This training will provide up to 30 providers from the Early Childhood Education field to present the ACE Interface Understanding NEAR Science (NEAR): Building Self-Healing Communities presentation, which is a curriculum designed to educate audiences about how adversity and trauma impact our biology, along with the health and well-being of our communities.

The ACE Interface Presentation is presented in three sections:

1. Neurobiology, Historical Trauma, & Epigenetics – focuses on how our brains and our DNA expression can be influenced by our environment and highlights how toxic stress can impact healthy development.
2. Key Findings from the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study – linking adversity to long-term health outcomes.
3. Resilience – using research and community wisdom to rethink how we respond to ACEs and strengthen our communities.

The presentation offers a message of hope and introduces a process that communities have used to build their capacity to: prevent Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), support those who have experienced toxic stress, and build new cultural norms that are more inclusive, culturally-responsive, and healing-centered.

Attending the Presenter Training is the first step to becoming an ACE Interface presenter.

Attendees will be expected to designate approximately 35 – 70 hours over the next year to becoming a Certified ACE Interface Presenter.

Here is an estimated breakdown of the time commitment:

• Presenter Training in Winter 2025 (16 hours)
• Independent time building comfort and practicing the ACE Interface curriculum (10-40 hours)
• Presentation #1 (2-hour presentation + planning time with co-presenter + paperwork) (4.5-6 hours)
• Presentation #2 (2-hour presentation + planning time with co-presenter + paperwork) (4.5-6 hours)
• Presenter Demonstration with FamilyWise staff (1 hour)

Once certified, Presenters are encouraged to spend additional time facilitating Presentations, participating in Community of Practice offerings, and getting to know the content, so they can enhance their ability to present the ACE Interface presentation.

At the training, participants will have a chance to see the ACE Interface presentation, will learn more about historical trauma, will engage in the concepts of the presentation through art and small group discussion, and will have a chance to practice delivering 1-2 slides from the presentation in front of other participants.

Since the ACE Interface content is rooted in a model of shared and continued learning with other presenters, a key part of the training is focused on creating a foundation for a Community of Practice, and on relationship-building and small group collaboration. It is important to note that the training is not as focused on technical skills related to presenting the curriculum, and is more focused on how to show up as a presenter when delivering the content (which we refer to as presenter “Habits of Mind”).

Once trained, participants become Presenter Candidates and receive temporary permission to present the ACE Interface curriculum (presentation slides and related resources), with the agreement that they will complete Presenter Certification within 9 months of the training.

After attending the training, most Presenter Candidates will need to dedicate additional time (10-40 hours) to practice the presentation and build comfort with the Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): Building Self-Healing Communities curriculum (slide deck) before they feel ready to present the content in an engaging way.

Presenter Certification steps include;

• Co-presenting the Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): Building Self-Healing Communities presentation with at least one other ACE Interface presenter in front of an “audience” (a group of at least 3 people) at least 2 times
• Submitting presentation paperwork after each presentation (sign-in sheet, surveys, 1-page cover sheet)
• Filling out a self-reflection form about your own presentation after your first two presentations
• Getting feedback from your co-presenter after your first two presentations (by asking them to fill out a peer feedback form on your behalf)
• Once ready, Presenter Candidates will sign-up for a 1-hour Presenter Demonstration with a FamilyWise staff person to demonstrate their comfort presenting the content

Note: Presenter Candidates are expected to continue co-presenting with another ACE Interface Presenter until they complete the Presenter Certification steps.

People who:

• Can commit to attending the full Presenter Training, plan to designate time to get to know the ACE Interface material, and who will complete the Presenter Certification steps within 9 months of training
• Agree to present the ACE Interface presentation with Early Childhood Education audiences over the next 2-3 years
• Demonstrate self-awareness, social awareness, and emotional management skills
• Have an ability or willingness to train or teach adults
• Demonstrate an ability to effectively communicate with diverse communities, audiences, and sectors
• Are committed to continually improving their effectiveness as presenters through practice and reflection, and engaging in ongoing learning by joining the ACE Interface Community of Practice
• Note: Approximately 50% of the training spaces will be prioritized for Develop-Approved Trainers

The virtual Presenter Training Lunch & Learn was held on Thursday, December 12^th. At this session, we reviewed information related to the upcoming February 2024 ACE Interface Presenter Training (Training) including:

• Purpose of the ACE Interface Presenter Training
• Certification process and Presenter responsibilities
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Click here to access the materials from the session:

• Slides
• Recording (30 mins)

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to 80x3 at Greater Twin Cities United Way for providing this incredible opportunity at no cost to participants. Their investment in us is a crucial step towards achieving the systems change needed to create a trauma-informed and anti-racist region in Minnesota.

If you haven’t already, we invite you to sign up for their newsletter to stay informed and engaged. https://80x3.org/newsletter-signup/

Applications open – Thursday, 10/31/24

Applications close  - Friday, 12/20/24

Applications screened  – 1/2/25 through 1/10/25

Applicants notified –Thursday, 1/16/25

Given the time commitment involved with becoming a Certified ACE Interface Presenter (a time commitment of approximately 35 – 70 hours over a 9-month period), prospective presenters are strongly encouraged to attend an Understanding NEAR presentation prior to attending the Presenter Training so they are familiar with the content that they are signing up to present.

Virtual Understanding NEAR Science Presentation:  Tuesday, December 3^rd from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUkfuyrrj0tEtfA_pf2UXLo2j6f7Rp1kOJ3

In-Person Understanding NEAR Science Presentation at the MnAEYC Winter Leadership Institute: Thursday, January 30^th, 2025 from 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. (Science Museum Discovery Hall in St. Paul)

We are pleased to announce scholarships for the MnAEYC Winter Leadership that are exclusively available to individuals who are selected for the Training of Presenters (TOP) program. This will be held on from 8:00-4:30 on January 30, 2025.

Note: If you are interested in a scholarship, please contact Leo Howard III at Leo.HowardIII@gtcuw.org

Virtual Understanding NEAR Science Presentation: Thursday, January 30^th, 2025 from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcqd-qopzwtHt0TCqy2H4lO84V5N-2-Pq87