This course will focus on the global impact that chronic traumatic stress has on the developing child. Research and clinical practice has helped clarify the expansive effects of chronic trauma, often referred to as the “Seven Domains of Impairment” (The National Child Traumatic Stress Network). Participants will examine these seven domains with an eye towards their application by educators and schools, noting the specific and often innovative strategies necessary to help children learn and develop. We will also examine many innovative approaches to building “trauma-informed schools,” developed through combined efforts from mental health providers, neuroscientist, educators, and school administrators. Through a mixture of didactic teaching, student consultations, videotape, and activities, participants will increase both their theoretical understanding of complex trauma and their confidence in working with a broad variety of youth impacted by traumatic events. This workshop series/course is appropriate for PK-12 educators.
Course takers will participate in two workshops on 9/26 and 10/23, and then 3 other classes in which learners will meet these objectives:
1. Develop a sound understanding and capacity to apply basic concepts related to psychological trauma.
2. Increase his/her knowledge of the impacts of traumatic stress across the child’s lifespan.
3. Learn and apply the “Seven Domains of Impairment” to their work setting.
4. Increase his/her understanding of systems theory and how this applies to the students and school in which they work.