Positive Childhood Experiences

What are Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs)?

Positive childhood experiences (PCEs) are events, relationships, or environments that help children feel valued, supported, and nurtured. PCEs can help children develop resilience and well-being, and can counterbalance the effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) like trauma or neglect.

Positive Childhood Experiences include:

  • Ability to talk with family about feelings
  • Felt experience that family is supportive in difficult times
  • Enjoyment in participation in community traditions
  • Feeling of belonging in high school
  • Feeling of being supported by friends
  • Having at least two non-parent adults who genuinely care

Why do PCEs matter to me as an adult?

The time you spend with children makes a difference! Local data shows that when middle and high school students report having adults other than their parents care about them, they are less likely to use drugs or have thoughts of suicide.

PCES graphic 3

Learn more about the importance of Strong Families and why protecting children matters.

  1. Frederick County Data
  2. Resources to learn more about Positive Childhood Experiences:
  3. Local ways to get your family or youth involved:
  4. For Businesses


Data about Positive Childhood Experiences (PCE) is gathered from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). This national survey is designed by CDC and adopted by Maryland. It is given to middle and high school students every other year.

The most recent survey was from the 2022-2023 school year. The PCE data is provided in this report, and key slides are highlighted below. Click on slides to see them larger.

PCE Questions
PCE YRBS slide



  1. 1 7 Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs)
  2. 2 Impact of PCEs