As educators and caregivers, many of us are likely to encounter some children and families who have experienced trauma. These might include difficulties related to the pandemic, family difficulties, or other circumstances that affect the children in your care. These experiences can impact children’s ability to learn, develop attachments and relationships, and be a part of the classroom community. This is why it is important for educators to be informed about trauma and about tools and practices that can support children who have experienced trauma. In this article, we share three resources that you might find helpful.
Trauma-Informed Practice Video Series from Cox Campus, created in partnership with Dr. Renee Boynton-Jarrett and Vital Village: these videos will help educators learn how to use a framework of trauma-informed practice to build classrooms of students who are able and ready to learn.
Creating Trauma-Sensitive Classrooms from NAEYC is an article that explores the impact of trauma on attachment and the brain, how trauma might be expressed by young children in early childhood settings, and tips for supporting children who have experienced trauma.
Helping Traumatized Children, written by Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D., psychiatrist, senior fellow of the Child Trauma Academy, and adjunct professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. This free, printable booklet is one in a series developed by the Child Trauma Academy to assist parents, caregivers, teachers, and various professionals.
For additional information, check out a previously published article on Good2Know Network, Resources for Trauma-Informed Care, which includes more local initiatives to support young children who have experienced trauma.
