Research suggests that approximately 25% of American children will experience at least one traumatic event by the age of 16. A child's reactions to trauma can interfere considerably with learning and/or behavior at school. Schools serve as a critical system of support for children who have experienced trauma. Administrators, teachers, and staff can help reduce the effects of trauma on children by recognizing trauma responses, accommodating and responding to traumatized students within the classroom, and referring children to outside professionals when necessary. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network has developed tools and materials to help educators, school staff, and administrators understand and respond to the specific needs of traumatized children. In addition to the NCTSN resources highlighted below, School Personnel can learn more about creating trauma-informed schools in the Trauma-Informed Care section of this website.
Offers suggestions for educators about what can be done at a school to help a traumatized child. This tip sheet, a part of Caja de Herramientas Para Educadores Para el Manejo de Trauma Infantil, describes very practical ways to help children who have experienced trauma while at school.
Provides educators with information about traumatic grief in military children.
Provides information for teachers and school personnel about children and teens who have had a loved one die in an earthquake.
Describes the cultural and family differences in children’s sexual education and knowledge.
Offers suggestions to educators about what can be done at a school to help a traumatized child. This tip sheet describes very practical ways school staff can help children who have experienced trauma.
Offers teachers guidance on helping students after a hurricane. This fact sheet describes common reactions students may have, how teachers and school staff can help them, as well as self-care for school personnel.
Includes a segment from the play Children of War and a documentary about the scope and impact of refugee trauma and its consequences for youth in schools.
Accompanies the Children of War video and includes discussion questions, suggestions about ways schools and teachers can help refugee students and families, and provides information on the effects of traumatic stress on school performance.
Offers teachers guidance on helping students after an earthquake. This fact sheet describes common reactions students may have, how teachers and school staff can help them, as well as self-care after an earthquake.
Provides staff in child-serving systems with best practices for trauma screening. The courses will help staff develop a plan for implementing a screening process in their setting, identify and support children suffering from traumatic stress as early as possible, and connect those in need with effective services.