Trauma & Stress, Session 1: Understanding the Effects on Children

1.5 CPDs   Run Time 1:02

When we think of trauma, we often associate it only with extreme events—for example, physical abuse, the death of a loved one, or a natural disaster. But even “typical” stressful events can impact how your students learn and develop. Although not all stress is negative, many of our students today are bombarded with adverse childhood experiences. In this session we will begin to understand the many experiences children have that can be perceived as stressing or disturbing and can affect their ability to be at their best.

As teachers, we can tip the scale toward success for our students who are suffering from trauma in any of its many forms. Building connections between children, the environment, and strong teacher/child relationships not only motivates our students to do their best, but can mitigate the effects of trauma. Understanding the signs of these stressors and how they can impact a child’s development is an essential step in developing your prepared environment.

Learn the basics of trauma and types of stressors that affect the children you work with. Gain an understanding of how exposure to traumatic events and/or adverse childhood experiences can influence a student’s physical, cognitive, and social-emotional abilities.

Learner Outcomes

• Understand common stressors in your students’ lives and the effects on their development.
• Gain knowledge of the brain and the stress-response system.
• Learn different types of trauma that can be present and the physical, cognitive, and social-emotional effects.
• Become familiarized with the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) survey and its implications.

Sarah Zawaly, MSW, is director of the Innovation Lab at Children, Inc., in Covington, KY, where she specializes in bringing the most innovative solutions and best practices in early education to students, teachers, and parents. As a former teacher and clinical social worker, her focus on finding practical and simple strategies to nurture childhood emotional growth has been essential to maximizing the impact on school culture and improving outcomes of those whom she serves.

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