Unit Set Information

Trauma Informed Care in Education Specialisation

Effective from 01-JAN-2025 : Code SPAAUN

Recent advancements in neuroscience research have identified the physical impact that trauma and abuse can have on children’s developing brains and the links between exposure to these circumstances and difficulties in learning. Current research suggests that one in four children will have been exposed to a traumatic event before their third birthday. Given these alarming statistics, educators in all sectors need to be aware and informed about trauma, abuse, and neglect and the possible impact on the lives and learning of children, aged from birth through to 18 years. This trauma response will impact children’s development, behaviour and learning in multiple contexts across Australia and internationally. Given that early learning settings and schools are where children spend a considerable amount of time each day with teachers/educators, those who are trauma-informed and attuned to the social and emotional wellbeing difficulties that children and young people living with trauma may experience can proactively provide effective trauma-responsive support. Such a response will positively assist children’s development, behaviour and learning in multiple contexts across Australian and international early learning and school environments. Applicants should note that this specialisation is not available for mid-year entry.

Disclaimer

This unit set information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester. In particular please check the unit and unit set offerings, as these differ according to course delivery location.

This Specialisation can be studied in the following courses:

Mode of Delivery

On Campus at Mount Lawley
Online

Unit Set Coordinator

Dr Kay AYRE

Learning Outcomes

  1. Develop a critical understanding of childhood trauma, complex trauma, abuse and neglect (Units 1 & 4)
  2. Demonstrate knowledge through assessment tasks of key research and theoretical underpinnings relating to trauma informed practice in early learning and school contexts (Units 2 & 3)
  3. Analyse and discuss the impact of trauma and abuse on development, learning and behaviour. (Units 1, 2 & 4)
  4. Understand and design support plans to implement the principles of trauma-informed practice in education. (Unit 3).

Related Careers

Teacher, Educator, Educational Leader

Specialisation Structure

Select 4 units from:

Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
EDU6470Understanding Trauma in Schools and Early Learning Settings 15
EDU6475Trauma-driven Behaviour in Schools and Early Learning Settings 15
EDU6480Trauma Responsive Schooling15
EDU6485Supporting Trauma-impacted Children and Families15

Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.

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