You're viewing this website in Internet Explorer. For optimal experience and to ensure all content loads properly, please view instead in Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Close
Working In Collaboration with Providers and Caregivers
Provide Tools
Through child/classroom observation and regular interaction with staff, help to differentiate normative behaviors with those that suggest signs and symptoms of exposure to trauma
With appropriate permission, provide additional information about a specific child and family
Guide strategies for providing support for children and families impacted by trauma
Help teachers/staff create a safe and supportive environment, with predictable routines and encourage these practices at home
Outline ways to establish an intervention or “response plan” that matches the child’s and family’s needs and circumstances and encourage these practices at home.
Help teachers/staff and families to identify reminders or triggers and find ways to anticipate and/or cope with them
Identify specific supports or strategies for helping a child express and manage his/her feelings
Encourage realistic positive problem solving and offer step-by-step support
Identify community resources for effective therapeutic intervention and facilitate a referral in collaboration with Head Start/Early Head Start staff (Teacher, Home Visitor, Family Advocate, etc.) and the family
Provide support
Acknowledge teachers’/staff’s and family’s feelings, including frustration, helplessness, etc. and normalize these feelings
Talk openly about the challenges of caring for a child who has experienced trauma and the teachers’/staff’s and family’s own response
Recommend or offer opportunities for peer support, supervision, or ongoing consultation for teachers and staff as well as self-care strategies, including family members to help avoid burn-out or “secondary traumatization”
Respond to the special support needs of teachers, staff, and family members who may have their own experience with trauma and encourage outside personal supports when needed
(Adapted from Blumenfeld, et al, 2010, used with permission)
This product was developed [in part] under grant number 1H79SM082070-01 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The views, policies and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of SAMHSA or HHS.