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Trauma is complex and can have long-lasting impacts on young children. By implementing trauma-informed practices to address the impact of trauma, educators can help children build resilience and foster safe and supportive learning environments.

What Is Trauma? Unpacking the “Basics”

Traumatic events, also referred to as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), can encompass a number of environments, situations, and events including: 

• Witnessing or experiencing violence, abuse, or neglect 

• Experiencing instability due to parental separation, food insecurity, housing insecurity, etc. 

• Growing up in a household where substance use or mental health issues are present 

• Changes in family function or availability, such as divorce or separation 

Trauma and Early Childhood Development

Trauma and adverse childhood experiences can undermine a child’s ability to learn, create healthy attachments, form supportive relationships, and follow classroom expectations. For young children, trauma can interfere with the ability for imaginative and creative play. Children may withdraw and have a hard time concentrating in class. It can also have lasting negative effects on brain development.  As a result, it can cause poor test scores, higher rates of suspension and expulsion, and a negative self-image that follows a child for years.   

In the face of adversity, children often display extraordinary resilience and bravery. Whether it’s a child masking loneliness with a smile, taking on caregiving responsibilities for a sick parent, or sharing the little food they have with a sibling, these quiet acts of courage are often survival mechanisms, shaped by a child’s environment and experiences. While their strength is admirable, no child should have to navigate such hardships alone. Trauma-informed care ensures that educators and caregivers recognize these silent struggles and provide the support children need to heal, grow, and thrive. 

Read More: About Adverse Childhood Experiences | Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) | CDC 

Another important aspect of trauma is secondary trauma, which can affect educators and caregivers who frequently support children dealing with trauma. Witnessing the effects of trauma in young children and consistently responding to their needs can take an emotional toll, leading to stress, burnout, or even compassion fatigue. Recognizing and addressing secondary trauma is just as important in fostering a trauma-informed environment that supports both children and educators. 

Implementing Trauma-Informed Care in Early Childhood Education 

When implemented in early childhood education settings, trauma-informed care shifts the focus from “what’s wrong with this child?” to “what has this child experienced?” 

When educators recognize that each child in their care is a unique individual with specific needs, it gives children a voice and the ability to feel heard. Trauma-informed care helps educators to consider why a child may be withdrawn, outspoken, or aggressive. It also gives them the necessary tools to appropriately respond to the child without causing additional trauma to the child or to themselves.  

Creating a trauma-sensitive classroom ultimately meets the child and family where they are without passing judgement. When educators use principles of trauma-informed care to learn more about the child and family, it builds connections with families and an atmosphere of trust and empowerment for everyone involved. 

Read More: Creating Trauma-Sensitive Classrooms | NAEYC

Join AFC’s Trauma-Informed Care Training 

If you’re ready to learn how to provide trauma-informed early childhood care and education, we’d like to invite you to Action for Children’s virtual Trauma-Informed Care Virtual Conference on February 17th!  

The event will be co-hosted by Nationwide Children’s Hospital, a leading expert in early childhood mental health and medical care. Registration is $5 and includes a full day of trainings, virtual sessions, and valuable information on the principles and implementation of trauma-informed care! REGISTER HERE.

Being trauma-aware doesn’t erase challenges that families and children face, but it does create a culture of support and compassion, allowing children to flourish and succeed despite the obstacles around them. As Rita Pierson once said, ‘Every child deserves a champion’, someone who is always looking out for them. Whose champion are YOU going to be today?

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Author: Elizabeth Shelton, Step Up to Quality Technical Assistance Coach at Action for Children

Action for Children is the local child care resource and referral agency for central Ohio, and is committed to assuring quality early learning experiences for all children. Our services focus on transforming the lives of children by supporting the everyday heroes who most influence our children’s early growth; care givers, educators, parents, and guardians. Learn More.