Jackie Cowell, Early Learning NH

On August 26th, Jackie Cowell, Executive Director of Early Learning NH, addressed the Rotary club of Nashua regarding, the conditions effecting the development of a child’s brain during the first years of life. Jackie is Executive Director of Early Learning NH. She also serves as Executive Director for the NH Coalition of Business and Education and sits on the governor-appointed early childhood advisory council Spark NH. Jackie graduated from Univ. of Virginia, served in the Peace Corps, and worked for Save the Children in Sudan. 

Both Jackie and Jane Marquis spoke passionately about children being the Bedrock of the Granite State. Jackie talked about the development of a child’s brain during the first years of life and how early experiences set the foundation for the architecture of the maturing brain. The first five years the sensory pathways, language, and higher cognitive function are at their peak in development. Smiles, hugs, gestures, serve and return (child reaches out for communication and a supportive adult reciprocates) behavior wires the child’s brain for lasting healthy responses. 
 

Experiences such as violence, adult substance abuse, verbal abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse are just some examples of the toxic stress a child can experience that can derail development. Toxic Stress, unlike short lived stress that can be good for development, can weaken the brain’s development. Some life-long consequences include 3 to 1 odds of heart disease, cancer, depression, and obesity.   Supportive adults are a necessity for reducing or preventing the effects of toxic stress.     

 

The goals of Spark NH are getting children and families the best opportunities for early and life-long health. Having effective learning opportunities in all settings from birth through the primary grades. Providing the resources, skills, and support for families to promote their children’s development.  When communities create conditions that promote healthy brain development and reduce toxic stress they can reach kids before they fall.

   
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OUR PLEDGE TO THE NEW HAMPSHIRE CHILDREN 
‘We are committed to ensuring all New Hampshire children and their families are healthy, learning, and thriving now and in the future. We pledge to take action by connecting to Spark NH, take a stand, spreading the word, and/or supporting innovation in our communities’ 
www.Sparknh.org