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    Trauma-informed Practice

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Trauma-informed Practice

Overview

Teaching children and youth who have experienced adversity and trauma is difficult.  In schools and other educational settings, trauma-informed practice aims to increase recognition, realisation and the informed response of teachers towards students impacted by adversity and trauma (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2014). Building understanding, knowledge and skills in trauma-informed practice is essential to assist educators to interact positively with these students. Research indicates when a teacher is 'trauma-informed' they understand and recognise the impact adversity and trauma can have on development, behaviour and learning. In turn, they are better able to respond effectively to these students with understanding and care. This suite of short courses examines the unique capabilities of children and young people who have experienced trauma and provides educators with theory and practical strategies to help support the complex social and emotional needs of these students.

Why Are These Courses For You

This suite of five short courses builds participant knowledge and understanding of children and young people impacted by trauma, with a focus on development, behaviour, learning and vulnerable children. Participants will learn about the impact of adversity, traumatic stress on development, the brain and learning. An awareness of teacher responses to trauma-driven behaviour and evidenced-based strategies to assist the traumatised child or young person to self-regulate will be explored through case-studies. Being understanding of and responsive to the unique needs of these children is essential to providing support. Participants will learn the importance of providing trauma-responsive support within a context of relational safety. Finally, understanding the needs of children who have endured complex vulnerabilities, will be explored with the unique child, positive relationships, and a strengths-based approach at the heart of practice.

About the Course Coordinator

Dr Kay Ayre is a senior lecturer in Early Childhood Studies in the School of Education, Edith Cowan University. Kay is a behaviour support specialist with a background in early years teaching and trauma-informed behaviour support.

Courses

  1. Understanding Childhood Trauma: An introduction for educators
  2. Trauma and Development: Understanding the impact for educators
  3. Trauma and Behaviour: Reflecting and responding for educators
  4. Trauma and Learning: Meeting complex support needs for educators 
  5. Trauma and Vulnerable Children: Helping them heal for educators

If participants engage with and have passed the assessments in all five of these short courses, then consideration will be given to recognition of prior learning in the following post-graduate unit EDU6004 Trauma Informed Practice

Costs and inclusions

  • $199 to undertake each short course which includes all reading materials, case studies and online activities
  • 10% discount is offered to ECU alumni and for multiple bookings from the same organisation.
  • Contact education_shortcourses@ecu.edu.au to obtain a discount coupon prior to using the online payment system and to obtain an invoice for group bookings.
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