Childhood Trauma: Information for Educators

Emotional Impact Anxiety and depression Anger and rage Intense emotional upset Feelings of helplessness and fearfulness Avoidance of emotions Social Impact Mistrust and betrayal Interpersonal problems Social isolation Revictimization Victimization of others Behavioral Impact Disruptive and aggressive behaviors Self-destructive and risk-taking behaviors Withdrawal and isolation Regressive behaviors Reenactment behaviors Physical Impact Easily startled Agitation and watchful for danger Sleep disturbance including nightmares Complaints of stomachaches and headaches Enuresis and encopresis Impact on School Functioning Difficulty concentrating because of preoccupation with memories of the traumatic event, concern about safety, feelings of guilt, or decreased sleep Difficulty remembering information if the child is unable to pay attention in class Difficulty in concentration and memory can result in difficulty in learning and lower school performance that results in declining grades Decreased motivation due to a sense of foreshortened future Increased absences from school WHAT SCHOOLS CAN DO TO HELP Through trauma-informed practices, schools can help traumatized children adapt after experiencing a traumatic event. RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS Online Resources Supporting Students Experiencing Childhood Trauma: Tips for Parents and Educators by the National Association of School Psychologist School Safety and Crisis Response Committee (2015). https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources/school-safety-and-crisis/trauma/supporting-students-experiencing-childhood-trauma-tips-for-parents-and-educators Managing Strong Emotional Reactions to Traumatic Events: Tips for Families and Teachers by the National Association of School Psychologists (2016). https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources/school-safety-and-crisis/trauma/managing-strong-emotional-reactions-to-traumatic-events-tips-for-families-and-teachers Child Trauma Toolkit for Educators by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (2008). https://rems.ed.gov/docs/NCTSN_ChildTraumaToolkitForEducators.pdf Helping Traumatized Children Learn by S. F. Cole, J. G. O'Brien, G. Gadd, J. Ristuccia, L. Wallace, & M. Gregory (Massachusetts Advocates for Children, 2005). https://traumasensitiveschools.org/tlpi-publications/download-a-free-copy-of-helping-traumatized-children-learn Tips for Working With and Helping Children and Youth Cope After a Disaster or Traumatic Event: A Guide for Pare