The School of Education and Human Development hosted a free webinar focused on trauma-informed approaches and care strategies that teachers can implement and easily adapt to a face-to-face or virtual classroom environment.
Trauma-informed care is an approach that recognizes most individuals have experienced some kind of trauma or adversity in their life and it emphasizes practices that promote a culture of safety, empowerment and healing.
Childhood trauma can have an immediate impact on a child’s ability to learn. By adapting a trauma-informed approach in classrooms, teachers can help vulnerable students learn and succeed.
Funding for the webinar was provided by a grant from the Spencer Foundation.
Presenter Akira Gutierrez, a doctoral student in the Clinical Science in Child and Adolescent Psychology program, said having a trauma-informed approach recognizes and leverages students’ strengths and contributions regardless of adversity they’ve faced.
“During these circumstances, it is important to celebrate and acknowledge what youth bring to the classroom just by showing up, to provide ample opportunities for meaningful connections with adults and peers and to promote self-care among all members of the learning community,” she added.
Key learning objectives included:
- Why foundational knowledge and approaches to building a trauma-informed learning environment is a need.
- How to leverage the strengths and culture that English learners and immigrant children bring to the learning environment.
- Strengths-based approach to trauma-informed care.
- Strategy for building, rebuilding and maintaining relationships.
- Self-regulation and self-care strategies for students and teachers.
- Available resources to support your trauma-informed practice.
To watch the webinar and access resources, click here.
The Center for Children and Families also offers free individual Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for families that are experiencing any distress from trauma. This program is free thanks to the support of the Children’s Trust. For more information, download the program flyer here, call 305-348-5885 or email tfcbt@fiu.edu.
