A message from NCTSN (The National Child Traumatic Stress Network):
As schools across the US start the new school year and welcome students back, whether online or in-person, many continue to adapt to the challenges and uncertainty created by COVID-19. Many students going back to in-person learning are adapting to the difficulties that come with entering a classroom for the first time in over a year, and many students continuing distance learning are adapting to being away from their sources of support and resiliency (e.g. classmates, activities, adult mentors). For students who have experienced trauma, the new school year can be even more challenging. Traumatic events can interfere considerably with a child’s learning and behavior at school. The continued uncertainty of how the pandemic will affect their daily routine is particularly disruptive to students who need consistency, structure, and safety to cope and heal. It is important for schools to recognize the impact that a student’s personal experiences can have on their learning achievement and provide them with the support they need to achieve their educational goals.
The NCTSM has put together a helpful toolkit with resources to help support educators, school staff and administrators in providing trauma-informed care when working with students
Helpful Sections Include:
Trauma Facts for Educators
Suggestions for Educators
Self Care for Educators
The Psychological & Behavioral Impact of Trauma: Preschool Children
Understanding Child Traumatic Stress: A Guide for Parents