in Stoughton What is this Grant About? The Prevention in Early Childhood (PEC) is a prevention initiative funded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS).

The goal of this initiative is to reduce risk factors faced by young children, and increase protective factors in order to reduce the likelihood of future substance use disorders. Stoughton has convened an Early Childhood Prevention Task Force. This task force is a working group of the Stoughton OASIS Coalition.

Children can thrive when they have access to POSITIVE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES (PCEs). We can all work together to increase the amount of PCEs in children’s lives. When children experience more PCEs the research demonstrates that they have better health outcomes as teens and adults, including reduced substance misuse and better physical and mental health.

1) Felt able to talk to your family about feelings. 2) Felt your family stood by you during difficult times. 3) Enjoy participating in community traditions.

4) Felt a sense of belonging in high school. 5) Felt supported by friends. 6) Have at least 2 non-parent adults who took genuine interest in you.

7) Feel safe and protected by an adult in your home. One way to think about the PCEs is to organize them by the 4 Building Blocks of HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences).

These building blocks are: (1) Healthy, positive RELATIONSHIPS with adults and other children; (2) Safe, stable, equitable ENVIRONMENTS in which to live, work and play; (3) Opportunities for social and civic ENGAGEMENT to foster a sense of belonging and connectedness; (4) EMOTIONAL GROWTH though play and peer interaction to build the skills of self-regulation and self-awareness.

All of the strategies identified for Stoughton through this grant are intended to increase access to the 4 building blocks for Stoughton children and their families.

Learn more about the 4 building blocks with this handout or visit the HOPE website The following research-based risk factors have been identified as the most salient for Stoughton children at this time: Parental Use of Substances Join our Table Talks Community - visit the Table Talks page and get on the mailing list!

If you are a Grandparent or Kinship Relative raising (grand)children, join our support group - every Tuesday at 10am at the Stoughton YMCA. If you are a Stoughton based organization, we can provide FREE training in how to think about Positive Childhood Experiences and the Building Blocks of HOPE to grow health in Stoughton. Reach out to our Prevention Coordinator , Stephanie Patton at spatton@stoughton-ma.

gov to learn more about how you can get involved in our efforts! Strategies for Early Childhood Prevention in Stoughton Triple P Parent Program - Workshops and seminars for parents of children 0-10 years old using research based tips and strategies for parents and a positive parenting frame. Watch our Facebook page for upcoming Parent Workshops and seminars.

Grandparents (and other relative caregivers) Raising Grandchildren Support Group - An ongoing drop in support group every Tuesday morning, 10-11am at the Stoughton YMCA . Open to any grandparent or relative caregiver (no need to be a Y member) and free childcare provided.

Conscious Discipline - An adult-first framework, based in brain science for educators focusing on self regulation for everyone in the classroom to create the best environment for growth and learning. This strategy is being grown in the Stoughton Public Schools. PECE - A Triple P program for early childhood educators providing skills for classroom management using the principle of positive development.

This strategy is being piloted at the Stoughton YMCA. Parent resources for Early Childhood Prevention and Education Essentials for parenting toddlers and preschoolers from the CDC. Parenting young children can be fun and challenging.

Get some tips, test your current strategies and buff up your skills!