Recognizing and Responding to Trauma Training: Empowering Educators and Families to Promote Healing

Trauma is all around us – from pandemics, to extreme weather and world events, it is hard not to be impacted by what is going on in the world today. Adults and children alike face similar challenges coping with traumatic stress, but the impact of traumatic stress on children can be life-long if not addressed. Therefore, we need a framework for educators, administrators, and families working with children facing adversity that promotes healing. Recently, EDSI partnered with Healing Center Restorative Engagement (HCRE) to develop and deliver an innovative training program to Head Start educators in Pennsylvania. This program focuses on equipping staff with practical tools to navigate and respond to trauma, fostering healing environments for children while emphasizing the wellness of educators.

To explore the impact and potential of this training, we sat down with Jordan Rife (JR), EDSI Senior Instructional Designer, to discuss its unique approach, effectiveness, and future expansion opportunities. 

Q: Who is the ideal audience for this training, and how does it meet their needs?

JR: The primary audience includes early childhood educators, like those in Head Start programs, who are often on the front lines of working with children impacted by trauma. These educators face immense challenges, from managing behavioral issues to addressing emotional needs, often with limited resources. It is important to address the stress we experience in doing this important work as well as helping others navigate the impact of toxic stress and trauma. 

This training equips them with tools to recognize the signs of trauma and implement strategies that proactively support children in their healing journey. But the training isn’t limited to early childhood education—it’s adaptable for case managers, adult educators, and even corporate organizations looking to foster trauma-aware workplace cultures. By adding healing centered and restorative approaches to our work, we can ensure that our solutions aren’t limited by the problems that traumatic stress cause, but that we can invent creative, out of the box, solutions.

Q: How was the training received by Head Start educators in Pennsylvania?

JR: The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. We delivered the training to about 70-75 attendees across two Head Start programs, and it received an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

One testimonial that stands out came from a participant who said this was the first trauma training they attended that didn’t feel triggering. That’s a powerful endorsement of our approach—helping educators engage with the content without feeling overwhelmed by it.

Q: What makes this training model unique, and where else could it be applied?

JR: One of the standout features of this model is its adaptability. While it was initially developed for early childhood settings, the core principles apply across industries. We’ve seen interest from adult education providers, corporate organizations, and non-profits seeking to create trauma-aware cultures.

The key is moving beyond just responding to trauma and actively fostering environments that promote healing and resilience. Whether in a classroom, office, or community organization, this model helps shift the focus toward holistic wellness.

Q: How can families and parents get involved in supporting these efforts?

JR: Families play a critical role in the healing process. While the training primarily targets educators, we encourage organizations to involve parents through workshops or resources that align with the trauma-informed principles taught in the program.

When educators, parents, and communities work together, the outcomes for children are exponentially better. It’s about creating a network of support that fosters resilience and wellness for everyone involved.

The trauma-informed care training developed by EDSI and HCRE is a game-changer for educators, administrators, and families. By equipping participants with practical tools and emphasizing the importance of healing environments, this program is transforming the way organizations approach trauma.

Whether you’re an educator, parent, or administrator, you have a role to play in fostering resilience and promoting wellness. To learn more about HCRE and their approach to well-being in the workforce, watch this video and visit the HCRE website. Together, we can create a brighter future for our children and communities.